Watching the box watch peter h
Watching the box watch peter hWatching The Box Watch Peter Hamill
The medium of television is perhaps the most prevalent leveling factor in American society today- almost every household in America owns a television set, a device centered around a cathode ray tube which is designed to bring two-dimensional illusionary sights and sounds to its viewers. As seen in articles such as Peter Hamill's "Crack in the Box", or in the collection of letters called "Watching
TV", there are many strong and contradictory takes on the role television plays in society today. It would appear from a cursory look at the text that there is currently a debate raging across the United States of America centered upon defining the virtues and vices exhibited by television. One side says television is an important communicator of ideas at best, and a harmless amusement at worst. The other claims that television is a trap, a snare which can corrupt the minds of America. Most people, I believe (without any great mass of conclusive evidence), do not take any part in this debate. They're much too busy watching Julia Child teach how one should choose the ingredients for Beef Wellington or enjoying the high humor and quick wit of some cartoon or comic opera.
In "Watching TV", three citizens share their personal experience with television and conception of the medium and its role in their individual lives. The writers are not professional journalists or professional commentators. Instead, they are members of the general public who felt the need (in response to a segment in The Sun magazine) to share their view with others. The opinions expressed are written in a straightforward manner, and hopefully reflect the true thoughts of the writers. Two general positions are supported by the letters, which oppose each other: 1)television is basically good for people, 2)television is basically bad for people.
The first letter comes from R. Lurie, of Santa Fe, New Mexico. She or he relates to the reader how television allows a great level of intimacy between viewer and viewed, without the complications of real life. This openness is contrasted to the "real" relationships which she or he has had, where pain and emotional exhaustion play a great part in limiting intimacy (603). Lurie explains how the appearance given by television that life can be conclusive, can have carefully delineated stages, contrasts with her own reality, where such conclusiveness is lacking, and gives her comfort (603).
Allegreta Behar-Blau of Woodland Hills, California is somewhat less enthusiastic in her support of television. She appreciates television as a place where she can retreat to from the daily grind of life. She explains how television offered her company when she was living alone (604) Television was "her best friend", though she was ashamed at being so enamoured of something which many consider "stupid and banal" (604). Once...
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