How is MTV like the Tao?

Question

What are some parallels between MTV and the Tao Te Ching?

P.S. I know, I know, it doesn't make sense to me either but this is my assignment, so suggestions, please!

Answer 1

it has a light side, a dark side, and holds the world together? oops , no thats the force and duct-tape,,,,,
really, to answer this question, you would need to study MTV and the Tao,,,,,,,,
i would guess, not being super familar with either,, that they are dynamic, and reflect the current trend of society,,,,,, are alive and young people can relate to them

Answer 2

My favorite passage from the Tao is from "66."

"The reason the sea can govern 100 rivers is because it has mastered being lower."

Which is to say, if you serve your people, they will let you lead them anywhere.

One could argue that MTV rules the masses because it gives them just what they want...entertainment & "cool factor." We, as the rivers, are drawn gravitationally toward MTV's ocean.

However, one of the first precepts of the Tao is that "The Way which calls itself the Way is not the Way." MTV calls itself the Way at every commercial break.

Answer 3

The Tao Te Ching doesn't strike me as an overcommercialized mockery of what it once was...

Of course, I could be wrong.

Answer 4

It is nothing like the Dao, and yet it is part of the Dao. Problem is, once one starts talking or writing about the Dao, it just fades away.

Words cannot grasp or convey the Dao, as futile an attempt as these words I've just written here.

I would hand in an empty piece of paper. That should sufficiently answer the question posed by your teacher.

Answer 5

MTV is the farthest thing from the Tao.

Answer 6

Clever teacher

Answer 7

They are both facile and obvious?