I'm going to ask you a question. You may avoid asking yourself this question for fear of what your answer might shine light on. But its important to answer it. Why do you watch what you watch? When it comes to television and film, what is it that you are watching, and why are you watching it?
Everyone has their stance on media. And everyone has their own feelings about having cable television. And whether you choose to have cable or not, that isn't where this question is going. Because really, even without cable t.v., there is Netflix and an array of other ways to get shows whenever you want them. (It seems like every 173 days Matt and I have the conversation about whether or not cable needs to come in or stay out. Currently, it has been staying out.)
But its important to ask yourself the question. And after you ask it, the door might open to other questions. Like this one that slammed me straight on as I was thinking about a recent show Matt and I just started watching. Am I watching a show because it won awards, and I was told that it is the best in television cinematography, editing, and character development? Am I watching a show because everyone is saying "this show, you've just gotta watch it"? Is that why? Is there something else I could be watching, or instead just choose to turn if off --gasp-- entirely?
So what if the storyline, plot, and the lives of the characters in what we watch conflict with the choices and morals we hold with high esteem in real life? What if what we watch completely misaligns with our lives and what we want to have filling up our time, or even more importantly, our minds? I'm just going to name a few: Dexter. Breaking Bad. Orange is the New Black, Gossip Girl. Real Housewives. etc. (PS, I'm totally guilty of watching if not a little to a lot of many of these shows--and yes we can still be friends if one of these are your favorites!). I may be an exception to the norm, and overly sensitive to the things I watch and allow myself to get wrapped up in when it comes to television--but even if that is 100% true, and I am a little bit weighted to one side in my opinion, is it not still important to be a little more tuned in to ourselves about the things we tune on?
So ask yourself. Why are you watching what you are watching? What is on that screen in front of you? As a movie lover, I don't like to ask it myself. I don't like asking it because it causes me to turn off shows that are otherwise thrilling and perhaps a bit uncomfortable and are made to draw me in. But for me, it is important to answer honestly and translate the answer--do I keep watching, or do I not?
Living a life with intention, and being mindful about the choices we make, are often superseded by things like television. Blatant fact. I'm guilty. You're guilty. Truth be told. But I don't want things that are meaningless to hold more weight in my life than life itself--you know? That is why its important to ask the question. And not just this particular question, and not just with television, but with everything.
Some more food for thought over here >>What squeezes out of your life?
photo via Pinterest
