Annotated Bibliography
Does television affect what we think?
by Karlotta Jobe
September 19, 2001

Albright, S. (1996) How to Get the Best Out of TV. Broadman &Holman Publishers.

This book discusses how television affects communication and closeness in personal relationships. These relationships are affected by the extensive use of television viewing. Passive TV viewing monopolizes the free time of both children and adults. The TV schedule dictates the evening agenda. However busy Americans are, the average family watches 50 hours of TV each week. The arrangements of our homes are centered around TV placement and again affect the time we spend working on our personal relationships, i.e. bedrooms, kitchens-dinner hour. An interesting fact shows that televisions are more essential than toilets. Televisions are found in 98% of American homes versus 97% of the homes having indoor toilets. The dollar cost of TV is not too high, however the actual cost is. "The erosion of personal relationships and the thoughtless waste of a priceless, nonrenewable, super natural resource- time is a dramatic effect."

Gerbner, G. (1998) Study Guide: The Electronic Storyteller. Media Education Foundation. Available http://www.mediaed.org

This guide focuses on how to understand television as it defines our cultural environment by acting as a modern-day storyteller. Gerbner explains three types of stories that have been woven together throughout history in a seamless web creating culture. He questions the type of stories that are brought into every home. TV is essentially ritualistic, fits into a style of life, but who is telling the stories- a relatively a small group of conglomerates who have something to sell.

Gerbner, G. (1993) Casting and Fate: Women and Minorities On Television Drama, Game Shows, and News. Media Education Foundation. Available http://www.mediaed.org

This article discusses the roles and characters that are displayed on television programming. Casting characters and their fate are basics in telling stories. "Casting the symbolic world defines the pool of human characterizing from which stories and images are drawn."

Greene, K&R. (2001) Inside the Dream: The Personal Story of Walt Disney. Roundtable Press.

This book depicts Disney's impact on American pop culture and the creative genius and tireless innovator behind the creations.

Fanning, D. Does TV Kill? Frontline Vol. 3 Issue 2 Jan.10, 1995.

This article explores the definition of violence and what exactly that includes (disasters, verbal threats, destruction of property, and intimidating someone). It describes the correlation between TV violence and real violence. A conclusion is the complex way in which TV neutralizes violence by making it seem normal and acceptable. Another conclusion by social scientist have found that people who watch a lot of television are more fearful of their world and become desensitized to real violence.

McMeel, A. (2001) Making Waves: The 50 Greatest Women in Radio and Television. McMeel Publishers

This book explores the impact different women had on the industry and influences on viewers and culture. There were four criteria in selecting these women. 1. Positive influence within the cable industry. 2. Positive influence on viewers and listeners. 3. Positive impact on the advancement for women in the industry. 4. Positive vision and resulting impact on future generations.

McNeil, A. (1996) Total Television. Penguin Group Press.

This book provides a comprehensive guide to programming from 1948 to present. It highlights the top shows throughout the years. Indicating different trends of what the viewers demanded.

Owen, R. (1999) GenX TV: The Brady Bunch to Melrose Place. Syracuse University Press.

Popular culture is GenX’s specialty and TV is a large part of that. This book proves that for Generation X, TV is a defining medium. Xers and TV have common experiences. "In the end, these two forces are inseparable."

Philips, P. (2000) The Complete idiots Guide to Boomer TV. New York Press

This is a book about programs, characters, and attitudes that helped to shape pop culture in the twentieth century.

Riskin, M. The Search for the Perfect Body. Online: http//www.aadac4kids.com

This article describes how idealized body images portrayed in TV programs and advertising affect the way we see our own body image. There are two ways to see ourselves. 1. The actual image- the image you see in the mirror. 2. The perspective image- the image you think you should have. Television portrays unrealistic body images. An example given was Barbie’s measurements; 31-19-27, which claim this would not be healthy nor be appropriate to be productive.

Shields, V. (2001) Measuring Up: How Advertising Affects Self-Image. University of Pennsylvania Press

This book provides extensive research from various groups. Views are revealed from feminist media studies, feminist film theory, social scientist, physiologists, and views from Hollywood players. They look at advertisement as more than just a way to take money from unsuspecting people, but as a vehicle for conveying a larger view of confining a body obsessed culture. The idealized images of gender we see in advertising impacts our own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in relationship to these portrayed images.

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