Who Says Don't Judge A Book By Its Cover...?

Looking at the impact television has on the world today, there are several different perspectives one can take. What struck your interest in my blog? I definitely would not consider myself a TV junkie by any means, but I do find the time to relax on a rainy day, and I do get my fair share. In my first blog, I hope to grasp your attention and broaden your knowledge of understanding and appreciation of television in today's society. I will specifically emphasize my goals for TV criticism, how I foresee the understanding and relationship to society and how it relates to everyday life, finishing by extending the invitation to participate in feedback, hoping to lead to an intense conversation.

Some people in this world may think the purpose of criticizing TV is to tear it to shreds, but in this particular blog this is not the case. I find as much pleasure out of watching CSI on USA as I do from watching The Secret Life of the American Teenager on ABC Family, for various reasons. As one watches episode after episode you start to become a "transformer," in which you are capable of generating a better understanding and awareness in the minds of other television viewers (O'Donnell (2007), 4). Sillars and Gronbeck (2001) state the importance for producing knowledge about what is valued and important to human beings. They also help discover in ways in which human beings can, and should, interpret and judge the world around us (15). As I continue on with this blog, I will expand on what we as viewers know about society, the TV show, and, most importantly, relating it to our everyday lives from within ourselves.

Viewing criticism from a critical and cultural standpoint, I am specifically interested in the subjective matter in which O'Donnell (2007) addresses. One aspect of criticism is that it is subjective. This means we tie in our own beliefs, attitudes, values, and personal life experiences (O'Donnell (2007), 6). Corner (1999) also further categorizes what he sees as a "viewer-centered" approach, emphasizing the ways in which audiences seek to make what they watch fit their own experiences and lives (10). For instance, one of my favorite TV shows that I watch everyone Monday night is The Secret Life of the American Teenager. As a mature, young adult, I see that the producers are trying to address the importance of practicing safe sex to all young teenagers. However, as I watch the news and see statistics of teen pregnancies on the rise, I have developed a better understanding of ways to talk to my parents, siblings, and someday my children about abstinence. I am a Catholic and reflect on my morals daily, especially after relating my life experiences of being born before the marriage of my parents to scenes in various episodes. As I work on becoming a better TV critic, I am curious to know which readings relate best to my audiences and viewers, and which readings are much more beneficial with different interpretations of the text itself.

Corner (1999) states that the overwhelming rationale for most research into television has undoubtedly been anxiety about its influence and still remains the case today (4). Some viewers may see television as a negative impact to society, sensing that it causes stupidity of some people. I don't completely agree with this. I believe as individuals we have the right to voice our own interpretations, since in television the direct influence on various cultures around the world with each viewing. With this being said it is necessary to stress the importance of me expressing what I watch in a more truthful and accurate way than any other readings.

I am very curious about what kind of feedback I will receive from my first blog posting. I would love to hear about the TV shows that strike your interest in your daily life, even if your roommate thinks it's the most unexciting show on the face of the Earth. I assure you that you will get my honesty about the thrill I experience from watching ER and CMT Top 20 Countdown, as well as when I see something that I don't find appealing whatsoever. Please feel free to share any of your thoughts- especially if you feel indifferent about something I have posted- leads to a great conversation.

References

Corner, J. (1999). Critical Ideas in Television Studies. New York: Oxford University Press.

O'Donnell, V. (2007). Television Criticism. New York: Sage.

Sillars, M.O. and Gronbeck, B.E. (2001). Communication Criticism: Rhetoric, Social Codes, Cultural Studies. Prospect Heights, IL; Waveland Press