Has Television Become to Suggestive for Children?

As ive grown from a child to an adult, there has arguably been a dramatic change in the themes and content of television shows, including childrens shows. Shows such as "Spongebob Squarepants" or "Scooby-Doo", are primarily for elementary school aged kids, but can be enjoyed by all audiences. The dialogue resembles such of an adult, with strong references and cliché's to grown-up concerns and interests. The concepts and morals of these episodes are no longer elementary, but "adult" like and less educational. The only thing missing is curse words, but i woudn't be surprised if cursing in children's shows is allowed one day. I'm more concerned about how this may change society, and if censorship and limits of Media will ultimately be non-existing in time. People already are negatively influenced by the media as it is. As i explained in a past blog (Blog Post #2), violence and mature content tend to be more appealing to the general audience. Shows like "Spongebob Squarepants" can be used to attract not just an immature audience, but adults as well and still be considered as a children's show. The word "suggestive" best explains the silent manner of promoting mature content through these types of shows, with little concern of whether or not kids are smart enough to pick it up and adapt to it. However, the sad thruth of the matter is that kids are easily influenced, especially to what seems "right" or ok to replicate. Kids try to grow up faster or use language that is to "fast" for their age, which is mainly the result of the loose content the media promotes.

Media Coverage of Major World Events Ultimately Improving through Technological Advances.

Throughout american history, people have made it important that all significant events be remembered and documented by any means neccessary. Mostly all facets of media are technological innovations such as the radio, television, computer, etc. Each having a part in broadcasting major events in our world history. But something as "primitive" as the radio is treated to be less handy in current times. Although the radio had been extremely popular back during World War II, in today's time, controversy throughout the world and society can be captivated by just the video camera on your cell phone. A "Visual Aid" to life has been developed by the advancement of T.V., Computers, and cellular phones, where incredible footage can be exposed, developing new ideas and controversy. Take for example the plane attacks of 9/11. Footage of the first crash was amazingly caught on camera. This created critical analyzations of the attacks, which wouldn't have reached the same extent if never witnessed.

Major events in the world are now popularized as not just threats, but helping to shape our society. As the media grows, different concepts of promotion and advertising grow as well. The drive to consume as much information as possilbe overwhelmingly high. And why woudn't it be? Technology exist almost everywhere now, and because of this information is shared a lot quicker than has ever before.

Cell phones have become the main sources of information, where the internet and video are accessible and "texting" information is quite common.

"BARTMAN" the created Villian of the Media

In 2003, a man named Steve Bartman became one of the most imfamous people in sports history without ever playing a professional sport. During the 6th inning of a Major League Baseball game (Chicago Cubs versus Florida Marlins) Bartman subconsciously reacted to a foul ball heading his way. However, his interference with the play prevented the Cubs outfeilder to make the play and potentially win the game. As the game carried on, the Cubs began to slowly pull away from winning, almost as if that play alone had cursed them for the rest of the game. Bartman had recieved an excessive amout of abuse, with people cursing at him and throwing food at him as well. Although this was only one mistake, the media quickly popularized it into a sports "scandal".

The media is excellent a making one person a super star. Whether he or she is positively viewed or not, it seems to not serve as important. If this is the case, a person can become a star or an enemy for just about anything and can be known world wide for just the smallest incident. Pertaining to Bartman, the media had no mercy. The critisism news and sports networks gave him was primarily negative and mean. As a result, Bartman's life turned around quickly as he grew as a public enemy. The need for body gaurds and protection against angry Cubs fans was ultimately necessary as Bartman recieved numerous threats to his life. It's unbelievable how people can take such a small incident so seriously and explode negative energy to one person. It's also interesting how the media can feed off of it just to create a spark in our culture.