I do think it's the snotty attitude some people have over not watching TV that makes people react to them like they're aliens. It's basically shorthand for 'I think I'm cleverer than you'. On the other hand, the concept of devoting time to watching TV in order to have something to talk about at work seems like a really sad idea to me. I'd rather spend my time on things for me, and fuck the water-cooler conversation.
I tend to think that TV advertising is all-pervasive... as in, it's not just the commercial breaks that are preaching to you. To me, it seems like the shows point out all the 'problems' you have, inventing a couple for good measure, then the ads show you the solutions. You don't have to look too far beneath the surface to see it going on.
And I find this quote illustrative:
Quote:
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There are many ways to talk about television. But in a "Business" perspective, let's be realistic : basicaly, TF1's job is to help Coca-Cola sell its product, for instance. To make the advertising message well received, the audience's brain must be available. Our shows are here to make the brain available, to entertain it, to relax it, to prepare it between two messages. What we're selling to Coca-Cola is available human brain time. Nothing is as difficult as getting this availability. ~ Patrick Le Lay, CEO of TF1, the main french TV-channel
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