“Young people today live media-saturated lives, spending an average of nearly 6.5 hours a day with media.”
According to the report quoted above, today’s youth are increasing the amount of time they spend with newer media (computers, internet, video games) without reducing the time they spend with traditional media, such as television. Like with many things in today’s society, more is more. But is it anything else?
It’s a truly remarkable statistic, if you think about it. And that’s exactly what I would like you to do. There is much more to say on this subject, but for now, I leave you to mull it over and to enjoy the whimsical, winding words of Shel Silverstein, and his commentary on TV.
Jimmy Jet And His TV Set by Shel Siverstein
I’ll tell you the story of Jimmy Jet–
And you know what I tell you is true.
He loved to watch his TV set
Almost as much as you.He watched all day, he watched all night
Till he grew pale and lean,
From “The Early Show” to “The Late Show”
And all the shows in between.He watched till his eyes were frozen wide,
And his bottom grew into his chair.
And his chin turned into a tuning dial,
And antennae grew out of his hair.And his brains turned into TV tubes,
And his face to a TV screen.
And two knobs saying “vert.” and “horiz.”
Grew where his ears had been.And he grew a plug that looked like a tail
So we plugged in little Jim.
And now instead of him watching TV
We all sit around and watch him.
See ya outside! ~ The Grass Stain Guru
photo credit: S.C. Axman
When I was about 7 we used to sing a song in school – I can only remember the first verse but the tale of Jimmy Jet reminded me of it.
You’re television mad, Dad
Watch it all the time
You sit there in your armchair
Isn’t it a crime
Yes it is! In the 70’s and 80’s there was a show on UK tv called Why Don’t You. The last line of the themetune was:
Why don’t you just switch off your TV set and go out and do something less boring instead!
Will never forget that – I took it literally, and still do. Turn off the TV, the whole world is outside, waiting.
Always enjoy Shel Silverstein, but it seems there should be a #playoutdoors version. Here’s a start. Hoping others will contribute. (Tag–you’re it!)
Danny Dove and Her Nature Love by TGSG readers
I’ll tell you the story of Danny Dove—
And you know what I say is true.
She daily nurtured her nature love,
And each day her joy grew.
She played each morn, she played each night.
Friends would oft take part.
It only took mere moments
For the laughter to start…
Last month I was mortified when my five year old son asked the ranger at the evening ranger program at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon why there weren’t TVs in his cabin. I promote no child left inside, and my own kid aspires to be Jimmy Jet!
He thought he had just gotten the one cabin without TV, and that maybe he could negotiate with the ranger to get one. The ranger said there was plenty to look at outside his cabin. So true. The kids had a great trip, and we have developed a set of incentives to get all of hiking more.
LOVING the poem @klsnature started in the Comments on today’s post! Pls add 2 it & I will publish! http://bit.ly/W9KoQ #playoutdoors
Kelly, I LOVE this. Come on folks, chip in. I will post the final poem! ~ Bethe
Here’s my addition!
Running and jumping, twirling and flying
The wind whispered “come play”
The trees offered branches, the sun its warmth,
Danny Dove would have a great day!
Excellent!!! Let’s get a few more folks to chime in.
For the night shift: Time to Pull the Plug? today @ The Grass Stain Guru http://bit.ly/4BJWzQ #parent #playoutdoors
Great post including a Shel Silverstein poem from our fav Grass Stain Guru: Time to Pull the Plug? http://bit.ly/3d2kIH
Another for Danny Dove and her Nature Love….
Into the woods with nothing in hand,
Running and leaping – in the creek she’d land.
Here comes a fish! And a butterfly!
She’s not gonna let this world pass her by.
RT @balmeras: For the night shift: Time to Pull the Plug? today @ The Grass Stain Guru http://bit.ly/4BJWzQ #parent #playoutdoors
By @-salisburydowns RT @balmeras: For the night shift: Time to Pull the Plug? today @ The Grass Stain Guru http://bit.ly/4BJWzQ #-parent …
By @-balmeras Time to Pull the Plug? today @ The Grass Stain Guru http://bit.ly/4BJWzQ #-parent #playoutdoors
RT @balmeras: Time to Pull the Plug? today @ The Grass Stain Guru http://bit.ly/4BJWzQ #parent #playoutdoors
Ck out Grass Stain GURU. GREAT blog today! Play folks will LOVE it. http://bit.ly/8fT2B
RT @balmeras: Time to Pull the Plug? today @ The Grass Stain Guru http://bit.ly/4BJWzQ #parent #playoutdoors
He stopped to watch a bird take a bath,
And the butterflies dance in the air.
The deer and the chipmunks lifted their heads —
What was a kid doing there?
“I know my friends are all inside,”
Said Danny to them with a grin,
“But the great outdoors has so much more
Room for playing in!”
Turn off your TV: the average kid in US spends more time each wk with TV than in school-no wonder obesity is epidemic! http://bit.ly/UjCZy
Turn off your TV: the average kid in US spends more time each wk with TV than in school-no wonder obesity is epidemic! http://bit.ly/UjCZy