Our thoughts on television today are quite different from how we thought of it 60 years ago. This Collegian article from March 4, 1964 is an editorial submission from a professor discussing TV culture and its engagement on viewers’ imaginations. Where did the media get lost in its original purpose to stimulate youth and turn TV into a negative pastime?
TV today is curated to societal problems and problematic themes within the world. Before the rise of streaming platforms, TV was a sacred and exciting activity. Now, people fill their free time looking at screens and drowning themselves in an alternate universe to fill a void. Often, TV programs today are filled with violence and serious issues, whereas TV in the 1960s was created with the purpose to stimulate young minds with creative outlets.
In this archive, Warren Fresch explains how TV encouraged creativity and passion instead of focusing on the issues within society. Fresch said programs should act as “springboards for an exchange of ideas” instead of focusing on the topic of local issues. Programs in the 1960s created an opportunity for youth to be filled with creative ideas through interactive cartoons and scenic imagery. Youth were exposed to positive ideas instead of the harsh reality of society.
According to the article “Impact of Television on Children – Positive and Negative Effects” from First Cry Parenting, children’s creativity is diminishing over time because of excessive viewing.
“Since ideas are presented in front of the screen, children who watch TV excessively cannot stimulate their minds or come up with fresh ideas on their own, thus passively consuming and not actively creating,” the article states.
Children who are exposed to violent media and negative ideas through TV programs are more likely to lack focus and be unable to be imaginative. In today’s society creativity is celebrated and a key component to some careers. This should be represented in TV programs.
Fresch said TV should “… demand creative participation rather than merely a passive response” in regard to children’s interaction with programs. Creating programs with activity filled plots and interactive aspects can boost children’s imagination instead of programs designed for passive viewing.
TV is curated to society and all its aspects, but in relation to children these themes should be muted and geared toward celebrating creativity instead of diminishing it from children’s minds. Understanding that media is present in everyone’s lives, not just those old enough to understand the hidden messages within the programs, is key to remember when allowing a child to have screen time.
Readers can click here to read the online archive.
