May 7, 2002
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Ooooops, Your Prejudice Is Showing
Today is another rainy, stormy day in Indiana - at least where I live. So that's means another day of challenge in my house. I made a new rule this past weekend. No video games and no more than one hour of television per day. That means that if the boys want to watch a video that lasts more than an hour, we stop it after an hour and they can watch the remainder tomorrow.
What on earth would make a sane woman deprive her kids of these staples of American life? After all, without the electronics to amuse them, they will be under my feet all day. It really comes back to the word I used in the last sentence 'a muse.' Muse=Think, a=not. Every minute that my kids spend in front of the television is a minute that they are 'not thinking.'
At one point in my life I was so anti-television that I didn't own one. I'm not sure when I lost my grip on the television habit. I know that I slipped quite a distance when I was pregnant with Tucker and on bedrest. Michael and I could lie on the couch and watch videos together. We really liked Disney's Cinderella that year. So much that I wanted to name Tucker "Gus" after that cute little mouse. But, Tim wasn't impressed with our choice.
The surprising thing to me is that the kids haven't protested their loss. Yesterday, we worked puzzles, did chores, they helped me cook, they read books, they put on their animal costumes and played lion and bumblebee, we built an elaborate train track and played with the brio trains . . . I was a happy Momi.
Many mornings my kids wake up early and start the video game before breakfast. Today, with the Nintendo system locked away, they are playing Ker-plunk in the floor next to my desk where I'm typing away. They act almost relieved to be released from their bondage to the brain sucking waves emitted from that demonic box.
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I'm pretty much done with quizzes, But I did these because they are pretty. Thanks for the link Moniet.
Which Woman of Beauty Are You? Find out! By Nishi.
Which Royalty Are You? Find out! By Nishi. Art used (c) by JonathonArt.com
You are a woman of worldly wisdom and experience. You are sensitive, protective (maybe even motherly), you are highly respected and praised. Your gentility and grace always shine through. You have a very beautiful moral nature that defines who you are. You are a woman others seek to befriend and they would never want to cross you
Comments (32)
Huzzah!
I grew up w/out a TV in the house. As a kid, I resented it. NOW, I have days when I'd happily get rid of it! I think then-FCC commissioner Newton Minow was right when he said (in 1961!) that television was "a vast wasteland".....
I don't watch tv much these days, but there are some good programs out there I need to catch more often. It's also a job requirement--I need to be able to allude to stuffs they know in order to reach them. Believe me, I never thought checking out MTV for spells at a time would be such a chore. That stuff is awful these days. damn, I'm old.
It stormed here too, all night long. Loudly. Window-shattering, end-of-the-world-sounding, bomb-detonating thunderclaps all through the night.
How wonderful that your kids have a mom that doesn't rely on the "electronic babysitter" on rainy days!
I hope the beautiful weather we had Sunday comes back to Indiana soon!
I also grew up in a home without television. I've never felt that I missed much of anything. I do have one now but it's not a dominating piece of my life and I'm thankful to my parents for that. I am a bit of DVD nut though...
I have a closet "True Crime / Law & Order" habit. I am also a recent "Alias" addict - maybe I should look for a 12 step program.
Good for you for nipping the addiction in the bud, I wish I could be so strong! I often think of disconnecting the tv, but then I would miss my favourite shows
Sounds like you had a real fun day. I don't think I could go without my computer all day. I'd have absolutely nothing to do.
And no tv? I'd miss survivor and friends
I had a TV while growing up but as of now, I don't watch all that mush. When I do, it's the Discovery channel. Just not alot of good tv out there. Great blog!
Applause!! I didn't watch that much tv when I was a kid and I still dont know, unless I have access to cable, then you can't get me away from the History Channel! I would rather read or interact with people!!
I'll watch TV from time to time and I know too well the suction it has on the mind. If I just don't start watching TV I'm fine, but it's like the chip commercial, once I start I just can't stop... it drags me in like some sort of tracker beam... Major will power is needed to break away... however, as I grow up
I've become more aware of this issue is tough sometimes, but just limiting the starting has helped a lot...
...it was some morning storm over here in Ohio. We has a tundering and lightening show that lasted over 30 minutes. The rain poured with the wind whistling and blowing. All terribly wonderful.
MuSe
I am a Ocean Beauty and a Countess!
I must admit to be a TV addict at times. I try not to watch too much but the TV is always on!
Hmmm...wonder who's really benefiting the most? The computer seems to be addicting also but aall last week when I was away from it, I didn't miss it in the least and since my return I have been real enthused about sitting in front of it for hours on end. That's the good news. The bad news is that I've spent the extra time watching TV!!
God Bless - Dale
Well, I like TV for when I need a lil mental downtime. I can't take it for long though. My brain won't let me.
Back to my favourite subject of John Lennon - a man who had an opinion on virtually everything - he said that the television was the best medium to brainwash everybody. (These networks can just put ideas and opinions into your head without you even realising it.) The television is a hypnotic medium - no doubt! These days - and England is the same - there is so much garbage on the television...that people watch just because it is on. (I've never been one to watch the TV just through boredom.)
I've sometimes thought that networks had a hidden agenda in putting out political propaganda through mainstream TV...it is certainly true that TV does not acheive getting people to think for themselves - which was its original aim.
My mother always said that TV was the biggest contributor to bad communication between people - because once the TV was on...everyone else had to keep quiet. However, I learnt early on not to pay too much attention to anything on "The Box" (or "The Haunted Fishtank", as we called it)...because I would either end up arguing with my siblings over what I wanted to watch - or never being able to watch anything when my father was around...and, believe me, life is far too short for friction like this. (I just let my father be absorbed by the TV - it kept him out of mischief!)
I really only watch things that broaden my mind...anything historical, or psychic. (I'm always watching John Edward...or George Anderson - when he is on.)
One last point (
), you only get from life what you absorb...be it books you read or programmes you watch. Be careful...as they say, garbage in; garbage out.
Great post... I read and write and sit and think... TV is for the Simpsons... (lol great priorities I have huh?)
hey i got the baroness too!
Hubby calls it "mind jelly." We have been on a "TV OD" for a while, but until then, it stayed off a lot. Hopefully, it will again lose its promenance. Someone may say, "but it's a good show.... moral values and all!" to which hubby replies, "its still tv." We think it is a time stealer when so many families don't have enough!
Ok Terri - I finally got it posted.
I'm a forest beauty also!
And a king also...
The only quiz I've taken lately was the slacker quiz and I'm afraid that one was right on the money.
We have televisions a plenty in our house, but it only seems to get turned on Sunday nights and Wednesday after the kids bed down for West Wing. They aren't terribly interested in watching. They would much rather be doing. Hmmm, sit and watch TV or make huge mud puddles and track it into the house.....mud puddles it is!
I'm fairly up on technology and enjoy it all... but you know, there are times I wish it was all out of my life. You know, when the power goes out and you're there with your family, and you actually have to DO things other than watch tv or be on the computer.
It causes such a brain drain and lack of constructive activity. I think, come September, when I start school again I'm going to not pay for cable any more. My computer and the information superhighway is enough for me.
How intelligent of you to restrict your childrens T.V and video It is easier to let them go but as you say they won't think for themselves. Sorry I haven't visited for a while. Cheers Portia
I need to lock up the Nintendo too. Although everyone went outside voluntarily yesterday...
Just my take on this:
We were never allowed to have sweet foods at home growing up. (Remember the 70's when sugar was considered the devil?)
When my sister turned 18, she was suddenly able to walk into a mini-market and spend her cash in any way she wished.... She now weighs 280 pounds at 5'7". (I spent all my money chasing women. I should have stuck to twinkies.
)
As a result, I've gone a different route: For everyone hour of TV, my son has to spend an hour reading. And I never buy him video games. He can have them, and he can play them, but he has to earn the money himself by doing chores. I don't want him to think of them as "forbidden fruit" just as a recreation that has to be earned.
Just my thoughts.
Good job, turning the telly off. Now I should follow in your wise footsteps. I'm only doing a half an hour more - but hey maybe it's too much, but then he doesn't play TV games??
A question?? Do your boys ever lie around doing nothing - I mean literally nothing. My son seems to do quite a bit of that. He'll talk to himself - so obviously his mind is busy - but his body is quiet. I'm not sure if I should appreciate it or worry about it??
With children, he(she) who spends the most time with them wins.
I do ponder greatly about the consequences of crossing you...
I must state that the whole lot you cry looks like sincere
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