The 1960s introduced a whole new world in terms of technology. Though, television had already been invented and used in many homes in the 1950s, the new decade had brought along an improvement that changed many lives. TV was now in color as well as live.
Most people would assume that this had little to no affect to the beliefs and/or emotions of the public but it truly did. Live TV allowed for events such as the presidential race with John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon to really touch people in a new way. Most people would go their whole life only seeing pictures of the president. But, for the first time, they could hear and see the candidates and often times, the use of those senses appeals very strongly to our emotions because hearing and feeling sincerity is easier with the visual aspect. Plus, this often gave off a sense of ease or comfort knowing the faces of possible leaders. Obviously, looks and appearances began to go a long way too.
Also, the use of television helped to inform the public of the true happenings of many movements. This included, the women's rights, civil rights, anti-Vietnam War, and hippie movements. For example, people could see real footage of the dangerous and horrendous war zone in Vietnam. This lead for many to get in touch with their honest opinions of the war because seeing the horrible sights made them feel uncomfortable or even scared.
-Kara Gans
You should add some links. I like the background of this blog but the white font is difficult to see, it would be better if you bolded it.
ReplyDeletePossibly focus more on the actual emotions that the TV created for its audience, instead of just saying it appealed to emotions
ReplyDeleteYour examples really helped with understanding your argument like the presidential race and the war footage. However, I think it can me more effective if you hyperlinked those phrases with website describing them. also a visual aid would be more engaging.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with your post; the addition of television sets in most family's homes in the 1960's greatly impacted society as many family's were able to be educated about the world and all that is going on in it. For example, like you said, families were able to learn about the Vietnam War, and develop their own opinions on it. People were able to be thoroughly informed about different situations happening around the United States. I agree with other commenters; adding links to articles or adding a visual add would strengthen your post.
ReplyDeleteI think one of the great parts about television as it originated was the idea of tangible emotions. One event that sticks out in my mind was the assassination of Robert Kennedy that was broadcasted live in 1963. When you hear people talk about it, they distinctly remember details of that day such as where they were and how they felt. Similarly, the attack of the Twin Towers on 9/11 had the same affect on our generation. TV allows for a deeper feeling as it stimulates the visual sense.
ReplyDeleteI think it would be interesting to connect the major emotional TV moments from the 60's to ore recent emotional TV moments and compare them on a scale of national reaction.
The proposed argument in the beginning of your analysis was good but maybe if you connected how not only TV affected viewers positively but also negatively impacted their emotions and how that affected the overall attitude on TV in 60's it could be better. Also, as the others said a visual element would help as well.
ReplyDelete