October 2011October 2011 part 2800 Channels and Nothing to Watch

Popular TV Shows Today Contradict Traditional American Values

October 2011

Flip on the television, and what is on?  Typically, reality show after reality show in a wide variety of controversial issues.  Shows of controversy ranging from the shocking comedic cartoons that “dare to go there,” such as “Family Guy,” to the reality shows on MTV with the “say anything, do anything, anything goes” attitude like “Jersey Shore” to the questionable behaviors on the infamous “Toddlers and Tiaras” swarm the cable networks on TV today.

In the 1960’s, one television “controversy” consisted of worries about the genie wardrobe of Jeannie from “I Dream of Jeannie” being considered almost too inappropriate–actress Barbara Eden (Jeannie was asked to cover her navel at all times.  Nearly 50 years later, a television “controversy” consists of too much drug and alcohol use, violence, and of course, sex, among other things.  In fact, who can forget the shortly-lived MTV series Skins last year that was banned due to its over-exposure of the previously mentioned controversial factors in young teends, more specifically high school students.  The show was even labelled as “child pornography,” because although rated TV-MA, (meaning there is a disclaimer to audiences under 18), many of the actors and actresses themselves were under 18.  Not exactly something I want my 8 year old sister to see.   I certainly do not want her to feel self conscious about her body or self (at all but especially) at such a young age because she witnesses four year old girls on Toddlers and Tiaras piling on layers and layers of make-up, spending a fortune on make-overs, and stuffing their shirts with “fake busts” and “fake butts” to win a “beauty” competition.

Even “kid shows” today such as iCarly, although not quite as controversial and inspected, have transitioned from family time slap-stick comedy to too-awkward-to-watch-with-your-parents high school romance.  So it makes one wonder when and if ever, is watching television going to be a family time activity again?  Will there be a time when enough is enough and American values will revert back to tradition and appreciate the importance of family values and childhood development?

At this time, the speculation of whether people are really getting sick of over-exposure is something to consider as television shows such as The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Dick Van Dyke Show, The Brady Bunch and The Bob Newhart Show return to television this fall.  Maybe there will once again be a day when the family can sit together to enjoy watching TV without feeling disgusted and awkwardly having to shield the eyes of the children, mute the volume, or forcefully change the channel.