Christy & Bonnie/Desperate Housewives and TV

Ok guys, first I must say, its good to be back on the blog. And, while it is Sunday afternoon, I am anxiously awaiting the 9pm episode of Desperate Housewives, a show I don't mind admitting enjoying. While both Christy and Bonnie's presentations focused on TV and the aspects of censorship, I think one of the most important comments made by both groups: "Our kids are watching."

Personal story: I was raised in a very devout Christian home and my parents objected to television completely. My parents felt that television was essentially mindless. While yes, the Discovery Channel and other education networks do exist, as well as the news in general, my parents simply felt that the good things of television were simply overwhelmed by the bad. Also, my parents encouraged us to make wise use of our time, not spending it in front of the television. Now, while its important to keep certain aspects of TV out of young and impressionable minds, you might question why my parents objected to their own use of television. Simple. Living example.

My parents weren't of the "Do as I say and not as I do" type. My parents lived as they wanted us to live as adults. The trash of television shouldn't simply be harbored away from young minds, my parents felt like adults shouldn't even allow certain pollutions of television to captivate your mind, or your time. My parents were very active in school functions and encouraged us to participate in thigns that would broaden our minds culturally and personality - sports, band, educational groups, and church were all active in my youth, and I don't regret for a moment. While I do have a TV in my apartment, I understand exactly how distracting a TV can be while you're trying to do work, and how easily time escapes you while sitting in front of the TV. Its one 30-min show to the next, and before long, you've wasted a couple of hours.

Speaking of, my parents agreed with many child development specialists that TV is a direct influence in the development of ADD and ADHD. Say what you will, but it does train kids to focus for short lengths of time only. 10 minutes until commercial, 30 minutes overall for a show, and your mind switches focus. As a child, I neve r had focus problems and I was always a top student. In elementary school, many of my teachers wrote home in admiration of my parents for eliminating television in their children.

I have no regrets for not having a TV, for TV was never used as a babysitter. So going back to the "Our children our watching" -- Why are they watching? Why are you allowing them to watch? And who said it was the government's job to regulate what your kids watch. Its the job of parents to control their children and not allow them to run completely free with TV.

I know this has been a completely long blog, but I love DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES and I'm gonna watch it in a little bit.

Peace, the K