“No other medium can match television for the volume of popular cultural texts it produces and the sheer size of the audiences” (Barker 2003). This is true as watching the television has become such a daily routine for most people; especially in most children who spend more time watching the television than any other activities, besides sleeping, (according to kidshealth.org). Besides, the television also has the same influence on the older generations. Thus, it is obvious that the television can pose as a negative influence and have adverse effects on our society; because firstly, the television was responsible of racism and stereotyping late in the past millennium; secondly, it depicts risky behaviours in youngsters; and finally, the television may cause health issues.
The first example can be the part played by the television in the question of racism. Barker (2003) suggested that people of colour was simply neglected by the television or film producers. Until the new millennia the number of African Americans in TV shows was significantly low. This suggested that somehow the white Americans were ignorant of the black people and their culture. This causes racism to spread. Even with the introduction of programs that feature African-American cultures, such as the TV show, Amos ‘n’ Andy, the programs symbolized the degradation of black people and their culture (Barker 2003). Besides that, the TV had also been guilty of stereotyping. With respect to that, Bernstein (2002) suggested that audiences tend to accept these images and perceptions of the media without question. For example, as written by Medhurst (cited in Barker 2003) the famous English TV show, Mind Your Language used stereotypes to get popularity. Therefore, it is certain that the television had played its part in racism and stereotyping.
Moreover, the television encourages risky behaviours in the youngsters. It is certain that without strict control form parents, kids and adolescents would spend too much time in front of their television set. In relation to that, a survey showed that 5 out of 8 kids say that their peers were influenced by the TV shows. Consequently, according to parentstv.org, the television alone is responsible of 10% of youth crimes in America and studies have shown that watching sex on the television directly influences a teen to have sex. The 10% of youth crimes may seem little in percentage but in actual figures, it is an immense number. Furthermore, parentstv.org also revealed that 1 out of 4 adolescents whom had premarital sex were diagnosed with Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD). These numbers clearly show that the television is spoiling our young generation.
Lastly, there are many who argue that the television is just a safe source of entertainment, relaxation time, or extra information. This is only true to a certain extent, as these beliefs can lead to health defects. Here is how; a normal person would have his left-side of his brain (for logical and analytical thinking) almost switched off when watching the TV, to allow the right-side of the brain to function as we imagine and fantasize more. Besides that, endorphins, hormones that induce happiness are released when we tend to use our right-brain more. Hence, making us want to watch more as our minds are in a happy and relaxed state. Watching more television would then increase our weight because the television also, somehow promotes intake of sugary and fatty foods and lessens the time spent on exercises. As a result, more people would suffer from obesity and diabetes and could be fatal. In addition, children can also suffer from such health problems. Also, sleeplessness which can affect one’s health and emotional status -such as, depression and fatigue- can be caused by addiction to television. Thus, it is obvious that the television has a part to play in our societies overall health and fitness.
In conclusion, like other forms of modern media, the television has many adverse effects on the society. However, its popularity has made the majority had overlooked all of its potential dangers.
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