TV-B-Gone Response from People
TV-B-Gone Response from People
I was at the gym a week or so ago and found myself being drawn into the screens and I started watching. Then I snapped out of it and realized that I needed to get that TV-B-Gone device really fast or else I could get pulled back into the box. So I ordered them and some extras to give away as gifts. Then they arrived all very nicely and quickly and I started to tell people about them and ask if they wanted one as a gift - if they wanted to use it that is. One person said yes and the two other people that I asked were extremely hostile to me to the point where I thought that they were going to get into a fight with me. I was quite take aback by that and even more surprized since they have had some negative effects in their own lives, likely due to the inactivity that comes from sitting in front of a TV for hours and hours every day for years of their lives. Has anyone else had a similar experience and if so how did you handle it?
Re: TV-B-Gone Response from People
Let me see if I get this right... They were provoked because you suggested that watching television was having a bad influence on them? I guess I've encountered such hostility as well. After taking the time to introduce people to a some of the current research about television, people have told me that they simply don't believe what I tell them. Just like that! It's obvious that some truths are rather inconvenient... Mundus vult decipi!
When it comes to those TV-B-GONE remotes I'm a bit more reserved. I see nothing wrong with using them for fun among family and friends, and I guess there might be certain other situations where it can be justified to use them. However, I don't think they should be used for anti-TV activism.
I think you just risk provoking people by using it to make a statement. I think it's far better to educate people in other ways, such as handing out brochures and talking with the managers of public places. In my experience politeness goes a long way, but of course there are times when people simply won't listen. In those cases I would recommend simply boycotting institutions that are notorious when it comes to exposing their guests to captive-audience media.
Furthermore you could potentially face legal trouble if caught using them in the public space. There is an old thread on this forum that highlights the fact that the use of such devices in the public sphere could be illegal:
Clicky!
Although I don't think it is very likely that these devices will be used by anyone as a way of causing disruptions for instance in airports, it isn't unimaginable that people “playing” with these devices in a public setting could be arrested if they were caught.
Finally, when it comes to the problem television in the public sphere, I recommend this site:
http://www.mediabychoice.com/
When it comes to those TV-B-GONE remotes I'm a bit more reserved. I see nothing wrong with using them for fun among family and friends, and I guess there might be certain other situations where it can be justified to use them. However, I don't think they should be used for anti-TV activism.
I think you just risk provoking people by using it to make a statement. I think it's far better to educate people in other ways, such as handing out brochures and talking with the managers of public places. In my experience politeness goes a long way, but of course there are times when people simply won't listen. In those cases I would recommend simply boycotting institutions that are notorious when it comes to exposing their guests to captive-audience media.
Furthermore you could potentially face legal trouble if caught using them in the public space. There is an old thread on this forum that highlights the fact that the use of such devices in the public sphere could be illegal:
Clicky!
Although I don't think it is very likely that these devices will be used by anyone as a way of causing disruptions for instance in airports, it isn't unimaginable that people “playing” with these devices in a public setting could be arrested if they were caught.
Finally, when it comes to the problem television in the public sphere, I recommend this site:
http://www.mediabychoice.com/
Re: TV-B-Gone Response from People
Wow, Thank you for the information and the "Clicky" post. I had never thought of that, that it could be considered an act of terrorism. You just never know in this world. Your advice was very good. I now regret getting the TV-B-Gone and have to decide what to do with it now but I really appreciated your advice.
Thank you
Thank you
Re: TV-B-Gone Response from People
Well, the thread I linked to certainly describes a worst case scenario, and as I said, there might be certain situations where it is possible to justify the use of these devices. Yet, I think communication with those who own/manage the television screens is the way to go.
Re: TV-B-Gone Response from People
Yes, that makes sense.
Re: TV-B-Gone Response from People
lol Anytime I have ever suggested TV has a bad influence on people and family life, I have always received a hostile and rather vulgar response before the usual 'hes a nut case, he's not normal.'.
Ever since TV first came around look at what it has done to family values. Cheating became the new norm, going out of town for weeks became OK, etc etc
Ever since TV first came around look at what it has done to family values. Cheating became the new norm, going out of town for weeks became OK, etc etc