Non-commercial Television Blog #9

So I feel all this debate over Sesame Street and children's programming is somewhat useless and unneccessary. They are arguing over whether it is more beneficial for children to learn cognitive skills or learn to use their imaginations. Obviously both these qualities are necessary for children to develop into moral and responsible adults. Can't we agree that most educational children's programming is doing more good than harm? Another thing about this debate is the emphasis put on these television shows. I don't think exposure to Sesame Street is really going to improve a child's chances of having a better education. I guess at least they are trying to educate kids, but I feel more of the responsibility should rest on the parents. Parents too easily pawn there kids off on the television set. Some television watching is alright for kids, but a lot of it is not all that stimulating or educational, and too much of a good thing is still too much. If parents paid more attention to what their kids were watching it would not be so detrimental. At least Sesame Street is not part of this capitalistic controlled children's tv. They aren't making this to get rich, instead they are offering more of a service to parents. Parents can sit their kids down in front of the tv and put Sesame Street on and know that it is at least better than other children's tv. And now the government doesn't want to fund public tv anymore. Well that is just riduculous considering that the amount they spend is so little in comparison to their other expenses. A show like Sesame Street should be complimented and held in a higher regard than regular children's programming, it should be supported by both parents and the govenment, not picked apart and ridiculed.