Thinking Outside the Idiot Box

Guest Post from my Muse - M.E. Wisernow 

“All television is educational television. The question is: what is it teaching?” ~ Nicholas Johnson
This morning I received one of those emails that seem to come daily from friends relaying cute animal photos, jokes, or political commentary. This one was about the marriage /family links of network and cable news spokespeople and their connections to political appointees and White House personnel. OK, nepotism is alive and well and has been for centuries.

 In order to flourish and propaganda-gate, the media world MUST have Observers. Consider NOT BEING one of them – STOP WATCHING!

Along with getting out of debt, losing weight, and reducing stress, limiting TV also shows up high on the list of suggestions to live a better life. TV is an addition, an escape and a convenient way to fill empty time. It is easy to do, ever present, and other than outrageous cable bills, it is cheaper than going OUT to dinner or to the movies.

Try a little experiment.....

First - STOP watching the network channel news shows, then quickly eliminate the 24/7 cable news channels. Next eliminate the local newscast. I hear some of you saying, “But, I have to watch the local news to get the weather”. Go to the weather channel. Cold turkey is the best way, but If you must hang on to this shows, for one week take note of the “news” they expose you to and ask yourself if you really have a need to know. For the time you spend watching what value have you added to your life. Find online substitutes for real news about things that you have an INTEREST in, and better yet, get out and talk to people about what they really care about.

 Second – make a list of all of the shows you watch daily/weekly. Think about was they bring to your life. Also add up the time you are spending sitting in front of the TV. Ask yourself: Are you really attracted to watching primetime gore and violence? Is your life enhanced by vicariously observing the REALITY of dysfunctional people seeking attention? Do you need third party “talking heads” to tell you how you should think? Look at your list and BECOME discerning. Keep those shows that truly feed your mind and soul. Also, keep the ones that make you laugh – they may be stupid in content – but laughter overrides.

 Third – Look at the number of hours you spend watching TV and cut it in half. Hide your remote control. Use this recovered time to explore YOUR reality, learn something new, expand your network of friends, explore your environment, and maybe just relax and enjoy the silence. If silence is going too far, replace the TV with music. NO, not one of those TV elevator music channels.

 Enough already! I know for many this seems like a mission impossible. If you are willing to try it, start with the News. I guarantee you, you will not miss a thing and your life will be more peaceful. You will also spare yourself from those constant drug commercial followed by the lawyer spots offering to represent you or your loved ones from harm caused by them.