Assignment 5-Eliot Smith

    The majority of modern television struggles to capture my attention. I'm usually not in favor of engaging in brainless activities for a long period of time, a trait that characterizes various sitcoms and shows. For something to really capture my attention, it has to make me work towards some goal, such as arriving at a specific conclusion regarding the meaning or outcome of a production, supply meaningful information, or make me laugh.  These are not distinguishing traits of shows like The Walking Dead or famous award ceremonies like the Emmys (no, the best actress for some mindless show is not important).  The shows that have succeeded in attracting my attention are Breaking Bad, a show that is laced with symbolism and cognition-inspiring conflicts, Family Guy and South Park, both hilarious shows that leave no stone unturned when poking fun at contemporary issues, and any national news channel.  These are all productions that require a vast amount of time and work to make and, in return, are rewarded with my viewership. 

     The answer to the question, "Does TV provide a good form of entertainment," relies on the meaning of "good".  If by saying a "good form of entertainment" one means a time-consuming action that requires small amounts of reflection, then the answer is yes, television excels in this field.  However, if one intends it to mean a valuable and informational hobby that will better the watcher in the long run, then the answer is no, with the exception being a very select few of choices currently being aired. Whether or not television is an inane use of time depends on what you watch, and for how long you watch.  Although one might watch meaningful content, spending inordinate amounts viewing can result in the same destruction that watching trashy television can cause.

    I believe that almost any individual would agree with my opinion that it is absolutely tragic that celebrity-centered events attract a higher viewer count than one that centers on the intellect.  We have transitioned from a nation of Albert Einstein wannabes to one of unmotivated, lazy sad sacks that remain stationary on their couches wishing they could be one of the people they see on the screen; tired with their own lives and doing nothing to change them.