For and against Popular TV Shows and Media Essay

For and against Popular TV Shows and Media - Essay Example Sherry Turkle is also not happy about the manner in which cell phones and computers are undermining our public spaces and community. On the other hand, Steven Johnson argues that, though certain TV shows and video games do ‘dumb us down’ the sophisticated ones deepen our intelligence and even Amy Goldwasser has asked to broaden our negative mindsets on modern sources of information and communication i.e. the e-mail and internet. It is Gerald Graff, who concludes the debate by pointing out that it is not only necessary to consider what media texts the audience consumes, but what matters is the content that we absorb and the intellectual attention that we give it. In his words, â€Å"It matters less whether we read Marvel comics or Macbeth, as long as we theorize about it in analytical intellectual ways†. The dialogue from ‘The Sleeper’ stresses upon discerning subtle humor and the ability to analyze a complex social situation. Steven Johnson is arguing against the generalized view that television is encouraging violence and anti-social behavior. He tries to point out the merits of allowing children to watch popular TV shows like ER, Fear Factor, Law, and Order or Grand theft Auto and other reality or gaming shows that will develop the cognitive abilities in your child. The belief that acts of violence in Iraq and Guantanamo was mitigated due to the influence of hit TV series â€Å"24† which led to audiences either committing crimes themselves or causing them to tolerate acts of violence is not correct. We must keep in mind that Hit TV series like ‘24’ have multiple narrative threads and story-lines.. ‘24’ has twenty-one distinct characters, with, a clearly defined personality, who have motivations, obstacles and a specific relationship with other characters.