Bhutan, TV, and Me, Part 1

I came across a fascinating article from 2003 on England’s Guardian website. The article describes the effects of television on the people and culture of Bhutan, the last nation in the world to introduce television. The authors noted that newspapers had been receiving letters such as this:

“Dear Editor, TV is very bad for our country… it controls our minds… and makes [us] crazy. The enemy is right here with us in our own living room. People behave like the actors, and are now anxious, greedy and discontent.”

What does this have to do with you and me? The last two sentences jump out to me because of the clarity and discernment shown. Yes, much of what is on TV is antithetic to the core beliefs and values of many people. Do we want our children to be disrespectful and our husbands and wives to lustily watch people more attractive than us? Why do we allow shows into our living room (or bedroom, or kids’ bedrooms) to demonstrate the very behaviors that we frown upon?

At the very least, this editorial comment from one of the most remote areas on Earth should make us think about what we allow into our living rooms. Is this something you’ve considered? Think about it. Then find life away from the television.