Lauren Zalaznick The Conscience Of Television Analysis

Playing musical instruments, participating in outside hobbies, reading books, competing in board games and playing cards are not the ideal forms of entertainment these days. Television shows are now the new and improved way of everyday life. Some might argue that it is somewhat soothing; a way to escape from reality into an alternate, more appealing world. Television has the ability to be deceptive. What might be considered right or wrong can alter depending on what show is watched. Television gives you a sense of power and might even cause you to feel better about your own life. In the video “The Conscience of Television, Lauren Zalaznick states that, “Television directly reflects the moral, political, social and emotional need states of our nation.” Zalaznick continues to explain how the reasons behind watching television, directly relate to issues occurring in present society. Throughout the generations, economic problems have aroused and for some, television appears to be the answer. …show more content…
Zalaznick then conducted a research study that questioned people ages 18-70 to see what shows spoke to them and how it made them feel. Between the years 1960-1964, she studied the inspiration state, television shows that were uplifting, and the moral ambiguity state, which is the misunderstanding of the difference between right and wrong. Throughout the 60’s, inspiration was more of the reason why people watched television. Although towards the end, moral ambiguity increased and ultimately bypassed the inspiration state. During these years, John F. Kennedy Jr. was assonated as well as his brother Robert Kennedy; there was the civil rights movement, Watergate and the Vietnam War. All of these tragedies arising and moral ambiguity became one of the most dominant causes for the next twenty