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The Irresistible Television

by Lavina Ambreen Ahmed
THE ANC leader Nelson Mandela was elected the first black president of South Africa on May 9. Forty six years of apartheid ends at last. A memorable event no dodbt. that took place thousands of miles away in Cape Town, but was watched by millions^all over the world — thanks to the "square shaped magic box', known as the television.
When the British scientist J L Baird first invented thia magnificent gadget, way back in tpe early twentieth century, he probably didn't have the slightest idea what a tremendous breakthrough it was going to be in the years to come. To the average person. TV holds more significance than Einstein's famous "Theory of Relativity". Darwin's "Origin of Species" or Alfred Nobel's invention of the dynamite.
Scientists are constantly coming up with brilliant new Ideas to make life easier for the comfort-loving Homo Sapiens, yet no other achievement so far. not even the computer, can match the widespread popularity of the small screen.
Recent studies show that majority of the people consider the television as an absolute must for their homes.
Why is TV so popular with us? Mainly because It helps to bring the-world closer to us. Somehow hearing or reading about something can never be compared to seeing the same thing for yourself. Also, seeing something with one's own eyes gives a certain event or occurrence irtore credibility. The ravages and after-effects of any kind qf natural calamity, e.g. floods, cyclones, earthquakes, landslides, seem more real and vivid on the TV screen. This beautiful planet is constituted by inhabitants of numerous races, cultures, traditions, religions and then there are also so many exotic places to see. So what if you can't go everywhere in the world? Do the next best thing, turn on the tube and learn more about the world at your own home. There is an old saying, that a picture Is worth a thousand words: then what can be said about talking and moving shapes and forms? It Is truly a remarkable gift to mankind.
Another reason for its im-
mense popularity Is the news updates it gives us. How else could we get the live and often In-depth reports on, say. the Gulf War. Soviet Union s final collapse as a powerful commu nlst nation. US presidential elections. Somalia crisis, or the Bosnia-Serbia situation? Recently, we had a great opportunity to witness a historic event, a peace accord signed between PLO and Israel, via the television.
Happy news, sad news, dis aster, tragedy, accidents, dis covery. oddity, novelty, sports pews, suspense. Intrigue. — we gel everything. You first name It and "la tele" will present you with it. That's why in the western world Tv and cable networks are slowly taking over the place of the once dominating print media.
The television actually pert forms two functions, ft informs and It entertains. All TV programmes should have a proper balance of both educational and entertaining programmes. Our precious one and only channel BTV could do with a whole lot of improvement. This is quite a common complaint among the viewers, and pot a bad idea, even though perhaps each and eVery programme is broadcast after careful consideration and thinking about the different types of people throughout the country.
One must admit that the tube has a great Impact on our lives. Doubts? Well, what if there was a discussion or an open debate on a controversial issue on TV? The following day you’re bound to see processions in the streets, in support or agaihst It. An Individual might start off the day with BBC and CNN. then go to work, come back home and try ■to relax putting the hectic day behind him. So. he may switch on the "magic picture box" and watch his favourite show, whether it's a musical programme. the weekly drama, sports programme or one of the English series. Some even look out for commercials. Can't say they are all eager to watch out for new products, rafher for the brightly attired carefree young people. promoting those items. Often the faces of models, drama artistes, musicians. dancers and all other TV personalities become so familiar that the excited public mob
them or at least try very hard to covertly observe them when they are seen anywhere else but their TV sets. Take for example the rough yet sensitive "mastaan" "Baker BhaT. a role played to perfection by the mass-favourite gifted actor Asaduzzaman Nur in the popular playwright Humayun Ahmed's drama series "Kothao Keu Net" Angry protesters condemned the tragic end before and after the concluding part of the series This applies not only to our country but to the rest of the world
The "ordinary" people, specially the younger generation, copy the hairstyles, get up and even the attitudes of their TV Idols. Sometimes people will do anything, well, almost anything. to appear on the small screen. There Is a magazine programme-cum-talent show on BTV that caters to all these aspiring, fame-starved hearts. All you have to do Is know some tricks with the football or maybe some martial art moves and your wish will be granted. So what If we can’t kick the ball and lose at every single football match abroad? As an alternative use of this thing and also to mend their bruised egos, our boys have now taken to various "finger” or "head" tricks with the ball it seems. May their consistency and efforts pay -off one day and we get to see their names boldly printed In the Guinness Book of Records. Also, the programmes on TV, mainly "St* TV", on health, environment and literacy help in creating public awareness, though very little is actually materialized here in our country.
Now. let's concentrate on the bad effect. Ah. that too are many. Watching TV for long hours is not only harmful for one's eyesight, it also makes one very lazy. Turn off the TV and hit the books now or else!” this is quite a common enough rebuke the students receive from their weary mothers. T am very worried about my son. he spends half the time with eyes transfixed oh the tube and no amount of extreme measures that I have taken can break his habit.” confides a frustrated mother. Yes. to some it really is quite a nui sance. With easy access to violence. terrorism and uncensured programmes. TV sure does have some negative influence on the youngsters, who become more ill-mannered and rowdier than ever. There are some TV addicts, who remain glued by the TV side for hours. Work and studies get neglected, not that they are perturbed about those' mundane things at all. Later oh these people will turn into reclusive, anti-social human beings, their whole life revolving around that troublesome object called TV.
No matter how much we criticize the TV. even the person who has the strangest contempt for it would want to get rid of it from his home. Volumes can be written about the disadvantages of the TV. but then, advantages too. can be quite a lot In number. So thanks again to Baird for his wonderful invention and let's all say Tong live the television!"