Turn Off the TV Week: Day 1 Without Television
In a recent blog about Turn Off the TV Week, I talked about my out of control TV habit and pledged to keep the TV turned off all week long.
So far, so good. I hid the remote under the davenport on Sunday night so I wouldn't turn it on by accident on Monday morning.
Yesterday, I started off the day by listening to WEBN (I like their morning show), and ended up keeping 102.7 on all day. They play far too much Motley Crue, but other than that, no complaints.
Today I planned to go the highbrow route and listen to NPR but the rock station was on so I'm still listening. I'll switch over to CDs of The Police and The Breeders after my lunch date.
I do have some questions about the "rules" of TV Turn Off Week:
So far, so good. I hid the remote under the davenport on Sunday night so I wouldn't turn it on by accident on Monday morning.
Yesterday, I started off the day by listening to WEBN (I like their morning show), and ended up keeping 102.7 on all day. They play far too much Motley Crue, but other than that, no complaints.
Today I planned to go the highbrow route and listen to NPR but the rock station was on so I'm still listening. I'll switch over to CDs of The Police and The Breeders after my lunch date.
I do have some questions about the "rules" of TV Turn Off Week:
- What if I watch DVDs on my notebook? Is that cheating? My nephew says yes, so I haven't done it.
- What if I am at a friend's house and they have the TV on? Can I just tell them to turn it off?
- What if I am at a public venue (OK, a bar) and I accidentally look at their TV? Is it like Lent, where if I accidentally eat candy it doesn't count against me? (this according to my mother)
I sent an e-mail to the Center for Screen-Time Awareness. I'm not sure who else to ask.
Comments
Your nephew is correct, it counts big time.
What if I am at someone's house and they have the TV on? Can I just tell them to turn it off?
You can't TELL them, but you can ask nicely. If the won't, you can leave the room or go visit someone else.
What if I am at a public venue (OK, a bar) and I accidentally look at their TV? Is it like Lent, where if I accidentally eat candy it doesn't count against me? (this according to my mother)
It helps to avoid places that you know will have screens...bars usually do these days and unless they are willing to turn it off, you should not go there for the week...find a more friendly location to meet friends.
Then I did turn on the tube, and I went right back to DVD's in short order. Most television is one giant insult to me. It's like they are saying, "You are merely one of the stupid sheep. Buy this stuff, and enjoy this show because we tell you to."
I sometimes go long enough without watching regular TV that when I do, it's a surreal event. It's almost as if I'm watching one of those science fiction depictions of how far our television "entertainment" will deteriorate. Then I shake my head in disgust and move on, thanking my lucky stars for Netflix.
I'm not saying that it's all bad. I'm just saying that so little is good that there has to be a better way to spend so much of our time.
So, good for you, Lisa.