adminChiedza Matenga
Television has taken over family time in many homes. Long back in the village after supper, Grandma would let us gather by the fire. We would either play a game or she would tell us a folktale or ngano as we know it. And it was quite obvious that all these tales had a motive behind them. We would get to know our personal history through oral tradition. The history would be traced back right from the beginning and this did not involve any evolution.
Nowadays television has become our teacher and we have quite a different culture deep within us. We are influenced by what is said in and through the media.
Our fashion sense can come from television and from stars mostly the rich and famous. Our lifestyles are influenced to some degree by those of Beyonce, Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez to mention but a few not even to mention our own stars.
How our celebrities dress determines what wardrobe we end up having as well. Formal wear has become a thing of the past with casual wear being called “best dressed”. African attires are worn by the elderly only and if by any chance you do wear one, you are labelled old fashioned.
Television has killed family time and children, mostly teens opt to have supper in their bedrooms watching television. Violence influences them to think the easiest way to solving an issue is to go violent over it.
In a school rampage at Columbine High in Littleton, Colorado, in April 1999 many high school students died in a shooting and it is said people were quick to blame the media. Children become deviants through watching television.
Teen mothers are on the increase as the type of music listened to becomes influential to experiment. Couch potatoes become obese because of television as well. If an individual can watch seven to 13 hours of television without any exercise then the fact is there are bound to pile up. You do not burn the fat thus it stays in your body and become obese.
Our general and customary greeting terms have become less respectful. We use slang and cannot even go on our knees to greet an elderly neighbour. It just has to be the now words and at most in English.
Quiz shows can be held on the history of Zimbabwe but a few know about our own history with some opting to know about other countries. Is it because the media makes things look more convincing or is it that it is high time we up our grades and move along with the new era? Whatever the case may be, let us be mindful of what we watch and how much impact it has upon our lives.
Like Pastor Chris Oyakhilome says: “Whatever you watch, whatever you listen to those are your teachers!”
Online Reporter