Artists Passion

by: Liane Schmidt

I believe there is an intrinsic value in watching television. I watch it often. Though some may disagree arguing that it is a complete waste of time and nothing but garbage is televised, I believe that there is value in “watching” another person doing something you want to do. We are social beings after all and from infants we have learned to “do” by observing behavior and then imitating it. This learning process does not stop as we grow older. In fact, oftentimes it multiplies when we see all that is “out there” in the world; all that we can potentially be participating in! It can be inspiring; it can be exciting! Watching another person can be a means to show you that a particular pursuit is possible, that if he/she can do it, so can you! And, these are all great, rewarding benefits!

But, with any pastime, “too much of a good thing” can often have its drawbacks.

I have often heard people talk about being “addicted” to a particular television program (or programs). They need to watch it every week, every day, etc. For a program or two here and there, that’s fine, but concern comes into play when this weekly or daily habit suddenly becomes one’s biggest activity.

I grew up in a family that watched the television religiously; it was one of the biggest pastimes. Am I blaming them for my continued “habit” and the times that I find myself watching more t.v. than I was planning on doing so? No, I do not want to do that, but I am realizing that this is why I used to watch more t.v. than, I watch now.

I guess I bring this topic up because I cannot count the number of times that I have witnessed or walked around my apartment complex at night and have noticed the familiar blue glow of television screens illuminating white walled apartments. I have seen the vacant, zoned out look that transfixes these audiences and I can’t help but wonder: what if all these people were actually “doing” something rather than “watching” someone else doing something?

The bottom line is: though there can be great value from watching t.v., the television can become a way to escape from the world and it can make you forget about living your life. It is addicting. Marketing geniuses specialize in making commercials and programs as entertaining as possible by changing images quickly, making them slow-mo, and other such skilled techniques that literally hypnotize you into watching their ad, etc. They study what keeps people’s attention. They are masters of grabbing your attention away from whatever you were doing or thinking about doing.

But, your time is more valuable than their products. Your mind is stronger than their craft. Do not let them successfully tell you their product is more valuable than your time, dreams, goals, and desires.

Do not let anyone do this to you.

Your dreams, your goals, your hopes are far too important to ever let anything or anyone compromise them, ever.

Take care and keep working, enjoy what you want to enjoy. You know when something becomes excessive and detrimental. You know what’s best for you.

All my best, do not worry, all your dreams are coming true.