Originally, we did not have televisions because we always had something better to do. This to me is the first question to ask yourself with regard to watching television: Is there something better I could be doing – something better for me, for my family and household, for my community? As it turns out, the answer to that question is always yes. Even when we need to relax, there is always a better way to do it than in front of a screen of moving images pumping them directly into our minds.
But clearly, that was not enough for us. For awhile, we kept the TV around, and benefited in a way from programs offering somewhat thoughtful perspective on the news and providing a good laugh. The final decision against it was made on the basis of what kind of family life we wanted to have and what living environment we wanted to shape for our children. A television in the house is always a temptation to slothful self-enervation, always something to negotiate and fight about, and sends a message that this piece of equipment and the programming it invades us with has a place in our household life.
Mr. Shiffman refers to Four Arguments for the Elimination of Television (wiki) by Jerry Mander (wiki). Short article (summary?) by Mr. Mander.
Jerry Mander Interview
More on Jerry Mander:
Kill Your Television-Jerry Mander
The Perils of Globalization - An Interview with Jerry Mander
Megatechnology - An Interview with Jerry Mander
International Forum on Globalization
Jerry Mander - The Good Earthquake
URTH.TV - Jerry Mander Interview: The corporatization of the media
Exclusive to Transition Culture - An Interview with Jerry Mander
Jerry Mander Touch The Future
Jerry Mander: 6 Reasons for Global Water Crisis, KPFA Event
Indigenous Peoples' View of Peak Oil
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