As a Society...We're Doomed. PT. 2

[mrcreosote]

Funny how people who loath tv seem to be so well aware of the best examples of tv shows worthy of making one loath tv.

Aye,
Goes hand in hand with worrying about what other people do.
My experience shows me that 'evangelicals', on the whole, have very little to offer beyond their preferences.
I'd be content with most people being as dumb as a box of rocks but living by the 'Do unto others' rule.

This would advance society by leaps and bounds.

 

[thaicat]

Not according to the original poster in the original post where he claims he has not watched tv in probably 10 years and yet he's aware of Duck Dynasty as an example of less then quality programming? If he has not watched tv in 10 years then what has he to go on? The fact that you can't turn around without seeing something connected to the show? Duck Dynasty clothing, Duck Dynasty toys, Duck Dynasty pet food, etc.? Does that scream poor programming or does it scream popularity which could mean good programming? What is it that draws people to that show is it the apparently crazy redneck type antics or is it the deep underlying Christian values that nearly got them cancelled until a huge wave of public support flipped things in their favor?

Personally I don't think Duck Dynasty is a great show either but I'm open minded enough to realize that not all programming needs to meet my standards of quality because my standards are not everyone else's standards. I agree with the premise of the thread that as a society we are doomed but I doubt tv is to blame. I do agree that a decline in reading or for that matter a general decline in education is partly to blame. There is far more to it then that though. I can see a steady decline in moral values, family values, and pretty much all of our social ills growing out of the need for both parents to work full time in order for most families to barely have a decent life. Rather then the more 40's and 50's based family model of one parent working and earning enough to support that family while the other stayed home and raised the kids.

I have no reason to lie, in fact, I don't even own a television. By your own admission: " you can't turn around without seeing something connected to the show? Duck Dynasty clothing, Duck Dynasty toys, Duck Dynasty pet food, etc.?''

I have seen bits and pieces of that storage auction show. A friend of mine seems slightly obsessed with it. He's thoroughly convinced that you simply show up at such auctions, buy priceless National treasures, cash in and live happily ever after. The fact of the matter is, I've done auctions for living for nearly 15 years. I've bought some amazing items for next to nothing but it's certainly not anything as it's portrayed on that show.

This post wasn't as detailed as the original. Without seeing the original, this one probably doesn't make a lot of sense. I guess above having to endure idiots It's just sickening to hear folks everywhere talking about some "reality show" but you ask them about Fukushima and they just give you a clueless, blank stare. Although tons of radioactive material flush into our ocean daily, they have no idea anything about it. I guess everyone needs their release, just seems like they could find something more beneficial than staring at a square box for hours on end.

To each his own. I waste far too much time on the internet. At least I'm aware of that and incorporate at least a percentage of that wasted time learning beneficial things. My Mother has Fox News on almost 24-7 but yet, she has no idea about Fukushima. A Brother has CNN on constantly yet he doesn't know anything about it. OTOH, both can tell you all pertinent details about Justin Beibers life, when he takes a shit or cries himself to sleep. I see the effect of mainstream media, all these useless shows and it irritates me. Doesn't mean I'm right for letting it irritate me...But it does.

 

[thaicat]

Aye,
Goes hand in hand with worrying about what other people do.
My experience shows me that 'evangelicals', on the whole, have very little to offer beyond their preferences.
I'd be content with most people being as dumb as a box of rocks but living by the 'Do unto others' rule.

This would advance society by leaps and bounds.

Sure, I'd be fine with 99% of society being fat, dumb but happy...If it weren't for the fact it's inevitable that I have to deal with them. Driving down the street, I actually expect anyone I encounter to pull in front of me, drive 20mph in the left lane or worse. If you don't know what to do at a 4-way intersection, it's best you stay in your home...It only gets harder from there.

 

[foomar]

Time for a tax on sugar , and an excess flab surcharge at airports . . .

 

[Hemphrey Bogart]

I find it interesting that thaicat doesn't like tv, but appears to enjoy surfing the internet. I grew up before computers took over everything, so I still remember playing football in the street, or riding bmx bikes and skateboards when I got home from school and on the weekends.

I also remember when the Atari gaming system came out...and then Coleco Vision and then Nintendo. Before those systems came out, my friends and I went to the arcade and spent all our quarters playing video games and smoking marlboros reds.

The current pattern has been developing for decades now.

To me, the internet is no better/worse than any other distraction available to us currently, including television.

Reading books that you enjoy can be a rewarding activity, but you're still deciding to take that time to read instead of doing something else.

It's all a distraction, imho. I guess with reading, you might learn something at least or make yourself think a bit.

Our brains seem to require more and more stimulation as the generations come and go, but it seems to be more of the visual kind of stimulation as opposed to the written word. This doesn't mean humanity is doomed, it just means we are adapting to a new world filled with new technology.

I often wonder what kind of world we're building for ourselves, but I don't worry about it much. The earth will keep turning no matter what.

HB.

 

[thaicat]

I find it interesting that thaicat doesn't like tv, but appears to enjoy surfing the internet. I grew up before computers took over everything, so I still remember playing football in the street, or riding bmx bikes and skateboards when I got home from school and on the weekends.

I also remember when the Atari gaming system came out...and then Coleco Vision and then Nintendo. Before those systems came out, my friends and I went to the arcade and spent all our quarters playing video games and smoking marlboros reds.

The current pattern has been developing for decades now.

To me, the internet is no better/worse than any other distraction available to us currently, including television.

Reading books that you enjoy can be a rewarding activity, but you're still deciding to take that time to read instead of doing something else.

It's all a distraction, imho. I guess with reading, you might learn something at least or make yourself think a bit.

Our brains seem to require more and more stimulation as the generations come and go, but it seems to be more of the visual kind of stimulation as opposed to the written word. This doesn't mean humanity is doomed, it just means we are adapting to a new world filled with new technology.

I often wonder what kind of world we're building for ourselves, but I don't worry about it much. The earth will keep turning no matter what.

HB.

It sounds as if we're close in age. I grew up doing the same things and I certainly remember Space Invaders and Asteroids on the 2600.

I actually do enjoy surfing the internet. I usually have at least 4 tabs open at any given time. Not only do I make my living online. I find a lot of information unavailable anywhere else. It is a release for me as well. As I said, I find it disturbing that one can watch CNN or Fox (or any mainstream outlet) nearly 24-7 and not have a clue about Fukushima. You don't hear much about GMO's or any other valid topic on them either. You're certainly not going to learn from most.

I wouldn't have a problem with TV, except it's obviously creating a Nation of Half-Brights. My other big problem with it is this: We've already been dumbed down. Most young people can't distinguish the difference between movies, TV and life. Everybody thinks they're going to be the next American Idol, long to be on any of the myriad of "Reality Shows" and everyone thinks they're destined for stardom by watching Snookie or the Duck Dynasty crew.

If everyone watched 48 hours and Wild Kingdom, all would likely be well.

 

[HempKat]

To each his own. I waste far too much time on the internet. At least I'm aware of that and incorporate at least a percentage of that wasted time learning beneficial things. My Mother has Fox News on almost 24-7 but yet, she has no idea about Fukushima. A Brother has CNN on constantly yet he doesn't know anything about it. OTOH, both can tell you all pertinent details about Justin Beibers life, when he takes a shit or cries himself to sleep. I see the effect of mainstream media, all these useless shows and it irritates me. Doesn't mean I'm right for letting it irritate me...But it does.

I really didn't mean it as critical as you and Foomar seem to be taking it but rather more of just a humorous observation. I agree that it's sad people are either totally ignorant or near totally ignorant of important things going on around them that have serious consequences on their lives and yet know all the latest info on pseudo celebrities like Kanye West and Kim Kardashian.

 

[SpasticGramps]

Look at the destruction of the "family" in the US.

But hey who has time to raise their kids anymore? In a typical middle class family both parents must work as wage slaves to keep funding the central states perpetual war and crony economy. This problem becomes more acute as we become more bankrupt.

When the central state (corporatocracy) replaces the family as the guiding parental authority society is doomed to fail. Our kids are raised by iGagets instead of parents today.

We are not far from failure IMO.

 

[thaicat]

Look at the destruction of the "family" in the US.

But hey who has time to raise their kids anymore? In a typical middle class family both parents must work as wage slaves to keep funding the central states perpetual war and crony economy. This problem becomes more acute as we become more bankrupt.

When the central state (corporatocracy) replaces the family as the guiding parental authority society is doomed to fail. Our kids are raised by iGagets instead of parents today.

We are not far from failure IMO.

I agree, completely! When I was a kid, not only would my Parents never let me watch 90% of todays program but they'd never be aired to begin with...Few would've been ignorant enough to watch in the first place.

We've been dumbed down so far and for so long that it amazes me that most even know their own names. It's been planned that way all along. I listened to an excellent Adam Corolla podcast that mostly outlines the importance of Family Education and the basis of a lot of the problem.

[YOUTUBEIF]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2Ve1wVuBGo#aid=P8f82O85CCw[/YOUTUBEIF]

 

[SpasticGramps]

There is a good book, The Deliberate Dumbing Down of America" by Charlotte Iserbyt.

Charlotte Iserbyt is the consummate whistleblower! Iserbyt served as Senior Policy Advisor in the Office of Educational Research and Improvement (OERI), U.S. Department of Education, during the first Reagan Administration, where she first blew the whistle on a major technology initiative which would control curriculum in America's classrooms. Iserbyt is a former school board director in Camden, Maine and was co-founder and research analyst of Guardians of Education for Maine (GEM) from 1978 to 2000.

A population that has critical thinking skills is a threat to tyrants. The want a dumb, compliant, and dependent population which is what we have now.

Hell the majority of families don't even sit down and eat dinner together at the end of the day. It's a horrible tragedy. The Corporatocracy has replaced the family and now we are one big mindless hive doing their bidding and buying their gadgets.

We've lost our humanity.

 

[Snype]

Exactly the things I think about in my head. Life is very frustrating for me because how dumb most people are in the US. It's crazy. People don't seem to know anything. They don't even know how to figure thing out. If the calculated told them 1+1=600, they'd believe it. Most people don't seem to have common sense. And about the family aspect, so true. They are creating this machine. There's no way out.

It's crazy to me what this country has become. It's very obvious that big changes are going to happen. The good thing is that people who think like us, if they get some good capital together before the real American crash happens, there will be endless opportunity for profits.

I unplugged myself out of the system 8 years ago. I don't have bank accounts and no credit. It feels good too!

 

[mrcreosote]

Hell,
I'm so old that the only thing we had to play with were rocks.
The abandoned greenhouses down the road never had a chance.

We used to be like locusts around the mill pond in winter waiting for a 'rich kid' to break a hockey stick so we could grab it to use as a rifle to play Army.
We learned that sawing Mom's broom or Dad's snow shovel off for the handle was a bad way to go.

The ultimate find was a new house being built off the main streets because somewhere within a mile of that house would be a cleverly disguised treehouse or fort with all the required defensive 'tiger trap' pits concealed by brush.
All tools had to come home with you every night because Pops would never buy that "I dunno" business.

The local sand pits dump was a treasure trove to build bikes from parts, old lumber to build rafts to float on the scuzzy ponds and old tv picture tubes to blow up. On a really good day, Clem, who owned the dump would set the dogs loose and chase you with a shotgun filled with rock-salt.
Very exciting.
Shopping cart demolition derbys were almost as much fun except the bag boys didn't have shotguns, but a good beating was always a reward for getting caught.

I feel bad for kids today. Video games seem a very boring substitute for having to invent your own recreation.

 

[thaicat]

There is a good book, The Deliberate Dumbing Down of America" by Charlotte Iserbyt.
A population that has critical thinking skills is a threat to tyrants. The want a dumb, compliant, and dependent population which is what we have now.

Hell the majority of families don't even sit down and eat dinner together at the end of the day. It's a horrible tragedy. The Corporatocracy has replaced the family and now we are one big mindless hive doing their bidding and buying their gadgets.

We've lost our humanity.

Excellent book and it outlines it totally.

Originally, I posted an Adam Carolla video and tried to do it through this forums embedment...Didn't work out.

That doesn't really matter because it was the wrong one. This is the one I intended. Rest assured, it's a safe link...Lays it out, plain and simple.

http://dailycaller.com/2013/08/01/c...g-hollywood-and-racist-baiters/#ixzz2yVG9ySU2

 

[foomar]

I feel bad for kids today. Video games seem a very boring substitute for having to invent your own recreation.

Your post reminds me of my own early childhood , playing wargames on bombsites and going off on our bikes and camping out for days .

We have become too safety conscious and risk averse , if my grandchildren were allowed the freedom I had their parents would be arrested for child endangerment.

 

[mrcreosote]

Reading is the antidote to spoon-fed, dumbed-down kids.

Read to them...often. Everyone loves a good story. Learn to inflect you voice by playing the characters. Don't drone.

Buy kids books. They may not be excited by it as a new trinket but eventually they will pick it up. Vary the styles and genres because you never know what will ring a bell. There's not a kid alive who has hated reading Huck Finn.

Reading teaches kids to think. They are already plotting how the conflict becomes resolution as they go. A backdoor introduction to logic and examination naturally occurs as the storyline progresses.

Exposure to written words early increases vocabulary and grammar skills as well as spelling ability. Misspelled words 'won't look right' and awkward sentences won't sound right.

Kids who learn to read well and often tend not to become the doorstops of society.

 

[foomar]

How Does Reading Improve Emotional Intelligence?

•Books expose children to a variety of people, attitudes and experiences that mirror real life. They help them understand what others think and feel and do every day. In learning to identify the emotions of characters in stories, they begin to understand their own feelings and the emotions of others as well.

•Reading gives children words with which to express themselves. Children who can state what they feel are less inclined to act out, become depressed, or express their feelings through bodily symptoms such as headaches and stomach aches.

•Stories often show positive and negative behaviors, conflicts, dilemmas and the resolution of problems in relationships. They give children strategies to work out similar issues in their own lives.

•Books can inspire and teach by example. Stories of famous people and heroes can illustrate positive qualities such as perseverance, hard work, and determination to overcome obstacles. Having a role model often motivates children to set goals and succeed at achieving them.

Early reading experiences can pave the way for children to learn to cope with emotions and to develop skill in interpersonal relationships. That foundation will aid them in succeeding in school and work later in life.

 

[thaicat]

Exactly the things I think about in my head. Life is very frustrating for me because how dumb most people are in the US. It's crazy. People don't seem to know anything. They don't even know how to figure thing out. If the calculated told them 1+1=600, they'd believe it. Most people don't seem to have common sense. And about the family aspect, so true. They are creating this machine. There's no way out.

It's crazy to me what this country has become. It's very obvious that big changes are going to happen. The good thing is that people who think like us, if they get some good capital together before the real American crash happens, there will be endless opportunity for profits.

I unplugged myself out of the system 8 years ago. I don't have bank accounts and no credit. It feels good too!

The day you wrote this, ironically, I had just came from a "trip from town." In the middle of Hicktown USA. I encountered dude on the main highway going through town. He was decked out in the latest attire, including $300+ Jordans, in the most hideous of colors.He stepped out in front of me and had this Deer in headlights look on his face.I could honestly tell he had no idea what to do at that point. I started to comment that day but fifgured wth, at prior response3s.

It's been a steady and constant plan to dumb down the masses. Reading to young children and incorporating the "old days" mantra is our only hope. Sadly, that's all but a lost art.

I'm hesitant to throw out my true feeelings on the matter, as they always end up deleted threads or misinterpreted writings...Seems as I always have a good buzz when I discuss this sort of thing and have no knowledge of where the politican line is crossed.

 

[SpasticGramps]

Time for a tax on sugar , and an excess flab surcharge at airports . . .

He's SOL.

 

[thaicat]

He's SOL.

View Image

'Murica!!

 

[foomar]

Danger — wide load!


http://nypost.com/2009/12/04/should-this-man-be-able-to-fly-on-a-plane/