Entertainment or Moral Training?

United States
March 31, 2010 9:23pm CST
Why do you watch television? Is it an escape? Is it to laugh? Do you like movies that make you cry? Or do you like shows that teach a lesson? I ask because it seems like as I monitor my children's television, I think is this going to corrode their minds or is it going to teach them something? School's show videos to teach, and I had the thought tonight that maybe expecting my children to watch shows that teach them something is plain stupidity on my part. And on the school's part, but that's another discussion. I personally avoid shows that are going to make me cry. I watch for entertainment, there are even times (very rare) when I find myself at home without the kids and just need to turn on the TV for background noise because I do not like the quiet.
4 responses
• India
1 Apr 10
Hello Ramos, I think entertainment has greater appeal than moral training. So there is a need for taking moral training in a form of entertainment, so that learning sounds like fun. This is quite a difficult task to accomplish. For, today's children know what entertainment means. Now, almost all television shows have mature content, which is not suitable for young minds. People who make soaps or other programs don't take any responsibility to build social values. This is quite unfortunate. We, the audience should only choose stuffs that usually conveys some positive messages. When will learning be an escape, a fun and an entertainment? God bless you
• United States
1 Apr 10
You are correct, there are very, very few shows that are funny, entertaining, and a learning experience - especially for children.
• India
1 Apr 10
I also feel that once you are grown up, it becomes really hard to think like children. And that is the major thing that prevents us from making good stuffs for children. Think about some of those animation films. They are not only entertainment for children. They are subtly implanting moral behavior, positivity and optimism in a child's mind. This is just wonderful.
@umit_umit (1984)
• India
1 Apr 10
well its true,it is an escape or it can necessary to watch the television!well dont want to see the serial which makes cry but only the knowledge full serial!
• United States
2 Apr 10
That is exactly how I feel, I even find myself reading more non-fiction books than fiction books.
• United States
3 Apr 10
i guess i like to watch t.v. because all of the above that you mentioned. it is entertaining and also gives you something to do with your time that you could spend on your own or with your family or with your friends or any number of reasons.
• Canada
1 Apr 10
Well I think that it's important to understand that we are now in the information age and television and internet are just tools of information. Kids today are very reliant on technology for learning, communicating, entertainment, and in some forms even employment. what might not be normal for you when you were growing up is now normal for our kids and I think if we learn to accept that and use these tools like t.v. and computers to everyones advantage, then there's no reason why it can't be very benificial.
• United States
2 Apr 10
In this "age of technology" you are absolutely right, we do need to find a way to make it beneficial. It is scary though to think about all of the information that is out there, which makes me think "how can I teach them to think logically about this information and make smart decisions about what is good and right?" I take every opportunity I can to teach my kids about anything and everything and try to throw a moral lesson in every now and then.