It's been said before, often jokingly, that we enter this world crapping in our pants, and God willing, may reach our 80s or 90s and end up doing the same thing as we knock on death's door. I realized today that some children's TV programs are likewise preparing us for our elder years in another way.
My great-grandmother, hard of hearing and becoming physically frail, reportedly used to shout back at the TV during her waning months. She either didn't understand what a TV was (growing up before electricity, indoor plumbing or cars) or in her geriatric fog thought someone was actually talking to her.
Well, on my regular Monday father-son bonding day, me and the Cutlet were catching a few cartoons before his midday nap (which at 3 p.m. he still hasn't taken). In two shows, characters would ask a question of the kids watching, wait for an answer, and then respond generically to make it seem like they actually heard what watching kids said. Are such programs deception, or are they attempting to make us accept that years from now, in our old age, in between bites of creamed corn, the only people who will listen to us anymore are on TV?
Maybe it's time for me to visit my grandmother in the nursing home and do some serious listening, even if she doesn't have much to say.
what a sad thought...that the only people who will listen to me are on T.V. at times, however, i feel this way in my 20's.
I talk to the tv, the radio and even to the pets. I remember the 70s when we talked to the plants... Now granted others do listen to me, but at times it's nice to talk to the "things" cause I dont have to watch what or how I say anything.
Go talk to grandma, it always amazes me what we can learn from them without even knowing they taught us something.
Love your blog. I worked in nursing homes for three years as Rehab Director - no, not alcohol and drug rehab, but I have to say the greatest people society forgets are in nursing homes.
And I scream at the TV and the dogs. Maybe I'm a candidate for placement at 35.
Come see me. Found you on Sarcastic Journalist. I'm still waiting for God to smile on me and get on her link list - I'll probably win the lottery first.