The positive Side of Television

Television is looked at from many parents as a monster, eating at children’s minds and hearts. Some parent’s have even gone so far to not allow their kids to even watch television. But, I feel that it had a greater positive impact on me, rather than negative. I know I learned a lot about different cultures, how to react to different situations, and even school lessons through the TV, just to name a few. I think that people should realize the fact that television might be better for their children than they might first think. The three television shows that stand out the most in my childhood are Arthur, Sesame Street, and Full House.
I loved the show Arthur as a child, and honestly, I might not mind watching it still today. I truly feel that I learned a lot of life lessons from that show. Sure, the show was really about an aardvark, but I felt that I really related well to him. I was the same age as Arthur when I first started watching it. I remember Arthur being put in different situations and often learning the hard way how to respond. I can specifically remember Arthur learning how to react to a new “strange” kid at school. I remember him interacting with his friends and me thinking how I do some of the same things with my friends. I also specifically remember Arthur dealing with his rotten sister, DW. I felt like I had several DWs in my life and I tried to do what Arthur did to deal with them. I know I made some decisions as a young person by what I thought Arthur would do. Arthur defiantly influenced my behavior as a child.
The second show I know that made an impact on my childhood was Sesame Street. I know children, like me, can learn a lot of things from learning shows like Sesame Street. I remember my Grandmother turning it on for me every day before I was in school and she babysat me. I know I learned some of the alphabet and numbers from Mr. Count and Elmo. Those songs were just so catchy. I also remember learning about different cultures from Sesame Street, because they often showed children from around the country and world. I learned about cultures such as Hispanic, Latino, and African American. I would have never known about them without television, because the lovely town of Owensboro does not have much culture diversity. The show has taught me many different things that I will continue to carry with me my whole life.
The final show I remember as a child is Full House. I believe this show truly taught me what a family is, and how it does not always have to be what most would call, “traditional.” I learned that not every family has a mother, and sometimes other people can be considered family, even though they are not blood related. I also related well to having some crazy family members like Joey in the show; I have a few “Joeys” in my own family. Full House is still one of my favorite shows because it is good, clean, and funny show. Even though it is not said to be a children’s show, you never have to worry about something unacceptable coming on it. I learned a lot from the show Full House.
I honestly believe that I would not be the person I am today without television. Shows like Arthur, Sesame Street, and Full House have taught me many different lessons that apply to me life today. I hope parent’s will look at the TV in a better light and see that you can also use it as a learning tool for your children. Television can teach a lot to eager young people like I was as a child. Television is not a monster if used in the right light.