Reading Reflections for “Making Room For TV”

This article written by Lynn Spigel discusses how the television set has become an integral part of the domestic atmosphere. Spigel begins by discussing how the television began to develop into the home space in 1940. The main draw to television is that it was something for the entire family to gather around and enjoy together. With the introduction of the television into the home came what many would consider the decline of the family. Before the television, legend has it that families were forced to sit in the living room and discuss life and engage in playing cards together (or something like that). Television created a medium that allowed the family to have community without discussion, persay. Since then, the television has only became more integrated in our lives. Now, families can all be in the same room and be watching different things due to the power of multiple streaming devices.

While many would argue that this has declined the family, I would disagree, as “different” doesn’t always mean “worse”. I believe our society gets too caught up it reverting to past ways. While less conversation may happen, being in the prescence of family members is still valuable and sought after. Perhaps the activity of watching separately actually allow strengthening of the individual , which in turn ultimately strengthens the family. Much of my childhood was spent watching things my father watches: football games, classic rock documentaries, and Fox News. What if I had access to my own personal devices prior to when I gained initial access? As it stands now, I love football, I enjoy classic rock documentaries, and I follow politicis and affiliate myself with the political party that many consider Fox News to be affiliated with. Would my interests and ideas be different? Would I even be the same person? Each of these things are ideas that are not usually presented in the traditional arguments of how television has affected our life, but I believe each of these things should be considered.