“Bigger and Better” that is the true American way.  This is especially true in our culture when it comes to size of our televisions.  Oddly enough this same concept is following a trend in the size of our people.  Obviously as a majority we are as a society a sedentary country and the television is a prime encourager of being encourager.  According to the CDC the television is on seven hours a day. They have also found that individuals who watch it for three or more hours a day are twice as likely to be obese compared to those who allow themselves only one hour a day.

So how does all of that time correlate with an increase in obesity? The first reason is clearly the amount of time that is spent being sedentary, however, an observation is needed on other activities that occur during this sedative time.  For example a common practice that is associated with a movie is eating popcorn. This also holds true for snacking while watching television. Time of being sedentary while adding in extra calories is a clear equation to add on the extra weight.  It becomes a subconscious habit for many.  The main issue is not the overeating, but the fact that the technological medium entices us to a point that we do not realize that choices that we are making have major health implications.

When as a society will we start taking ownership for the choices we make with the television? It is ironic that we watch hour long reality shows on television that show obese individuals losing weight (ex: The Biggest Loser) that is encouraging and motivating us, but yet we are still on the couch not taking any action. It is almost as if the television is mocking us sending the message to go exercise when it knows that we will still be sitting there watching the show.  In no way am I saying this relates to every individual who watches television or that watching the Biggest Loser cannot encourage others to become more fit. My point is that we need to become more aware of the message the medium is sending and how those implications are affecting the health of society.

Noah E. 

9/23/2014 08:32:51 am

Thank you for this article. I am currently writing an essay on this same subject and am also using the cartoon above, it was actually how I found your site. In my research I haven't found who the artist is and was hoping you might know or steer me in the correct direction. Thank you for your time and this well written article.

Reply
B Cecil
6/15/2015 07:44:20 am

Good evening,

Can you help with creator of the art work? I am writing a paper for school and wish to use correctly. Very much enjoyed your article.

Thank you

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Author

    Kristi K. is studying Business Marketing and minoring in Communications at Bethel University.

    Archives

    January 2013

    Author

    Noah E. is an undergrad student at Bethel University. He is majoring in Biokinetics with an emphasis in humanenergetics.

    Author

    Josh T. is an undergrad student at Bethel University. He is majoring in Biokinetics with an emphasis in humanenergetics and desires to pursue a career in the chiropractic realm.