How Much Television Do You Watch?

In researching the history of the television, I found that it shows that a single inventor did not invent television, instead many people working together and alone, contributed to the evolution of TV.
There is a big list of names but Philo Farnsworth is credited with inventing the modern system in the early 1920s. Television viewing became one of the greatest pastimes for the majority of the population, for both young and old.

I can remember when I was a little girl and my parents bought a brand new colored television. I thought that was the most wonderful television I had ever seen. My sisters and I would sit and watch cartoons for as long as we could. Then our dad would send us to our rooms, or outside to play, so that he could watch his favorite western "shoot em ups." My mother would watch her daily soap operas. That was back in the 60s and 70s, but now, as adults we are still hooked on television. I don't watch as much as I did in the past, for I have learned that there are more important things in life, and it pays to get out of the house and socialize with others. When I think of other countries calling Americans "fat and lazy", it brings to mind the "big question" of how many Americans are sitting for long hours, in front of the television screen, soaking up a good movie, talk show, game show, reality show, soap opera, while eating our favorite foods, instead of getting out of the house for a daily walk, or a morning jog.

Television can be a positive part of our everyday lives. Keeping up with the news is very important for everyone. We should know what is going on in our country as well as other countries. Tuning in to our local television station keeps us updated on happenings in our area, the city happenings and what events are taking place in town. Times have changed in how our news is brought to us. We can go to the Internet and read the news, or some people prefer the old way of buying the daily newspaper and reading about national and local events.

I won't put television out of my life for good, unlike some people who think that it creates a major stumbling block in their family's lives. I think the key issue is to make sure that we are not sitting for too many hours in front of the television set. Many parents put their kids in front of the television to keep them quiet so they can get some work done, or get a nap. There are many great shows on network television that can be educational for children. The Discovery Channel is a good educational watch for young and older children. I would give the Discovery Channel and the Learning Channel a big "thumbs up" for bringing good television to our children. Sesame Street is a good educational show for young children, and I'm sure there are many others that I am not aware of. So many children are sitting in front of their TV sets playing video games instead of getting out and being physically active, which is another serious topic altogether.

There is nothing like watching a good chick flick. Which, is another reason why I would not give up television altogether. I like to cozy up on the weekend with a nice healthy snack and a good movie for the girls. I would sometimes tune in to the Lifetime channel and sit and watch for hours. That was one of the luxuries of having some time off to sit and do whatever I wanted to do.

Now, there is so much focus on people getting out and exercising, and doing other things to keep our physical and mental health from deteriorating. Physicians and Psychologists are trying to get the message out to the public that we as Americans should take better care of ourselves and concentrate on our well being. I'm sure they are not telling us to give up television all together. It is how much television we watch that may get us into trouble.