Have most americans substituted tv for experience?

Question

They would rather watch the discovery channel or the travel channel than actually go to those places ans see them first hand.
whats worse is they then act like experts on those countries! LOL

Answer 1

Not true. I think channels like those you mentioned are good for several reasons....

First, for those who do not have the means or money to travel and see things on their own, they provide mental and intellectual stimulation that they would otherwise not experience.

Second, programs on these channels can stimulate people who can afford to "experience" ideas they may not have thought of before. Places they never thought to visit. It opens up their creativity and minds more than a travel brochure from Apple Vacations.

Answer 2

I think a lot of people can't afford to go and experience the things they see on the Discovery and Travel Channels so perhaps it's better to at least learn about these places if you can't go.

People are definitely still getting out there and experiencing life...folks are still traveling, you hear about all these people getting stuck on mountains, stranded in boats, etc. Well those accidents started as adventures, unfortunately they just went wrong.

If anything, I think Discovery and other channels show people that going to these places may be more possible for them then they might think. It would be interesting to see actual statistics on it. Also remember that since the current administration took office here, Americans aren't as welcome in some places as they once were, so that must factor in a bit on some level. Also many people are still afraid to fly after 9/11 though I think those figures are decreasing as the years pass.

And not all americans think they're experts once they've visited a new country (although some really do). What bothers me, and I say this as an American who has traveled some, is that american franchises like McDonalds, Wal-Mart, etc, are popping up in other countries making it feel less and less like I've left home. Many Americans, once they get to these countries, will gravitate to those franchises because they're familiar rather than try the customs and cuisines of the country they're in, writing them off as "weird". It completely defeats the purpose of going outside the US.

OK, I'll confess, I went to McDonald's out of homesickness ONCE while I was in Russia. *grin*

Answer 3

How true. The TV drives me crazy. I watch it some to unwind but not a lot. Sometimes I let it distract me from real life and that really drives me crazy. Unfortunately My hubby keeps it on 24/7 (well at least during his waking hours)

We travel and do other stuff too, but what a waster of time. How much more could we accomplish in a lifetime without them. Where is the time for meaninful thought? I hate that my children are becoming accustomed to the TV.

I went w/o for most of college. Catching some shows at friends or Mazzios etc. I did so much more thinking then. Bought one near the end of college (my apartmet required a cable fee and I was going to have a TV if I was going to pay a cable fee) Been going downhill every since then.

Answer 4

Well, I'm not so sure about that. There is alot that can be said for the History Channel or PBS. Some of the programs are excellent. You really shouldn't knock educational programming. The type of stuff you should be knocking are some of those reality shows.

Answer 5

How many countries have you been to, Chuck?

I've been to many and it's not cheap to do. Most people are pretty friendly, except in Paris (had a bag stolen there)

The last time I watched the travel channel, it actually helped us decide the best place (i.e. most romantic) for our honeymoon.

Answer 6

while observing television you at the instant are not something better than a bystander allowing your self to be entertained. i could fairly be a participant in existence. I certainly have this manner of super form of hobbies and issues that i like to try this I forget approximately there is this manner of undertaking as television. our young ones would desire to study this at an early age and given exciting and resourceful issues to do. the comparable is going for video games. those human beings stay in a fable international that doesn't exist. What a waste of time. the youngsters would desire to be pointed in different instructions.

Answer 7

I think you are spot on with this one. But to their defense, there is a lot of knowledge gained on the Discovery Channel. I learned a lot while I was overseas, but you can't see everything.

Answer 8

Considering most Americans are paid a crap wage and cannot afford to travel than yes! Long live Walmart.

Answer 9

Hardly. Its beyond most peoples means to go to those countries. Should they then not watch documentaries about them?
I assume you like talking about this because you're well traveled.
Lucky you.

Answer 10

Why dont you ask some Veterans that have really been out of the united states of their home towns,
These arm Chair conservatins will tell you they, been to Africa