For las few weeks I am all alone. My family decided to go for a vacation to Dublin whereas I decided to stay back. You know: 'home is where your heart is'. I thought I will read some good books, watch some award winning movies, listen to Sufi music. Not to mess up morning & evening walks, self-talk and self-introspection. Barring regular walks, morning and the evening, nothing much happened.
I never had any fascination for television. But as I was alone and had all the time on my side, I fell in the trap and got hooked to television. Television is an addictive medium. Television is a good friend when you have no one to talk to. Does this mean that television can take the place of our family and fulfill our emotional needs? Does this mean that television can replace 'real' human touch? Of course not: as there is nothing new in such thoughts as any one will find hard to believe. But last few weeks of extensive television viewing, I have certainly come realize that contemporary television has nothing better to offer and also has the potential to depress you.
Some can call this 'one sided cynical opinion view-point' on television. If you say this piece of writing is based on what I have gone through or experienced, I suggest you to do the same. Choose to stay alone and confine yourself in a house for a week with all basic amenities. Choose to watch television for a week @ 3 hours every day. I am sure after a week or so, you will end up with an opinion that world is full of violent and ruthless people. You will tend to believe that there is no one you should trust and nothing good will ever happen.
I do not buy the argument that 'society at large' is what is being portrayed in media. Instead, I think content for media is being manufactured with a purpose. And the negative consequences or the fall-outs of which are detrimental for individuals, cultures and societies. I have been reading and teaching courses on television and pro-social media. But on the ground reality is far more complex. There is total chaos. One would come out with various reasons or factors as why media is indulging in such villainous acts. I think the economics of television industry, self-centered approach & intellectual bankruptcy of the television professionals and complete lack towards individual or collective social obligations or responsibilities are the possible reasons as television is finding hard to gain respectability. In turn, these reasons will not only harm this fascinating medium but harm society at large. Television professionals fails to realize that pro-social quality content will only help this medium to prosper.
Everything begins and ends with self. If I feel miserable because of television it's because of me. I regarded television as an efficient source of information and wonderful entertainer but I neither got informed or entertained. Instead I felt bad and miserable. I am being told via television that world is full of ruthless people, I should trust no one and nothing good is and will happen.
So, it's a time for me to go for a walk. Another session for self-talk and self-introspection. Yet another opportunity for me to see the world from my own eyes which I find more beautiful and more peaceful than what I see on television. Another opportunity to trust my eyes and myself.....
0 comments:
Post a Comment