Go away, I'm watching TV!

When reading the Detweiler and Taylor article, the metaphor that resonated with me the most was television – from a town square to a tribe. The authors pose the question: how did a medium designed to bring people together gradually segregate audiences? In my opinion, this segregation was inevitable and a necessary process that needed to take place for the growth of television. Detweiler and Taylor suggest this niche programming continues to subdivide American viewers by age, class, race, gender, and orientation and that more than half of our television viewing is done alone. However, I do not see this as a bad thing.

I love television. And as a self-admitting TV addict, I can tell you why I believe this direction toward personal programming is so great. Before I get started, it might be significant to note that I just realized when I say “television”, I am not longer referring to the appliance or the television set. When I say “television”, I am talking about the television shows and programs. Although television, as Detweiler and Taylor mentioned, was a medium that was originally designed to bring people together, I believe it is more useful and powerful as a medium for personal entertainment.

Digital video recorders, thousands of channels, downloading torrents, and on-demand streaming of shows online all provide audiences with personalized television experiences. The multitude of channels that airs shows targeted towards specific audiences definitely segregates people but it also caters to the needs of groups with different interests and values. These networks and sitcoms that catered to niche markets provided characters audiences could identify with, which made television more meaningful. With our busy schedules, who is able to sit down for an hour (or two. . . or six) every week to “tune in” to their favourite shows? I can’t remember the last time I sat on the couch to watch a television show when it was on. Instead, I watch shows online! It allows me to watch what I want, when I want it (sorry for sounding like a Rogers on Demand advertisement, but it’s true!) I no longer have to plan my schedule around a 1-hour time slot in the evening, but I can take a break from mid-day studying and watch the show that aired last night.

Although television once brought people together physically, I feel as though the true “bringing together of people” happens when two or more talk about a television show or a recently aired episode. For example, I absolutely love the show GLEE. I prefer to watch the show alone because I wouldn’t want to risk missing one of Sue Sylvester’s witty lines after being distracted by the person next to me. Maybe that’s a bit hardcore, but for me, the social bonding doesn’t happen when a television show is airing. . . it happens when I can talk about it with friends the next day.

Although television was once a medium that brought people together physically, it has evolved over time to cater to individual needs and continues to serve as a “town square” when people discuss television shows.

Response: Just for Kicks

Here is the link to Leah's original post:

Sinners Have Souls Too

Leah,
I thoroughly enjoyed reading your post about sneaker culture especially because I share the same interest as you. I wouldn’t consider myself a bonafide “sneakerhead” but more just someone with a genuine interest in and infatuation with sneakers. I remember walking into a small skateboard shop and instantly falling in love with the Nike SB dunk highs. What is fascinating to me is that over the years, sneaker culture has developed from the streets and now also exists over the internet – an online sneaker culture! Not only does this culture bring about a sense of identity and belonging for its members, but it also gives meaning to life, and there are often stories of how sneaker culture “saved” people. Thanks to Gordon Lynch’s book, my eyes are once again opened to yet another piece of popular culture that has religious functions in society!

How is sneaker culture social?
There is a sense of social bonds and community within sneaker culture. Members have respect for one another through something that is deeper than a common interest – a shared lifestyle. There is a language that has developed through sneaker culture that is exclusive to its members. Sneakerheads are often loyal to their brands and identify themselves according to where their loyalties lie.

How is sneaker culture hermeneutical?
After briefly talking to you about our shared love for sneakers, you suggested that I watch the documentary Just For Kicks. I absolutely loved it! In the documentary, a recurring theme was that sneaker culture was not just a hobby for collectors or enthusiasts – it was a way of life. People found meaning through their passion for sneakers.

How is sneaker culture transcendent?
Toronto Loves Kicks is an organization that seeks to empower youth by using sneakers as a tool for empowerment. The following is information from their website:

Toronto Loves Kicks is a unique Social Enterprise that aims to strengthen social responsibility, youth empowerment and engagement through creative programs and events. The foundation of these programs and events will be a direct reflection of the urban, youth and sneaker culture which is the key to getting the attention of today’s youth.

Toronto Loves Kicks is one example of how sneaker culture has functioned as a tool for transcendence.

For more information on Toronto Loves Kicks, here is a link to their website:
 
Toronto Loves Kicks