No Television For Ten Years - And I Don't Miss It!

To Whom It May Concern:

I was introduced to television as a child and well-remember years of Captain Kangaroo and Howdy Doody on black and white TVs that often looked similar to the one above with bad reception, even though we lived in the San Francisco Bay Area. Nevertheless, I had to get my fill of Mr. Greenjeans and the silly moose ... funny how those things stay with us throughout life.

I watched TV often while growing up - and remember Dark Shadows when it first was aired and the original Star Trek and Batman and the Adams Family. Those were good times, despite the commercials.

My father told me that movie theaters at one time slipped photos of drinks and popcorn in between frames on movies, to make people think they needed to go spend money on refreshments. He said this became illegal but he wondered if television would be used for brainwashing in similar ways. At the time I didn't think much about it. I hadn't noticed any brainwashing going on except for those commercials. Calgon, take me away!

I watched television intermittently for many years, throughout the childhoods of my three oldest children, and ten years into the childhoods of my two youngest. Then I finally understood. That entertainment box was robbing me of time I could use in my creative pursuits.

Ten years ago I quit watching television, and you know what? I don't miss it! During the past ten years I've written more than ten novels. I've also become an artist after many years of thinking I wasn't good enough. Now I know that practice makes perfection, and that it takes time and peace of mind. I have that peace of mind now that I no longer spend time vegetating in front of a TV set!

I know you probably miss me more than I miss you. You wanted me to be influenced by your commercials. You wanted me to believe the propaganda news and to be brainwashed by your programming. Hmmm. Maybe there's a reason you call it "programming"... am I right?

Sometimes I feel out of touch with others in our civilization. When I was working a few years ago co-workers would start impassioned conversations about soap operas or other TV shows and I would be totally left out as I didn't indulge... but for the most part, lack of television in my life hasn't caused any problems at all.

I have to admit, during the last presidential campaign, I was puzzled by friends who became obsessed with their candidate of choice. After some shock and frustration, I finally realized they may have been brainwashed by what they'd seen on TV. Perhaps subliminal messages were used, and ideas implanted that made people act like crazies. I was unaffected by all this, except as an observant bystander.

I know you'd like to get your tentacles into my house but it isn't happening. My partner also doesn't miss TV.. though we do watch movies on DVD. Those too are often created to brainwash and we analyze producer motivations, and hopefully don't get sucked in.

Anyhow, TV, it was a trip growing up with you. I regret the many hours I allowed my children to be filled with your hogwash - especially some of the newer programs for children that are pure trash. But I can't go back and fix it. I can only go forward and say with complete gratitude that I'm free from your influence in my life and don't miss you at all!

Unless you can get over the control-trip of using your influence to placate the masses while brainwashing them, I don't see much use for you. I did like some educational channels, but most of the rest was a waste of my time.

Sincerely,

A California Woman...