Does TV Make You Stupid?
I’ve long believed that, contrary to popular opinion, television actually has enormous potential to improve intelligence. Steven Johnson makes that case in his latest book, “Everything Bad Is Good for You: How Today’s Popular Culture Is Actually Making Us Smarter“.
Why are the right kind of TV shows and video games good for kids? “[N]ot only are they learning valuable problem-solving skills, they’d probably do better on an IQ test than you or your parents could at their age. Go ahead and let them watch more television, too, since even reality shows can function as ‘elaborately staged group psychology experiments’ to stimulate rather than pacify the brain.”
It’s important to state that this isn’t an absolute – not all television is good. But Johnson argues the underlying premise behind television can, and often is, quite helpful to improving the mind.
One Response to “Does TV Make You Stupid?”
EXT – BACKYARD – MORNING – MEDIUM SHOT
As he is at the stern of the ship ‘o state, he raps on the foot of his little buddy, George, who is still asleep. We follow the skipper of the stricken vessel as he surveys the country and surrounding area.
SKIPPER
Hey George. (pause) George!
CUT TO: PREVIOUS SHOT
George hears his name and wakes up. Not knowing he’s on land, assumes the skipper has fallen overboard and reacts.
GEORGE
Oh my gosh! Man overboard!
He gets up and decides to save the skipper.
CUT TO: BACKYARD – SKYWARD SHOT – REAR OF SHIP ‘O STATE
GEORGE
I’ll save you skipper!!
George hurls himself off the rear of the ship ‘o state and thinks he’s diving into the ocean. He hits the sandy backyard instead.
CUT TO: BACKYARD – CLOSE UP – GEORGE
George is laying face down in the sand. He raises his head enough to spit out the sand and see the skipper kneeling next to him.
SKIPPER
George, America’s been beached!
GEORGE
Beached!? When the storm was over and it was calm you said we’d be home in no time!
SKIPPER
It may take longer.
GEORGE
But when the Americans wake up and want to get off at the next exit, what are we gonna tell ‘em?
SKIPPER
I’ll think of something.
GEORGE
How are we gonna get home!?
CUT TO: CLOSE UP OF AMERICA WITH JAGGED HOLES
GEORGE
(O.S.)
Look at those holes!
CUT TO: PREVIOUS SHOT
The skipper hearing enough whining from George and gives him a dirty look.
GEORGE
No skipper, I’m very happy to be here. I’m so happy I could kiss the ground!
George does just that and kisses the beach. He gets a mouth full of sand in the process.
GEORGE
This country tastes terrible!
(LAUGHTER)
END OF SCENE