It is universally believed that
the television, though a great medium of entertainment, is called the ‘idiot
box’ for a reason. They say you miss out on life and don’t get any real life
experiences. You don’t go out, fall down, get up again and learn from your
mistakes. You watch nonsensical, mind numbing shows and movies all day long. So
in a nut shell, it turns you into an idiot.
I beg to differ.
I feel that watching TV hour after
hour has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. And I don’t
mean this simply from the point of view of the endless laughs, countless gun
fights, chilling frights or thrilling suspense. I mean this from the point of
view of real life lessons.
TV showed me the meaning of life…
F.R.I.E.N.D.S. and How I Met Your Mother have taught me that life is more than your
job. It doesn’t matter what you do at work. In fact, it doesn’t even matter if you work. What matters is what you do
when you are not at work. They have taught me that the moments that you will
always remember come when you least expect it. Having a beer with people who
get you is more important than spreadsheets, budgets and targets. So get
out….and have some fun…
TV taught me about people…..
Weeds, Dexter, Swordfish and Prison Break have taught me that people who do things that are
traditionally thought of as bad, are not always bad. 24 has taught me that people who do things ‘for the greater good’,
are not always good. Leverage has
shown me that “good or bad people” is simply a matter of where you stand. John Q showed me that good people do bad
things while Fast Five showed me that
bad people can do good things.
TV taught me about family…
Star Wars showed me that even guys have
daddy issues. Thor taught me that
even Gods have daddy issues. Harry Potter
was proof that your parents never truly leave you alone. Home Alone was proof that sometimes your parents will literally
leave you alone.
TV gave me direction…
Fight Club and Transporter taught me to play by the rules. Pirates of the Caribbean taught me that rules are more a set of
guidelines. South Park, Family Guy and
Seinfeld taught me the importance of
laughing at myself. Never take yourself too seriously. The Hulk was evidence of what pent up anger can do. Californication taught me that “Shit be
Happening”. Sound of Music taught me
that it’s alright to break into song and dance about nothing at all.
TV helped me decide what sort of
person to be….
The Big Bang Theory told me that it’s alright to be a
geek. You can still have a good job, fun friends and a hot girlfriend. Batman Begins told me that it’s not who
I am underneath, but what I do that defines me. Superman taught me that it’s not what I do, but who I am that’s
important.
TV taught me about clothes….
In Pursuit of Happiness taught me that clothes don’t make
a man. Suits, Pretty Woman, the Ocean’s movies and Men in Black taught me that no matter what I do, it matters what I
wear. Barney taught me that a suit can be worn anywhere. Superman taught me the importance of underwear.
TV gave me an insight into work….
The Devil wears Prada taught me that a job you’re not
cut out for can be a stepping stone to something better. The Firm and The Godfather
taught me how to deal with politics at work. House and N.C.I.S. showed
me that if your boss is an ass, he’s doing it for your own good. Horrible Bosses showed me that if your
boss is an ass, he is an ass. Charlie’s
Angles showed me that if you only talk to your boss on the phone, it’s the
best situation.
TV taught me about love….
Gone with the Wind taught me that I shouldn’t give a
damn. Ghost taught me the true
meaning of undying love. Corpse Bride taught
me about undead love. Star Trek taught
me to love aliens. Free Willy and Ace Ventura taught me to love animals. Planet of the Apes taught me to love
alien animals. Castle, F.R.I.E.N.D.S. and
Bones taught me that if you really
love someone, to be patient about it. Marshall and Lily taught me not to be
patient. To impress a girl, Ross taught me to be caring and considerate. The Ugly Truth taught me to be
obnoxious.
TV taught me about women…
Sex and the City taught me that women are a lot
like men. Mrs. Doubtfire and White Chicks
taught me that sometimes, women are men.
TV taught me about God…
Bruce Almighty taught me that God has a sense of
humour. Clash of the Titans taught me
that God is as flawed as man. Bewithched showed
me that the Devil….is a woman.
TV taught me to question…
The Matrix asked me to question everything
because nothing is what it seems. Don’t believe in something just because
somebody told you it was so. Inception
backed it up.
TV gave me culture….
My Fair Lady taught me English. Amelie taught me French. Star Trek taught me Klingon. Avatar taught me Navi. The Thomas Crown Affair, Ocean’s Twelve
and White Collar taught me art. As
did the Da Vinci Code. Spartacus taught
me about ancient Rome. Troy taught me
about ancient Greece.
So what are you doing reading
this? Go learn something…go watch some TV….
