By Mylea

The evolution of television shows through the years has spiraled in a downward motion. In just a few short years it seemed, my television viewing habits had almost cease to exist. There had been a time when in the break room at work a favorite series was an important part of the everyday conversation. That was when you could openly discuss the things you saw on television. Then something happened, I don't know exactly what but smut, filth and violence took over. The sad thing is, it wasn't just in adult television viewing but it had managed to filter its way into the lives of our children as well.

The use of the rating PG had become questionable and in some cases down right objectionable. When I accompany a niece or nephew to a movie, thinking it is safe for their little eyes, that is exactly what I expect. Sadly, some writers had decided in movies for children that are written well enough to stand on their own, they needed to add sexual innuendoes for the adults present. The thinking was, let's entertain the adults with the kids by adding content that only they would understand. Why? If you really think about it, the movie is intended for children, where there are children the adults will follow. Therefore, the content added is unnecessary.

Then there is the violent actions that keep so many glued to their televisions week in and week out. For many, even this is not enough young and old alike pay big bucks to view violent movies, the bloodier the better. I overheard a group of teenagers that had just finished viewing a rather violent movie exclaiming how disappointed they were because there was not enough of action shown. There use to be a time when we saw someone being beat up or shot on television we would cringe. That time seems to have disappeared. Most are so desensitized to the viewing of violence until I have to wonder just how they feel when they watch the news and hear all the real world violence that are happening around us. When they watch news documentaries of war and all those whom we love losing their lives in such a violent way. How can you glorify this type of viewing for pleasure when in fact for some this is their reality. Some reason saying, this is just viewing for pleasure, harmless not hurting anyone, that they would never actually do what they are viewing. True, maybe for the majority what is viewed will never be acted upon, but those are not the ones that worry me. Rather it is the few that do, and without any remorse.

Some blame those who write the shows, but as much as I hate to admit it, it really is not their fault. They are in the business to make money, we as individuals have to make responsible decisions as to what we will view. Because the demands are high for television shows with crime and violence, the writers keep on writing trying to give the audience what they want. So it is up to us if we want this to continue or not.

Then there is sex. Sex everywhere, it seems that an individual cannot wash their hair, chew gum, drink a popular soft drink, brush their teeth or even eat a burger without thinking sex. Television commercials use to be the part of the television program that you listen to while getting a snack out of the kitchen, but no more. Commercials have become just as entertaining captivating and holding the audience's attention the best way they know how, sex. What better way to engrave your product name into the minds of the consumer than to leave a memorable picture etched into their psyche? The reaction they want is, I have got to get me some of that', and it works. Sure, television is ever changing but there is still hope that what was once a wholesome source of entertainment can once again be pulled out of the dumps.