Friday 9 March 2012

TV Is Good for You

Article Link: http://www.slate.com/articles/business/the_dismal_science/2007/08/tv_is_good_for_you.html

Response Essay

Television is a box full of magical shows that are both entertaining and enlightening. It has various types of channels that relate to news, entertainment, music, sports and general knowledge. People of the 21st century feel that televisions are no great deal. They have grown so accustomed to televisions, that they have started to take it for granted. But there are still many people in the world who don't have access to televisions. I feel that televisions are good for women because it provides them with knowledge of what is going on around the world and broadens their perspective.

Television makes women more independent and open-minded. The condition of women has gradually changed all over the world. Women have transformed from voiceless statues to empowered world-changers. People no longer consider women inferior to men. Television has played a major role in empowering women, especially those who live in rural India. After watching shows on televisions, women have realized that they have as much right to life as the men have. Women in rural India have now started to work as teachers, assistants, typewriters and even in the field. The stereotype image of women has dissolved in tides of time. In Indian history their have been a few women who have had their names immortalized by virtues of their actions. These include Rani Lakshmi Bai, Mother Teressa etc. But none of them have been influential enough to inspire women to change. The women of rural India remained subordinated to their husbands. The ancient Indian society was patriarchal. But as time changed, so did people's mentality. Women in India are no longer weaker as compared to men. Many of them have surpassed the achievements of men in the fields of sports, politics and business. Shows in television has shown women that they can do great things. It has made them optimistic and individualistic. These include TV shows like "Udaan", "Castle", "Balika Vadhu", to name a few.

Television provides women with information on how the world is changing around them and how they can improve their status. Women in India were always told that they have to listen to their husband and father. Thus they accepted subjugation without any complaints. But television has helped them realize that women all over the world are no longer inferior to men. TV channels like "Travel and Living", "Discovery", "Star Plus", "Colors" etc. show how the condition of women is improving. It inspire women to take up jobs and make something of their lives. Women in many parts of the world have started working. In countries like USA, more women go to college than men. Women in India are also gradually getting used to the idea that they can work. In cities this idea had originated since the 1990's but in rural India it has started from the 2000's. Women's status improved in villages after cables were introduced. The condition of women in rural India might not have improved only because of the introduction of cable, but television did help change them and improve their status.

Television has caused women in rural India to protest against unjust treatment and be active socially. The 21st century woman in rural India is far different from the 20th century woman in rural India. Nowadays women in villages have started to take part in the village 'panchayat.' Women have rallied to improve their condition. They have also demanded that they should be given the right to be a part of making decisions that involve them. Simply put women do not want to be let alone. Soap operas and new of feminist movements has inspired these women to rally for better treatment. They no longer want to be left alone to look after the house and children. They want to do what they believe in. Women in India have not forgotten their obligations toward their family. They however have become the "new women." Women in rural India no longer want to have babies and have been made aware of the use of condoms to prevent fertilization. This is due to the governments initiative of broadcasting these public awareness advertisements on the television.

Television has its pros and cons. It has shows that can make you a couch potato and it has shows that can get you to act. But all in all it has inspired the women of the world, especially rural India, to improve their condition.



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