(ThyBlackMan.com) Many aspects of modern life in America are shaped by ideas and actions we see on our televisions. Scripted shows beaming out of television screens influence what Americans consider fashionable, from our mannerisms to our ideas about family structure, life goals, health trends, body image, and morals. The primary media for this form of indoctrination are commercials, sitcoms, movies, infomercials, music videos, sports and news broadcasts. Americans receive their lessons in social acceptability not in schools or churches but in front of televisions, computer screens, tablets, and smart phones.
The idea of the “American Dream” has been propagated through television screens, brainwashing Americans to believe that all 
citizens have an equal opportunity for upward mobility in our societal structure, which rivals India’s former caste system. The much accepted but never questioned ideology that equates social status and self-worth with acquisition of material items has left Americans disillusioned, tired, depressed, and burdened with debt.
I love when people profess their individuality and uniqueness: “I don’t follow anybody, I do my own thing” (LIES). People, claim they are not influenced by the latest trend or philosophies shown on the television screen. Yet, while they say this, they are dressed in name-brand, socially acceptable attire, holding an iPhone, updating their Facebook page, walking towards their six-passenger SUV that consistently has only one passenger.
Social pressure is very hard to ignore, but we must be men and women who question what we are being told by asking if this proposed lifestyle of mindless consumption is beneficial to mankind. Television only shows one side of an idea. Sprite uses Lebron James to sell its refreshing lemon- lime taste, while leaving out the fact that Sprite is carbonated water mixed with high fructose corn syrup, made in a factory, and is unhealthy. The beautiful images and slogans on television have swayed the masses to partake in actions that financially benefit the corporation, but are detrimental to the consumers who must contend with their insecurities, whether financial or psychological.
Americans accumulate so many unused things that we have a multi-million dollar storage industry to house things we are not using. Now we are paying a monthly fee to house unused items, yet we are still in Target on the weekend buying more things. This is not rationale behavior.
Who told us to medicate ourselves by swiping a card at a cash register? Who told us that our quality of life would be enhanced by the name stitched on our clothing? Why are we as a society paying a monthly cable bill to be manipulated into behaviors that are psychologically, emotionally, and financially detrimental? You have allowed television to do enough damage in your life. The damage can stop right now by pressing one button “OFF”.
Staff Writer; Linton Hinds Jr.
Official website; http://Livity.info/
