Finally

Thanks to a heads up from SustainableStyle, I have finally seen "Affluenza". It is now available on Youtube, and since we all know I don't watch tv, this was the perfect time for me to sit and watch it.

I suppose I was not surprised by anything I saw there, as most of it has been hashed over here in the blogosphere, in books, and in conversations I have had. Still, it was very good, and I enjoyed watching the "uncommercials". I really wish some of those would make it onto tv, I might actually watch!

One thing that really spoke to me was the section on how kids are being targetted by the adverising industry. I have noticed that since Big Sprout decided she was too old for Clifford and DragonTales (which can be watched on tpt without commercials), she has become much more focused on getting stuff. I have watched Nickelodeon with her, and sometimes it seems that there are more commercials than actual programming. I am seriously considering taking away her cable access. I don't mind if she wants to watch her movies or programming with a lot less commercials, but the thought that companies are trying to target our children in such a way really sets wrong with me.

Of course ideally she wouldn't watch tv at all, but she does get a lot of exercise and spends quite a bit of time outside so I am not going to cut her off completely. I am very proud of her in that I rarely find her just zoning out to the tv. She has her tv on almost constantly, but she usually is writing a story or playing with dolls or reading a book at the same time. During the summer, I noticed that while she did enjoy watching certain shows (Hannah Montana, anyone?), she quickly grew bored and would ask to go out and play.

I just thought I would let you all know that I will no longer be putting on my "duh" face when anyone mentions "Affluenza". Now I will know what you are talking about and can actually sound like I know what I am talking about! :-)