why do some people think that when you...

[gpandas]

say you don't watch tv you're being elitest?

[Donkeyboy75]

1. Oh great, another non-TV watching elitist.

:evilgrin:

[gpandas]

2. ha ha ha ha n/t

[ohiosmith]

3. I just assume they haven't figured out how to steal cable.

[stopthegop]

4. probably depends on how you say it..

and whether they feel guilty about watching ...oh...'Friends' maybe

[Dookus]

5. Because quite often the declaration is made

without any reason other than to appear superior.

"Did you watch the game last night?"

"No, I don't have a television"


It seems the fact that you don't own a television isn't really relevant to the question asked. In my experience, people who make a point of saying they don't watch television do in fact feel superior to those who do.

[gpandas]

6. they are wrong in my case n/t

[Misunderestimator]

8. Good point

I've known a lot of people who don't watch much TV, but the ones that have to constantly say they don't watch TV seem a bit off.

It's like proving you're a Christian by bringing your religion into every topic. Went out with a neighbor the other day who managed to put these sorts of lines in the oddest places (especially given that we were in a gay bar): "It's amazing how God influences everything we do" when I mentioned something about my fundamentalist parents making me read the bible every day. Or, "I would never date someone who smokes or who is not saved" after someone lights up a cigarette nearby. Or, "I was saved a year ago" in response to "We just moved up here last year." Yeesh.

[gpandas]

10. agreed n/t

[DS1]

11. it could be used to tell someone that they might as well forget

asking you questions about TV shows you don't watch, like if you were on of those people that don't have cable and someone kept asking you about shows on Comedy Central, you wouldn't get very far if you just kept saying "No" to the question. Then there's always the chance that the person asking has an abnormally thick skull.

[Dookus]

12. I understand

but look at any thread here about any popular television show. It only takes minutes before people show up to tell others how stupid they are for liking that show, or how they'd be better off if they killed their television.

It's akin to religious zealotry - I don't like either instance.

[gpandas]

14. sad but true n/t

[Pithlet]

16. That is one of my biggest pet peeves in the Lounge. n/t

[Misunderestimator]

19. I agree.... I love TV....

and I respect those who don't. I really don't understand how someone could feel superior to someone who watches TV. I also read, write, make music, and many other things.

(I hate Friends) :)

[rucky]

15. How about people who discuss nutrition or exercise

are they just trying to feel superior?

I admit there is a certain "born again" aspect to it. But even when I was watching TV on a regular basis, I would be the first to admit it was mind-numbing and downright stupid. So it's logical that I would quit watching TV.

Do I judge others who watch TV? No. Do I recommend they try to quit watching? You bet. It worked for me. Why do I keep talking like Donald Rumsfeld? No idea. How do I know what he talks like if I don't have a TV? Good question.

[Pithlet]

17. If I enjoy it

Why should I stop? To each his/her own, I say. Someone could tell you to stop going on the internet. Because they did, and they are much happier. If someone tapped you on the shoulder and said that every time you went on the computer, it would be annoying, wouldn't it?

[rucky]

21. You know my wife? n/t

[Pithlet]

22. heh

:)

[Misunderestimator]

20. There's another thread for the Rumsfeld-speak... LOL n/t

[Pithlet]

7. It's how it is sometimes said.

Just saying you don't watch tv is fine. When someone says to someone who does something like "You really shouldn't watch tv. Your life would be so much better, like mine! Get out and enjoy life!" it comes across as very condescending. When people come in and rain on the parade in a thread about a tv show, telling us to get rid of our tv, it's irritating.

I am in a very irritable mood today, however.

[johnnie]

9. I used to not watch TV

I watch it now because either there are some good history, forensics or other subjects I am interested in. I also watch some sitcoms when I feel like numbing my brain. I see no problem watching it unless you are going to spend 24/7 with it.
As for those who don't, I have been there and find no problem in it but it depends what you do instead. If you spend time reading and it is just romance novels, then you are wasting time.
I spend a decent amount of time reading, composing, meditating and other "quality" activities, but I spend a bit of time in front of the TV as well.
I don't call non-TV watchers elitists, just people who don't want to watch television.

[SarahB]

13. Because most people know how stupid most TV really is.

I watch educational preschool shows, documentaries, PBS, and movies. I have no clue about all that "reality" business the rest of the world seems so fond of and when you say that, often people look at you like you have two heads. :shrug:

[Pithlet]

18. Yes, but

I don't think I've ever seen you go into any of the reality show threads and denounce the people who watch them right in those threads. So, you're cool :)

[BiggJawn]

23. Because they don't want to admit what they already know...

And that is that TeeVee is programmed to the Lowest Common Denominator. It's like eating Kung Pao Chicken that has no "Pao"(pun) because marketing studies "prove" people don't really like spicy food...

If it was free, I wouldn't mind, because it would not cost me anything to not watch the stupid drek that infests 90% of the programming. But I'd be crazy to spend $47 a month to just watch "MTP", "FTN", Olberman and the Weather Channel, wouldn't I? Especially when I have Internet and NOAA radio for weather, and I can get "MTP" and "FTN" over the air for free. OK, the picture sucks, but I'm more intrerested in what's being SAID, not what tie Russert has on....

Maybe I have ADD, but frankly, the stuff that most the people I know go apeshit over (Oooh! gotta GO! "Survivor" is coming on! Bye-Bye!) holds my interest for about 3 minutes.