There’s no doubt that 70′s TV reflected a more politically aware, socially responsible era. And you’re right – the subtext in today’s “entertainment” needs to be both recognized AND pointed out.

Thanks for doing so!

Eric

Now the most popular shows are talent contests that admit to very little in the way of values and police procedurals where the main values presented are those of homogeneity, conformity and reverence for authority (all the crimes on the various CSIs are committed by and happen to people who are somehow decadent or nonconforming).

I think that part of the problem with commercial media today, vs. yesterday, is just the vast amount of time to be filled. You’re going to have to throw things together quickly. And the amount of competition has led to a race to the bottom, of who can be the most disgusting, cruel, and base. It’s also limited what chances people are allowed to take, instead of the encouraging more creative programming to fill those hours. Plus, shows aren’t given a chance. Before, they were given time to find their footing, instead of being canned after four episodes. Not that Donna Reed and Johnny Quest were the pinnacle of artistic entertainment, mind you, but overall I think shows were a little less, hm, antisocial, let’s say.

Secondly, before, people would get ideas for shows, and they’d have to go out and find sponsors in order to make the show. But the point was to create something entertaining. Now, I almost feel that the entire point of commercial media is, well, to be commercial. To sell us things and lifestyles, as another medium of the advertising industry, and the show is simply the platform.

And I have to say, while I was frustrated with my parents at the time, now I’m downright glad that my memories are not taken up with memories of Who’s the Boss.