When my stepson brought his new wife to stay at our home for the first time, we could not wait to watch his face while telling embarrassing stories about his childhood, like the time he refused to go into the pool because he didn't want to get his new bathing suit wet.
We especially wanted to share with her the fact that throughout his young life we frequently compared him to Jake, the character on "Two and a Half Men." However, we soon discovered that our new daughter-in-law had never heard of the Charlie Sheen sitcom. In fact, she had not heard of most popular television shows because she grew up in a home where there was no TV. Instead, she and her sisters spent their childhood days on a ranch out West caring for and riding horses, hiking, camping, swimming, fishing, riding four-wheelers and helping their dad with chores and his woodworking hobby.
I could not imagine growing up without television. Our family television set at home, housed in a console, was the focal point in our living room. It is where we gathered to watch TV after dinner and to watch Saturday morning cartoons like "The Flintstones," "The Jetsons" and "Speed Racer." Without the internet, it was also where we watched the news and learned about current events and witnessed historic moments.
Of course, in the summertime, TV lost its impact because we spent our days outdoors with all the other neighborhood kids, but we did enjoy sitcoms like "All in the Family," "Laverne & Shirley," "M*A*S*H," "The Brady Bunch," "Full House" and "Happy Days," all of which spawned iconic characters. And, as we got older, sitcoms like "Everybody Loves Raymond," "Friends" and "Frasier" were the popular shows to watch.
Today, dramas, especially those revolving around police and detective work, like "Law & Order" and the various "CSI" franchises, replay often at our house. Who among us has not watched a marathon of "Law & Order SVU" on a quiet weekend at home?
Our current favorites include talent shows like "American Idol" and "America's Got Talent," reality shows like "Survivor" and "Hell's Kitchen" and current dramas, including "911," "Blue Bloods" and "FBI." We also enjoy detective shows, shows about the paranormal and news programs. We also occasionally catch a game show like "To Tell the Truth" and "Family Feud." And, of course, we watch sports.
Despite television's importance in bringing us news, sports, music and entertainment, however, there is something to learn from a person who grew up without it. All of us need to put down the remote and go back to a childhood-like summer when we spent the days outdoors. There are paths to walk with the dogs, neighbors to talk to, books to read and music to listen to. And above all, we need to spend more time with our friends and loved ones.
And, even though I recognize that TV is not the most important thing in life, I will still try to get my stepson's wife to watch "Two and a Half Men" when she comes to visit again. I may also try to convince her to watch at least one episode of "Law & Order."
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