These days, television often gets a bad rap as a time waster which provides mindless junk and keeps us rooted to our couches in a vegetative state. It is not television which is a bad thing, but the way we use it. It is up to us to get the good and the positive out of television. Here are 10 good things about television, proof that television is, indeed, getting a bad rap:

1. TELEVISION PROVIDES AN OUTLET FOR RELAXATION.

After a long, hard day at the office analyzing data, writing reports, taking meetings and running up and down flights of stairs to the photocopy room, television is a welcome respite from the world. Contrary to popular myth, Americans are a nation of people on the go. Despite the fact that thousands upon thousands of time-saving devices have been invented over the years, such as washing machines, automobiles, microwave ovens and computers, we have no more time to relax or to enjoy life than our ancestors did. Is that not strange, considering those devices were invented in order to make life easier and free our time up for better things? Instead, we fill the extra time with more and more work. After a rough day at the office or in a factory or out in the field, what is so wrong with flopping down on your couch to watch "The Ellen DeGeneres Show?"

2. TELEVISION PROVIDES EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES FOR CHILDREN.

Today more than ever, television offers numerous educational programming options. The key is to fulfill your duties and responsibilities as a parent and to monitor the programs your child is watching on television. In addition to the obvious educational benefits of programs like "Sesame Street" and "Reading Rainbow," just about any good television program can provide an educational experience or life lesson for your child. Public television stations offer a number of television programs designed to be used as educational aids by teachers, or to help children with math, reading or even geography. In addition, most good prime time television shows offer life lessons and opportunities to open up discussion with your child on topics ranging from drug abuse to safe sex to the importance of family and community. After watching a television program with your child, open up a dialogue or discussion about the show's topic. Encourage your child to express his or her ideas or feelings on the topic and get your child thinking about it.

3. TELEVISION HELPS US TO KEEP CURRENT ON WORLD EVENTS.

News programs such as "The Today Show" or "The Evening News" are obvious sources of news and information on world events. However, even some of the most seemingly trivial programs can offer important insight into our culture and what is going on in the world. Shows like Comedy Central's "The Daily Show," starring Jon Stewart, offer capsulized versions of world news events to those who may not be able to stomach the dryer, more pessimistic news served up on regular news programs. The political commentary offered on "The Daily Show" inspires discussion and thought about today's issues, in addition to providing light-heartedness and laughter. Shows like the E Channel's "The Soup" provide a snapshot of today's popular culture. Although it is intended to be entertaining and humorous, it also gets us thinking about what we value in society and inspires us to give serious thought to what is going on in the world as far as pop culture is concerned.

4. TELEVISION PROVIDES COMPANIONSHIP TO THE ELDERLY AND TO SHUT-INS.

For those who are unable to get out of the house often, who are confined to a nursing home or to the hospital, or who get very few visitors, television can provide a source of comfort and companionship. Unfortunately, the United States as a whole does not place as high a value on our elderly as many other nations do. The elderly in our country often find themselves feeling cast off, unloved and unappreciated. Invalids, too, can find themselves left to their own devices while life goes on without them just outside their doors. For these people, television may be their only source of connection to the outside world. Television can become very important to the elderly as a source of entertainment when they are unable to participate in physical activities. It not only provides a connection to the rest of humanity, it can also provide them with a sense of routine, including a beginning and an ending to each day.

5. TELEVISION PROVIDES AN INEXPENSIVE SOURCE OF ENTERTAINMENT.

For those dealing with budget constraints, Friday night television and a pizza may be an affordable entertainment option. While cable television with all the bells and whistles can be very expensive, most cable companies continue to offer a relatively inexpensive basic cable option. Also, with the purchase of a nearly obsolete, but still available, antenna, it is possible to get a few basic channels without paying for cable at all. Finally, a used VCR can be picked up for next to nothing at a yard sale these days. Movie outlets such as Blockbuster and Hollywood Video continue to offer a wide selection of movies on VHS.

6. TELEVISION CAN PROVIDE A SOCIAL OUTLET.

Television gives us an excuse to get together, celebrate and have a good time. The Super Bowl is a prime example of an event which is aired on television and which has become a great social outlet. Throwing a Super Bowl party is a great way to get together with friends without much planning, expense or effort. With the Super Bowl as the main event, it is completely unnecessary to plan party activities or ice breakers. Other television shows can serve this purpose as well. For example, a popular reality television show such as The Bachelor or The Amazing Race can provide the background for a weekly get-together with friends. Super Bowl parties or other television-themed events are casual and call for casual fare, as well. The event can be a potluck, or something as simple as submarine sandwiches and chips can be served. Using a television show as the background for your event, you can throw a fun, casual party together for next to nothing.

7. TELEVISION PROVIDES AN EXCELLENT RESOURCE FOR RESEARCH AND INFORMATION.

If you want to plan a vacation, find out where the best golf courses are, or find a great restaurant, television is an excellent source of information. Niche television channels, such as the Travel Channel, the Golf Channel and the Food Network allow you to browse an entire world of travel, golf courses and restaurants without ever leaving your chair. Book Television provides a resource for avid book lovers who want to know what new books are out and to learn about those which might be of interest to them. By watching the authors' presentations or listening to panel discussions, a viewer will have a much better idea of whether a book might be interesting or fun to read before heading off to the library.

8. TELEVISION PROVIDES EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES FOR ADULTS.

Television is not only educational for children, it is educational for adults as well. Today more than ever there are a vast number of adult education options on cable television. There are the obvious choices, of course, such as the History Channel, which provides us with the opportunity to learn about historic events and people, or the Discovery Channel, which provides us with the opportunity to learn about science and the world around us. Less obvious choices also provide us with opportunities to learn how to do things. For example, we can learn how to cook by watching the Food Network. We can get great remodeling and decorating ideas from shows such as "Trading Spaces." We can learn about fashion and how to dress less expensively by watching the Style Network. We can even learn how to win at Blackjack by watching the Travel Channel's Las Vegas specials!

9. TELEVISION PROVIDES COMMUNITY ACCESS AND EDUCATION.

Federal laws require that a portion of the television airwaves be devoted to the local, public good. Thanks to those laws, community television programming offers local groups and entertainers the opportunity to get the word out and to hone their skills and talents. Anyone with a bright idea and the proper sponsorship and/or funding can work their way into a slot on a local community television network. Local stations also offer opportunities for education in the television arts and journalism fields, as well as in technical support fields.

10. TELEVISION GIVES US INFORMATION ABOUT NEW PRODUCTS THAT ARE AVAILABLE.

While television advertising and commercials can be quite annoying and often interrupt our favorite television programs, they can also be very useful. Television commercials provide an easy way to learn about new products that have been invented and that may be of great value to our lives. What easier way is there to find out about improvements made to products than to catch a glimpse of them on a television commercial? You really never know when, amidst all the annoying television advertisements, you will see something that you need or that provides a solution to a problem you may have. Commercials, much like television programs themselves, are what we make of them. Use your discretion, take the good from them and discard the bad.

Copyright (c) 2005 by Leanne Phillips