Don’t think you’re addicted to TV? Then why not prove it by going cold turkey for a week? You’d be surprised how difficult it can be to disconnect — and what a profound week of self discovery it can be. —TV Turnoff Week April 24-30, 2006 (Adbusters.org)
I’m planning to ask my Intro to Literary Study students to participate in a media fast. (If they can’t go cold turkey, they can at least exercise their self-control by being more selective about how they spend their time.)
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Sounds like a great idea. I’ll spread the word.
At SHU, one of my classes is sponsoring alternate activities to support the week…spread the word to your class, and it might generate some fun and interest for both of them.
Yeah, it’s impossible to totally unplug! I think the prime target of TV Turn Off is the family home, rather than the college campus. But it’s an interesting social experiment and can be an eye-opener.
That’s right, Matt. My media vice is not TV, but rather the internet. I can’t do my job without using the internet, but I could choose to spend my leisure time in other ways.
Even the van down by the river might have a radio.
And that’s why I’ve picked up my colleague Mike Arnzen’s use of the term “fast” (which is a selective refusal) rather than “abstinence” (which would be quitting completely).
Woops…
What will your definition of “media” be? Obviously, turn off the TV. But what about watching TV shows on Google Video? What about listening to music? Obviously, a total media fast is nigh-on impossible, unless you live in a cabin, or maybe “a van, down by the river”. I’d say maybe they should pick their “favorite” media and stop using that for a week.
What
As you know, cultural observers have often warned the public about the dangers of staring at windows all day long.
The result is a syndrome that involves your field of vision turning completely blue, and your fingers involuntarily curling into the three-finger salute.
This kind of thing is only effective, though, if the person has readily available alternative activities. If they turn off their tv, then just sit at home staring out the window, it might not be so effective…
Sounds like a great plan, Linda.
i’m challenging my students to do it as part of our study of transcendentalism, it’s notliving in a cabin by a pond for 2 years, but it’s a start.