For A-Z Answers Only

The lessons for this module/week have explained many important reasons for Christians to study secular literature. Choose something from the lessons that you agree with or disagree with and explain your reasons. Both your thread and your reply must be well-planned, clearly articulated, and thorough.

 would like to discuss Lesson 2 in detail.  After reading the facts, I find myself agreeing with Neal Postman.  He believes in a balanced approach between educational media and reading.  

In lesson 2 we learn that television/electronics are watched and/or listened to over 20,000 hours by children from the age of 5 to 18.  I did not believe this but then began adding up the time spent on TV, IPAD, IPOD, etc.  We have even incorporated it into our classrooms.  I think this can become dangerous if we limit interaction and rely heavily on the device.  This should be managed appropriately.

Television is used today as a means to escape the real world.  We justify it by telling ourselves we deserve it because we’ve spent all day at work or at school.  This data negates that justification in that a child’s electronic media is double what the classroom/reading time is.  I find myself giving in because I feel sorry for my children after a long day’s work.  I also notice my children becoming like or acting out the actions of the characters they see on TV.  I have had to limit their exposure to certain things because of the actions I see.  Media can be a powerful tool both for the good and the bad.

The data also suggests that we are creating a world of narcissists.  When children watch television they are developing a “me-ism”.  Television is singular; It involves only you or me.  We have all the control, no penalties, and choose our involvement.  Time in the classroom and in other settings involve community.  It involves discussion, debating, and working through issues.  We lose some or most control.  I know for myself I like to watch TV so that I don’t have to think.  I want to avoid or hide from the community.  

I don’t believe we have to exclude all electronics and only read. I agree that the study of literature is vital as a counterpoint to television.  We need to exercise both sides of our brains.