Are You Feeding Your Mind Junk Food...?

According to a New York Times article (based upon a Nielsen Research Study), Americans spend over five hours daily watching TV.

And much like the body and food, what you "consume" on a regular basis mentally will dictate your state of  health and general well-being. It can make or break you.
All the more reason to diversify your daily menu with "nourishing choices" that feed the mind, soul and spirit. Programs that can inform, entertain and enhance you.
Quality options that can lead to a better quality of life.

For example, have you ever noticed how you feel after watching the evening news? More than likely you feel vulnerable, sad for the plight of others, unsafe, confused, frustrated, heavy-hearted. True?

Here's my issue, folks. Lately I've been re-thinking some of my weekly favorites in an effort to make more "value based" selections. The reason?

It seems that in an effort to gain and retain ratings, many stations have strayed waaayyy too far.

And frankly, I'm fed up.

 

 

Kids can turn on the tube just about any given hour of the day and see things that used to be reserved for adults and late night viewing.

There's moral decay; increasing violence; profanity and insanity; dysfunctional lifestyles; recreational drug use; and general chaos. I think as a viewing audience in general, we are all "starving" for smart, creative, positive programs that inspire us; that make us think; that move us to expand our view of the world; that allow us to "escape" in a good way.

 

Am I alone here?

Don't get me wrong, I'm no prude. I am as guilty as the next person in sometimes getting drawn into the drama of "soap-opera" type programs.  For instance, I watch Fox 32's Empire each Wednesday and Bounce's Saints & Sinners religiously, (no pun intended).

And truth be told? If the men starring in the show serve as "eye candy" I sometimes don't even care about the storyline.  I like to think of it as "art appreciation." :-)

 

Now back to my original issue here... 

each week the episodes from some of the most popular shows seem to get more devious, more dysfunctional, more damaging. There are no boundaries.

 

What ever happened to shows like Andy Griffith? Green Acres? Leave it to Beaver? Friends? Sanford & Son?  The Jeffersons? I Love Lucy?

 

(Many programs that were before my time, but luckily aired reruns).

What happened to Family Friendly TV?  Where are our Super Heroes?

 

Some of you are probably thinking that if I don't like a particular show, heck, I can simply change the channel.  And I do.

But, that doesn't really solve the problem, considering there's not much in place to replace it. Hello?

 

So, what does all this have to do with writing...?

 

There's a computer acronym that sums things up nicely: "G.I.G.O."

It means Garbage in Garbage out. Need I say more?

Of course, I would be remiss if I didn't mention that there are some good shows being currently aired; all is not lost. And there are many benefits that writers gain when using this medium for creativity.

A previous post here at Pen & Prosper shares more specifics on smart TV viewing.  

 

For greater entertainment balance and better "brain food," here are some healthy alternative options. 

 

 

 

 

• GAME SHOWS

My favorites? Jeopardy, Password, Family Feud

• COMEDIES

My favorites? King of Queens, Grown Folks, Comedy.TV, Family Time

• RELIGIOUS PROGRAMS

My favorites? Joel Osteen, Joyce Meyer

• COOKING SHOWS

My favorites? Anna Olson, Martha Stewart, Simply Ming, Chef Irie

• VARIETY/TALENT SHOWS

My favorites? The Voice, Showtime at the Apollo

 

 



Essentially, it's all about proper balance and discernment.

Choose wisely.

To quote a popular slogan: "The mind is a terrible thing to waste."

 



Thoughts? Agree or disagree?
What's your favorite "quality" program? Do tell.


Image credits: Pixabay.com