How do you think TV programming and commercials have affected our children?

This week's discussion topic in my Business (online) class.

I think TV programs have made our children less creative. When I was young I remember watching Batman or Superman and then going out and pretending with my brothers we were them.

Then when I was in Jr. High, Sesame Street got it's start. I like that show because it still encouraged creativity. Then something happened when Barney came on the scene. When that intro music came on it seemed to hypnotize my child. She would literally stop in her tracks and stare at the TV. She didn't sing along or play along, just stared. I heard the same experiences from other moms. That show was banned from my house.

The only way to control TV programming is with the TV remote control. Just turn it off. And I stay involved. My Barney watching child is now a MTV watching Junior in high school. While she tries to convince me that Flavor Flav is funny, I point out all the reasons I think it's just junk. I want to make sure she knows where I stand so she can hear my still, small voice when I'm not around.