I’ve recently gone from a 5-year period without any cable television to a condo that has a tv in every room.

When I’m eating, I’ll often turn it on for a half hour or so, possibly getting sucked in for an hour show.  I usually watch TBS, Discovery, Comedy Central, or Sci-Fi.

I had forgotten what constant bombardment from commercials feels like.  The television is relentlessly telling me:


  1. Eat more cheap, yummy fast food!  $1 for burgers! $2.99 for a full, greasy meal complete with a 1 gallon soda!

  2. But you’re fat, so take diet pills, and join Weight Watchers or Jenny Craig to buy “magical” food that will effortlessly make you lose weight.

  3. You have to buy an American car or truck to make jobs and support the economy!

  4. 3 different companies have the absolute lowest car insurance rates.  And people saved an average of $400 by switching from any of them to another.

  5. Did you not pay your taxes?  Were you deemed ineligible for government benefits?  That’s not your fault!  Sue them!

  6. You need at least 5 different prescription drugs based on self diagnosis of vague symptoms.  Talk to your doctor today!


…and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Even though on a conscious level I know all of these things are ridiculous, I can’t help but wonder what effect they’re having on my subconscious.

No wonder North America is such a mess.  Can anything be done to promote a more positive, proactive message?