The impact of Television

Almost seventy-five years ago the television was introduced to the United States and was admired and desired by most American families. No one could have imagined that it would have changed so drastically since the beginning of its production to now days. Manufacturers and Networks have been trying to expand the influence that the television does have on society through the television’s features, commercials, and programs’ content. The television’s features and its availability have heavily influenced the way society views programs. When televisions were first available to the public, they were considered a piece of furniture, monochrome, a screen, and expensive for the average household. The cost of a television was about a third of the family’s annual income when first introduced. The standard features of the modern television are color, flat and large screens, with remote controls, portable, and more affordable. The comparatively low cost of a modern television has increased the number found in the average American home. At the onset of its popularity in the 1950’s, most homes only had one television set. Today, television sets are found in nearly every room in the home and even in vehicles and cell phones. We take our televisions with us wherever we go. Commercials were first used in television programs in the 1940’s. Products were being marketed directly to consumers in their very own homes. This quickly became an advertiser’s dream come true. Advertisers were able to reach many more people in a short period of time to promote their product. “As seen on TV” became a popular saying for products in the later part of the 20th century. The content of television’s programs has changed drastically since it began. Up until about the 1970’s couples were not aired as sleeping in the same bed, actresses should not show their midriff area, and swearing was forbidden. Cable television pushed the FCC’s regulations on television programs beyond its guidelines. Now in the 21st century, swearing, nudity, and graphic violence have become common and accepted on even family shows and local networks. Over its seventy- five year history, television is arguably a factor in the degradation of American morals and family values in the 21st century. With technology ever increasing and improving rapidly, we can expect that television will continue to impact society through its convenient features, commercials, and especially the content of television programs that are to give the impression to its viewers as being the “norm” and acceptable.

It may have taken me 19 years....but totally worth it!

19 years ago I enrolled as a student at Pima Community College. I took several breaks over the years and for periods of time as I was starting a family. I decided a year and a half ago to return and finish up the last 12 classes I needed. As I enrolled I was offered a part-time job working with my sister-in-law that same week, so I only went to school part-time. Last night, May 16, 2013 I finally graduated with not 1 Associate's degree, but 3 Associate's Degrees (Associate of Arts, Liberal Arts, & Psychology) and most importantly to me with a 4.0 while doing so. My plans are to continue on to the University of Arizona in the Fall of 2013 to earn my Bachelor's Degree in Psychology with a minor in Family Studies and Human Development. I am ever so grateful for the support of my husband and family for encouraging me to finish and for putting up with me as "I always needed to study".