Re- Television these days

Can you imagine life without TV?

'Soaps, as opposed to a drama series, are at their best implausible but at their worst they can actually affect some people’s concept of real life. I expect you have heard the term ‘life imitating art’, well in my experience it is certainly true of soaps.' Barbara Scott reacts to our piece on Television.

I was interested to read your piece on the influence that television has had on people in your country. Here in the UK we have had television for much longer of course and I believe it is a wonderful means of communicating ideas and educating the audiences that watch it. Not everyone is able to travel and see the world and learn about different cultures or view magnificent sights. Television makes this possible for anyone who is able to gain access to one. It is even more important to those who, for one reason or another, aren’t able to read the papers to find out what is going on in the world. Just like the radio was when it was first invented it is has enriched many people’s lives, especially in the developing world. It also has great entertainment value such as dramas, films, documentaries, quiz programmes and yes, even some of the soaps, or 'soap operas' as they were once known. Did you know the phrase originated in the US because the programmes were usually sponsored by companies producing soap products?

However, having said all that, television, like other forms of the media, also has a downside. I believe that sometimes that influence can be a negative one, especially in the world of ‘soaps’. I myself have no love of them so maybe I am prejudiced. Soaps, as opposed to a drama series, are at their best implausible but at their worst they can actually affect some people’s concept of real life. I expect you have heard the term ‘life imitating art’, well in my experience it is certainly true of soaps.

The story lines of the most popular ones in the UK are quite violent and the behavior of the characters both aggressive and confrontational. Escapism it might be but unfortunately I have noticed how it has rubbed off on some of those who watch them. The acceptance of bad behavior and use of abusive language seems more prevalent than it ever was. Everyone in these programmes seem to be so horrible to one another and the story lines are so negative. Yes, life can be like that sometimes but not ALL the time. I suppose it could be called harmless but there is evidence to suggest that isn’t always the case.

You may think that I am exaggerating but if anyone has ever watched any of them they will know what I mean. Of course the more dramatic and outrageous the plot the more followers the series will gain. There are so many murders, rapes, adulterous affairs, explosions, fires and road accidents it is a wonder there is anyone in the cast left to carry on! There are even people who believe these characters are real. They should be pitied but I find it a bit disconcerting. I often hear people discussing the plots as if they are happening to someone they know! Maybe it is an age thing with me but here they are watched almost from the cradle to the grave. Children are brought up with them as part of their life. Some people plan their social life round them, not going out until they have watched the latest episode. I am often looked upon as 'odd' because I don't follow any of them. That's fine by me. I was never one to follow the crowd.

The day they start to make a soap that leaves me feeling uplifted and inspired and manages to make me laugh occasionally will be the day I tune in. I think the chances of that are very slim don 't you?

Editor's comments:

Well I have to confess that in the past I used to relish in soap operas especially the ones whose themes specifically relate to my interest areas. The point is that nowadays, these operas are still entertaining their audience I agree but my bone of contention is about the art of imitation which you dealt with exponentially. The more we watch them, the more we tend to imitate and be like them.

EB