Comment on "Ethics in Entertainment Television"

This article written by Mary Ann Watson discusses how the term, "If you don't like what's on TV, just turn it off," is a "useless remedy." I completely agree with this view. Like you explain, it is as useful as saying, "If you're bothered by air pollution, just stop breathing;" it doesn't seem possible nor practical. It is as if these huge corporations do not even bother to come up with practical solutions, or they just don't take the time to care one way or the other. One of the solutions that she offers is sticking together as a community meaning that writers, actors, producers, directors, and all other participants will refuse to work in any type of entertainment that "celebrates senseless brutality, aimless cruelty, pointless, and violent death." She feels that together, we can make a difference; however, I must question how many people in the entertainment industry would be willing to give up certain jobs and opportunities because they are not socially pleasurable or beneficial. I have the feeling that many of these participants, not all, but many, are similar to the large companies in that they are only interested in making money and would not pass up opportunites that could make them a generous portion of profits. Although Watson points out that there are some who would make the sacrifice if it could possible benefit our society. For example, "there were more than 300 television professionals who signed a 'pledge of consience' which recognizes that state and motion pictures television are undeniably significant influences on American society." Three hundred is a very small handful in the many particiapants within the entertainment industry, but it is pleasing to know that there are some in the industry who are recognizing that the entertianment industry does have a huge impact on all of us and that they are trying to make a difference to make these imacts positive as opposed to negative.