Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Foiled Again

"You interrupt a lot, don't  y ..."
"No I don't!"

   Many TV interview programs have degenerated into competitive talking bouts, as the hosts -- despite the pretext of offering a platform for guest views -- show no regard for the guest but treat them as mere foils to extend their own opinions.
   Moreover, the rapid-fire delivery coupled with frequent breaks for commercial advertising diminishes the value of the program as a whole. Or should that be "hole"?
   Some decades ago, network television was described as a "vast wasteland" containing little of thought value drowned by a flood of shallow entertainment.
   Entertainment has value in itself, of course, and serious thought shows can be entertaining.
   Serious issues are not in themselves boring; the presentation often is.
   In any case, interruptions are rude, and show no respect for the person whose views are sought for a TV interview.
   How can this problem be resolved? Change the channel. You don't even have to get off the couch to do so.
   Meanwhile, in society at large, interruptions have  become endemic, where competitive talking has become a symptom of rudeness.

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