She Said TV was evil.

 

This picture isn't of my grandmother, but when I think back on my grandma’s opinions about television, I can still hear her adamant insistence that it was inherently “evil.” To her, that glowing screen (to which she turned her back) was not just a device; it was a powerful force capable of leading people astray. Now, decades later, I’ve realized that while I once thought her perspective was extreme, she might have seen something I didn’t. With today’s overwhelming media landscape, her concerns about “true/false bombardment” resonate more than ever.
Growing up, my grandmother held strong convictions about the world, shaped by her generation's values and cultural influences. She believed that television could degrade morals and pull families apart. In her eyes, it was more than just a new source of entertainment—it was an intrusion that disrupted family conversations and blurred the line between reality and fiction.
In her day, information was a precious resource. There were fewer sources of information, and news was delivered with a certain sense of authority. Most people relied on local newspapers, radios, or word of mouth, and all media carried a slower, more measured approach to information. When television emerged, it brought a new immediacy and visual allure that had never been seen before, reshaping the way people received and interpreted the world.

The fear of television was not unique to my grandmother. Many people of her time believed that this new medium could foster a sense of detachment from reality. Some viewed it as morally compromising, a way for Hollywood and advertisers to influence personal values. Religious beliefs also played a role, as some saw TV as a potential catalyst for eroding traditional values, family unity, and respect for others.

Television wasn’t just entertainment; it became a cultural force. TV altered daily routines brought new ideas into homes, creating a shared experience that connected and divided audiences. In a way, my grandmother sensed a cultural shift away from the simplicity of her upbringing toward a more complex and connected world where ideas could be broadcast to millions.
Fast-forward to today and my grandmother’s concerns about TV seem quite quaint compared to the current media landscape. Today’s media is an endless flow of information coming at us from every angle—social media, 24-hour news cycles, streaming services, and more. With this influx, it’s harder than ever to separate truth from fiction, and the concept of “true/false bombardment” has become a real issue.

This constant stream of information magnifies my grandmother’s old fears. We now face the challenge of navigating a digital world that often blurs fact and opinion. It’s a delicate dance of figuring out what’s real and what’s biased, and it requires an almost constant awareness that wasn’t necessary in her time.
When I look back at my grandmother’s view through a modern lens, I realize that calling TV “evil” wasn’t about the technology itself. It was about the potential effects on our thoughts and choices. Is technology inherently bad, or does it depend on how we use it? Her warnings about TV seem almost prophetic when you consider today’s tech-driven world, where screens dominate every waking moment. Today, with so much information at our fingertips, her cautionary tales about “evil” media seem more like practical advice.

It’s easy to get swept away by sensational headlines or trending stories, but skepticism keeps us from accepting everything at face value. In a world where everyone has a platform, a healthy dose of questioning protects us from falling into misinformation traps.

One lesson my grandmother’s perspective taught me is the importance of personal choice. We can’t control the media landscape, but we can control how much of it we let influence us. Setting boundaries helps us maintain a sense of agency, especially in matters of local, national, and global urgency. As I navigate today’s world of instant information – good or alarming- via the internet, smartphones, and social media, her wisdom echoes in my mind, guiding me to seek balance and stay mindful.
Looking back, my grandmother’s views on television taught me more than I realized. Her warnings about the “evil” of TV weren’t about fear—they were about understanding the power of influence. As we face today’s media challenges, I want to carry forward her wisdom, knowing that while technology will always evolve, the need for discernment remains timeless. This last election underscores that warning and dire need.

Be mindful, and be at peace! ~wcd