What is the point of no TV but watching movies?

[Handbag Lady]

My friend is such a parent who doesn't allow TV channels.

But, the kids are well educated on Gilligan's Island and other classics. It is indeed the advertising that my friend is against. They watch all sorts of Televsion on Hulu or DVD but that gives my friend the control of what they watch and when they watch.

 

[NHdisneylover]

Again, I don't have any problem with that. My only problem is with the ones that feel superior because they don't have cable; the ones that look down on us because we expose our precious snowflakes to *junk* yet these same people allow their kids to rent some of that exact same junk, Facebook and You Tube. I honestly don't care if you don't have cable. We have gone without it ourselves but we always go back. The price makes me insane so I always threaten to cancel. My only point is don't feel superior if you choose to live without cable. (and by YOU, I don't mean PollyannaMom, I mean You in general).

How many people do you encounter who do not have TV reception, do watch movies and TV online and then criticize you for being different about that I find it surprising that this would be a reucrring theme. I can see it happeneing with maybe one person becuase there are always "those people" but over and over again strikes me as odd. How is it even comming up? Perhaps you are taking comments about not having TV (like it tended to come up with us when someone would ask if we saw such and such show last night, etc and we would say no we do not have TV so we never see anything new) personally when they are not intended that way? Also, what someone else defines as junk and what you do may be totally different. I have alway been most bothered by violence (especially if it is portrayed as fun or a good thing) or shows that portray bratty and disrespctful attitudes as cute or endearing. So, I prefered the kids not watch Spognebob or Suite Life of Zach and Cody and the like. On the other hand, sexual content and nudity do not bother me much. So many people may see some thinsg I let my kids watch taht they would feel to be junk or inappropriate but that does not mean I was never monitoring what they see (though now i give them pretty much free range--and they make good decisions). Anyway, that is just a thought--perhaps you are oversensitive about this topic for some reason and not really being criticized as much as you think you are.

 

[Momvic5]

First, let me say we do have TV reception AND we pay Comcast a pretty penny for the privilege.

But, I can kinda see why people don't have TV reception and then rent movies. It's much easier to limit TV time when only movies are being watched. Not too many children are going to watch the same movie over and over and over yet again on the same day. With different programming available, on 200 channels, there's always something new to watch; even if you aren't really interested.

I hear you....we pay a pretty penny too for the privilege, and I find that we waste A LOT of our time just channel surfing....you can sit in front of the TV for hours and yet you haven't really watched anything....just think of the things we could do if we just watched a movie and then turned the TV off.

 

[browneyes106]

wait, so most people have cable? is free tv all just crap? im not trying to be rude or anything, im just curious. freeview in australia is pretty good. there's a sports channel and everything. my family doesn't have cable and the only thing i feel like im missing out on is the disney channel.

Here in the U.S. not all free TV is crap. There are some network dramas and sitcoms that are really good. But there are some reality shows on networks that are crap. Part of the reason some people turn to cable is because some cable shows have better acting and writing than some network shows. Most of those shows are targeted towards adults. Cable does have some good shows for kids and teens.

 

[LisaR]

How many people do you encounter who do not have TV reception, do watch movies and TV online and then criticize you for being different about that I find it surprising that this would be a reucrring theme. How is it even comming up? Perhaps you are taking comments about not having TV (like it tended to come up with us when someone would ask if we saw such and such show last night, etc and we would say no we do not have TV so we never see anything new) personally when they are not intended that way? Also, what someone else defines as junk and what you do may be totally different. I have alway been most bothered by violence (especially if it is portrayed as fun or a good thing) or shows that portray bratty and disrespctful attitudes as cute or endearing. So, I prefered the kids not watch Spognebob or Suite Life of Zach and Cody and the like. On the other hand, sexual content and nudity do not bother me much. So many people may see some thinsg I let my kids watch taht they would feel to be junk or inappropriate but that does not mean I was never monitoring what they see (though now i give them pretty much free range--and they make good decisions). Anyway, that is just a thought--perhaps you are oversensitive about this topic for some reason and not really being criticized as much as you think you are.

Well, it isn't like I said I encountered hundreds of people on a daily basis. I also don't think I ever said I felt like I was being criticized. I just get a superiority vibe from some of these people. I actually find it rather amusing so I am definitely not taking it as criticism.

I have two different relatives that are cable free and one loves to brag about how her child will never be exposed to the "crap on TV." She will use every opportunity to tell people how great she is because her child has never seen a TV show yet she rents the exact same shows that are on TV. I get that the kid isn't seeing the commercials but she never says that. She specifically refers to the TV shows.

I would guess I know close to a dozen other people personally that are cable free. We live in area where people tend to want to make it very clear what their values are. Obviously, this isn't the case with everyone but it is much stronger where I lived now compared to where I used to live.

The reason originally posted is because my DD had a friend over and all she talked about was the new Twilight movie that is coming out. She said she saw it multiple times at the theater and she is buying it the minute it is released. No biggie at all. A few hours later, her mom comes to pick her up. While we are standing at the door talking, waiting for her DD to gather up her stuff, mom ASKS ME about our satellite dish. She asked if the service gets interrupted frequently due to rain. She ASKED ME if it was cheaper than cable. After we talk about this for a few minutes, she informs me that it doesn't matter because they don't believe in TV. It is all junk. Nothing worthwhile, evil, etc., etc. I find it hilarious because her DD has a cell phone with unlimited texting, internet access and a Facebook account.

Why would she bother asking about my Dish if she clearly had no intention of getting one? I was aware of the fact that they didn't have cable but at that moment, I assumed she was considering it. That is how I read the conversation but apparently I misread it.

 

[bumbershoot]

I have two different relatives that are cable free and one loves to brag about how her child will never be exposed to the "crap on TV." She will use every opportunity to tell people how great she is because her child has never seen a TV show yet she rents the exact same shows that are on TV. I get that the kid isn't seeing the commercials but she never says that. She specifically refers to the TV shows.

Why would she bother asking about my Dish if she clearly had no intention of getting one? I was aware of the fact that they didn't have cable but at that moment, I assumed she was considering it. That is how I read the conversation but apparently I misread it.

You are just going to have to ask this person/these people what they mean and why they say these things.

Ask why she is not allowing TV reception, but is watching the shows. Ask why she asked about DISH and then said all that.

You're never going to understand her by asking us; I'm all for having conversations like this with lots of people, but if this ONE person in your life is continuing to create moments like this, you're going to have to talk to this one person.


I've never read/seen the Twilight stuff, but someone earlier mentioned that there's minimal violence, no fangs, no blood, no sex, no nudity...I believe the stories were actually written for early teens...it's NOT Anne Rice, that seems for sure! So it doesn't sound like Twilight is anything to be weirded out by her daughter watching.

 

[LisaR]

You are just going to have to ask this person/these people what they mean and why they say these things.

Ask why she is not allowing TV reception, but is watching the shows. Ask why she asked about DISH and then said all that.

You're never going to understand her by asking us; I'm all for having conversations like this with lots of people, but if this ONE person in your life is continuing to create moments like this, you're going to have to talk to this one person.


I've never read/seen the Twilight stuff, but someone earlier mentioned that there's minimal violence, no fangs, no blood, no sex, no nudity...I believe the stories were actually written for early teens...it's NOT Anne Rice, that seems for sure! So it doesn't sound like Twilight is anything to be weirded out by her daughter watching.

In that last post, I talked about TWO people. One is a relative. She lives in another state. I only talk to her once a month at best. She doesn't bother me in the slightest but the rest of us (relatives) definitely get a good chuckle out of it.

The second person is the mom of DD's friend. I have talked to her maybe 6 times in the 6 years I have known her. Generally we just give a wave when one of us picks up our kid. This time she came in. bother me. I found her conversation odd.

I wasn't posting on here to actually get an answer as to why people I know do this. I wondered why SOME people feel the need to act superior with their decisions (tv, child-rearing in general). Again, I don't care if someone doesn't have cable. I just think it is annoying (no, I am not losing sleep over it) when they say it is due to all the crap that is out there but they allow other things that are just as crappy. No biggie. It was just a question I felt like posting on a discussion board. Plenty of others on this post have encountered the same attitude so it isn't something I have imagined.

 

[NHdisneylover]

Well, it isn't like I said I encountered hundreds of people on a daily basis. I also don't think I ever said I felt like I was being criticized. I just get a superiority vibe from some of these people. I actually find it rather amusing so I am definitely not taking it as criticism.

I have two different relatives that are cable free and one loves to brag about how her child will never be exposed to the "crap on TV." She will use every opportunity to tell people how great she is because her child has never seen a TV show yet she rents the exact same shows that are on TV. I get that the kid isn't seeing the commercials but she never says that. She specifically refers to the TV shows.

I would guess I know close to a dozen other people personally that are cable free. We live in area where people tend to want to make it very clear what their values are. Obviously, this isn't the case with everyone but it is much stronger where I lived now compared to where I used to live.

The reason originally posted is because my DD had a friend over and all she talked about was the new Twilight movie that is coming out. She said she saw it multiple times at the theater and she is buying it the minute it is released. No biggie at all. A few hours later, her mom comes to pick her up. While we are standing at the door talking, waiting for her DD to gather up her stuff, mom ASKS ME about our satellite dish. She asked if the service gets interrupted frequently due to rain. She ASKED ME if it was cheaper than cable. After we talk about this for a few minutes, she informs me that it doesn't matter because they don't believe in TV. It is all junk. Nothing worthwhile, evil, etc., etc. I find it hilarious because her DD has a cell phone with unlimited texting, internet access and a Facebook account.

Why would she bother asking about my Dish if she clearly had no intention of getting one? I was aware of the fact that they didn't have cable but at that moment, I assumed she was considering it. That is how I read the conversation but apparently I misread it.

I didn't mean to offend you. I just wondered if maybe one or two people acted superior (wich to me IS criticizing--it is saying they are better than you are because they make different choices) and then you sort of took all of the other comments in the same light even if they are not intended that way. It just came across to me from the way you responded to Pollyanamom that you ran into this a lot--sorry if that is not really the case (actually it is GOOD if it is not really the case).
That does sound like an odd conversation with the the girl's mom. I would have probably asked her why she wanted to know what satellite costs if she had no intention of ever having it anyway--but I am like that. Maybe she actually wants it but she and her husband do not see eye to eye and or something so she flip flops, or she does not have it for cost reasons but hates to admit that so she says it is a moral choice. I have known a few people like that.
As far as her letting her DD watch "junk" or "crap" in theatres and on DVD but not on TV--again that could be a difference in opinion about what qualifies as "junk" or "crap." If you talk to her again (next year) and she brings TV up again maybe you can ask her what specifically she dislikes on TV that she is trying to avoid her daughter seeing. You can phrase it very nicely by saying you want to be sure you don't have anything on she might find objecitonal when the girl is visiting but you are not sure what that would be and would she clarify, etc.

 

[MzDiz]

When my darling soon-to-be-ex-husband moved out, he took the television and I never cared to replace it. I've been TV free for 6 months and I'm loving it. My kids still watch at their dad's apartment, and I'm not anti-television, but I don't see myself buying another any time soon.

I agree with a previous poster that said that their television consumption was "purposeful" without it. No more flipping channels for hours or having the TV on just because it's there and that's "just what we do".

Do I feel superior? Actually, a little. I feel like I've been let in on a secret that few people around me know about. I've gained a peace that I didn't have before.

Surprisingly, a lot of my attitude came from my job. I install the stuff. I've seen some of the most outrageous behavior from kids and adults alike when I told them I'd be shutting their television off for a while. I've seen kids cry, scream, hit their parents, etc. I have had two customers cry when their DVRs were shot and had to be replaced and they'd be losing their recordings. But mostly, the thing that strikes me the hardest, is when I do cut their old service off to replace it, something magical happens. It's that phenomenon that occurs when the power's out - families start interacting with each other. Someone drags out a board game, the kids go out in the yard, people pick up books, call friends, do THINGS instead of letting the "garbage" just pour into their faces for hours on end.

That said, I'm not against TV, just how we abuse it.

 

[Disneyadore]

I didn't mean to offend you. i jsut wondered if maybe one or two people acted superior (wich to me IS criticizing--it is saying they are better than you are because they make different choices) and then you sort of took all of the other comments in the same light even if they are not intended that way. It just came across to me from the way you responded to Pollyanamom that you ran into htis a lot--sorry if that is not really the case (actually it is GOOD if it is not really the case).
That does sound like an odd conversation with the the girl's mom. I would have probably asked her why she wanted to know what satellite costs if she had no intention of ever having it anyway--but I am like that. Maybe she actually wants it but she and her husband do not see eye to eye and or something so she flip flops. i have known a few people like that.
As far as her letting her DD watch "junk" or "crap" in theatres and on DVD but not on TV--again that could be a difference in opinion about what qualifies as "junk" or "crap." if you talk to her again (next year) and she brings TV up again maybe you can ask her what specifically she dislikes on TV that she is trying to avoid her daughter seeing. You can phrase it very nicely by saying you want to be sure you don't have anything on she might find objecitonal when the girl is visiting but you are not sure what that would be and would she clarify, etc.

Goodmorning neighbor

Just wondering how you like or dislike the German programs?

 

[Planogirl]

If we lost our TV's, we'd just head to our respective computers and game players. We can find other ways to waste time if we have to.

 

[bananda]

Here in the U.S. not all free TV is crap. There are some network dramas and sitcoms that are really good. But there are some reality shows on networks that are crap. Part of the reason some people turn to cable is because some cable shows have better acting and writing than some network shows. Most of those shows are targeted towards adults. Cable does have some good shows for kids and teens.

oh ok. thanks for that

 

[Mickey'snewestfan]

I haven't read the whole thread, but we're a family that has no TV, but does have movies.

Part of this is just how it evolved for our family -- we were no TV when he was younger, and it's gradually evolved and we liked it so we never changes it. Here are some reasons it works for us.

1) I don't have to pay for cable.

2) I have much more control about when he watches -- I don't get "no now, I have to finish my show" or "can we get home early tonight to watch X". I can turn off the TV mid show and we can come back to it.

3) I do think the quality of what he watches goes up a little -- not a whole lot, we have, for example, a hand me down Power Rangers movie -- there's nothing lower quality than that IMO, but I think the ratio of junk is a little lower.

4) If he's watching something questionable (we do have the Twilight movie, for example) we can stop, talk about parts, make sure he knows how my family values differ from the Cullens.

5) He spends a lot of time at Grandma's, and at friends -- he watches TV there, so he's definitely not TV free, just our house is, he knows the current shows, but isn't completely hooked.

Unless you're watching porn with my kid, I don't really care what you do. When I tell people we're TV free it's usually because it comes up -- e.g. someone says "do you let your kid watch Spongebob, I can say "well, we don't have TV signal (we don't have any, not sure why), but he's watched it at Grandma's/on vacation etc . . . or someone says "how much of the Olympics did you watch" and I say "since DS snowboards we went to my mom's for the halfpipe finals -- both women and men, but missed most of the rest" and explain why.

 

[NHdisneylover]

Goodmorning neighbor

Just wondering how you like or dislike the German programs?

Guten Morgen--Nachmittag jeztz

Well,there are a LOT more free channels here. There was a satellite dish up on the Aparment when we moved in, so with jsut a cheap receiver we get about 60 channels for no monthly fee (to bananda from Australia, I think it was Australia anyway, typically in the USA you can get around 5-6 channels at no charge: the three major networks, a public TV station and 1 or two other smaller or local networks) which shocked the heck out of us. We still hardly watch TV though. When my DFiL was here he found CNN and had it on a lot.
Otherwise, DH will be gone all week and the kids and I generally do not put it on at all. We watch a DVD once in a while and the TV gets turned on to use the Wii since we bought that a month ago but that is mostly it on weekdays. On weekends we will try to watch a program or two to practice our German. We like Quiz Taxi and enjoy giggling at the programs (they have to be aimed at an older audience, right?) with people in traditional clothing singing in fields or bars, etc. that always seem to be on in the evenings
My German class was talking about TV here the other day and it seems there are many of the same shows as in the USA (which I have never seen in either place) like Wifeswap, Supernanny, etc.
I got a bit of a shock the first time I turned on the TV after 10, and again the first tiem I hit on after midnight programming but it doesn't relaly bother me. Maybe it will when DS realizes it is there and gets to an age that he cares about it, but i still don't think it really will.
I don't know--overall it seems to me like more is available for free but otherwise it is pretty much the same basic thing as the US has.

Is there much difference between German and Dutch programming?

 

[allison443]

After we talk about this for a few minutes, she informs me that it doesn't matter because they don't believe in TV. It is all junk. Nothing worthwhile, evil, etc., etc. I find it hilarious because her DD has a cell phone with unlimited texting, internet access and a Facebook account.

Are you saying her dd shouldn't have a cell phone, texting, and facebook? Or are you saying it's hilarious that she allows some technology and not others, that the internet can have just as much "junk" as tv does?

 

[NHdisneylover]

Yes without any exaggeration.
They live in there own world with there own schools,on Sunday twice a day on foot to there own church, cars or bicycles are forbidden, playing children outside on Sunday are a great sin.
If children of others play outside they knock on your door and ask if you could call them in. Girls are only allowed to wear long dresses and black stockings no matter how hot it is.

Absolutely no work on Sunday, only church visiting and at home singeing psalms to praise the lord.
But on 00.00 the Lord goes to bed and hell breaks lose. Than there work day begins and if they have to wake up the whole neighborhood well that is not there problem.
They do not pay for any social security. They just "know" the lord will take car of them in times of need and sickness. (read the rest of the taxpayers work and pay for them)

Okay so I am really curious about this. "Their own schools" indicates they are part of a large enough relisious group to manage to have a private school and that they got approval for it. Am I right? I know homeschooling in Germany is not legal and I gather (but could be dead wrong) that nay private school has to get some kind of government approval as well. I am very curiouc to know what kind of religion they belong to if you know. I haven't run into such extremism here in germany (but then again, if they are TRYING to stay away from the rest of us I guess we wouldn't be likely to run into them would we?).

 

[Disneyadore]

Okay so I am really curious about this. "Their own schools" indicates they are part of a large enough relisious group to manage to have a private school and that they got approval for it. Am I right? I know homeschooling in Germany is not legal and I gather (but could be dead wrong) that nay private school has to get some kind of government approval as well. I am very curiouc to know what kind of religion they belong to if you know. I haven't run into such extremism here in germany (but then again, if they are TRYING to stay away from the rest of us I guess we wouldn't be likely to run into them would we?).

They do and I'm sorry but I'm not allowed to name them,not getting worth points for that. I'll pm that to you. In the folks mouth there are called the black stocking church.
They not only have their own schools but also have their own political parties that have a seat in our government.
Last year they almost succeeded in forbidding women getting tested for breast cancer so there future daughters would be spared this terrible decease.

Oh and BTW a German family got asylum in the US this month because of this home schooling thing.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,511825,00.html

 

[LisaR]

I didn't mean to offend you. I just wondered if maybe one or two people acted superior (wich to me IS criticizing--it is saying they are better than you are because they make different choices) and then you sort of took all of the other comments in the same light even if they are not intended that way. It just came across to me from the way you responded to Pollyanamom that you ran into this a lot--sorry if that is not really the case (actually it is GOOD if it is not really the case).
That does sound like an odd conversation with the the girl's mom. I would have probably asked her why she wanted to know what satellite costs if she had no intention of ever having it anyway--but I am like that. Maybe she actually wants it but she and her husband do not see eye to eye and or something so she flip flops, or she does not have it for cost reasons but hates to admit that so she says it is a moral choice. I have known a few people like that.
As far as her letting her DD watch "junk" or "crap" in theatres and on DVD but not on TV--again that could be a difference in opinion about what qualifies as "junk" or "crap." If you talk to her again (next year) and she brings TV up again maybe you can ask her what specifically she dislikes on TV that she is trying to avoid her daughter seeing. You can phrase it very nicely by saying you want to be sure you don't have anything on she might find objecitonal when the girl is visiting but you are not sure what that would be and would she clarify, etc.

No biggie. I just didn't want you to think I was running into people on every street corner but on the other hand, this is not the first time I have run into someone that gives off that superiority vibe. Honestly, I find it more humorous than anything. At the moment it happens, I might be slightly annoyed but it is something I can laugh about when it is over.

My son used to play with a kid that lived in our neighborhood (he moved). I really liked the kid and only talked to his parents a handful of times. His parents never once mentioned the no TV thing. However, the child brought it up on a few occasions and one can only assume he was parroting what his parents said. He was not allowed to watch TV because it was a time waster. This child owned every gaming system out there. He played for hours upon hours. I don't know how one can't find that ironic and funny.

Are you saying her dd shouldn't have a cell phone, texting, and facebook? Or are you saying it's hilarious that she allows some technology and not others, that the internet can have just as much "junk" as tv does?

This. She complained about all the *junk* on TV but her DD can sit in her room and surf the internet unfiltered on her cell phone. I found that part funny.

 

[NHdisneylover]

They do and I'm sorry but I'm not allowed to name them,not getting worth points for that. I'll pm that to you. In the folks mouth there are called the black stocking church.
They not only have their own schools but also have their own political parties that have a seat in our government.
Last year they almost succeeded in forbidding women getting tested for breast cancer so there future daughters would be spared this terrible decease.

Oh and BTW a German family got asylum in the US this month because of this home schooling thing.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,511825,00.html

I am looking forward to the PM. I heard about the asylum case.

 

[{Kat}]

UK television shows tend to be better than US tv shows, anyway.

Yes, I agree. Most of the time even if I start watching a new US show I loose interest because they tend to be mind-numbing...