We were given a list of words which were used as metaphors for television in Detweiller and Taylor's article. Many of these words resonated with me as I spent much of my childhood watching television. Most people would think this would be detrimental to a child yet I believe that many of the shows shaped my personality into who I am today. (I am not a carbon copy of Sesame Street, and my idols are not Samurai Pizza Cats if that's what you're thinking). Instead, many of the shows I watched were funny, educational and age appropriate which are all very important factors. From watching shows like Lamb Chop's Play Along and Recess I got my sense of humor, learned right from wrong and attained an imagination that I wouldn't give up for the world.
Of course my parents and school had a large impact on me as well but these shows gave me something that they couldn't. They were constant companions that I could turn on when the former were not available. Also, I don't think my parents or teachers would have been able to make up daily stories of the adventures to be had by a boy football shaped head in the middle of New York City or what evil forces a beautiful warrior princess had to save the world from. I mean, that would have been tiring!
The stories I watched and absorbed helped me create my own. My imagination grew and became rich. I could make up stories instantly when we had creative writing assignments and playing with my Barbies turned into three-act plays.
The negative connotations people attribute to television and children such as it being a replacement baby-sitter, taking away from the responsibility of parents and acting as a sedative are false. If the children are watching the right programs that teach them things it helps their minds flourish which later in life will allow them to create beautiful things. Parents allowing their children to watch the right kids' shows is a healthy and important aspect which will help a child's mind develop to a creative and intelligent adult mind.
