As I'm sure you've noticed by now, my notions on the suspicious foundations to the broadcast imagery we soak up in the dim blue light of our television sets isn't one of absolute fondness, I will admit to something seen as inspiration blasphemy by the tutors at my previous college... I don't own a television!
I know, it seems bizarre doesn't it? And this is something that really shouldn't be an issue, yet in my lack of ownership, I appear to have made a social, even political choice regarding the delivery of information (realistically, I just don't find enough on worth watching that would equate to me spending that much money just because it's 'normal')
It shouldn't be shocking to hear that someone doesn't own a television, Yet any time I have informed anyone of this in the past, the look of fear on their face castrates me as a human and puts me in the ditch with whatever was disposed of in area 51.
My tutors argument was that I could have no understanding, no perception, no grasp upon advertising without a television set; my defense was that not owning a television ensured that my room was the one place in the world I could actually *escape* advertising for a moment of solemnity.
Now, Obviously I use the internet, I can filter what I see and when, and this 'control' is what is important to me, I don't mean to offer sanctimonious critique upon others, but I can't think of anything less appealing to me, than to base my weekly timetable around the tv guide.
However, I don't underestimate the importance of CRT & LCD burning into our retinas when necessary, unfortunately, like all technology, the initial purpose is diluted and twisted in flux and form as it ages. Technology and those which interact, constantly demand upgrades, yearn for something which is smaller, better, faster, stronger, cheaper or more aesthetically pleasing.
I'm not going to get into another long winded 'rant' on product lust and the contemporary desire to constantly have something just a smidgen better than what you caught a glimpse of through your neighbours window last saturday as you watered the lawn.
I am however becoming increasingly worried about the shift in context of that which is being broadcast. In recent years, there has been an insurgence of motion pictures which feature an entertaining 90 minute replication of the end of the world, be it through natural disaster, infection or nuclear war.
The issue is, when these movies are reviewed on television, or in printed media, they are championed for their social commentary, the issues they highlight within society today, and this contextual referencing; whilst accurate, is terrifying.
When advancements in digital media, CGI animation and effects leads onto apocalyptic fantasy which makes millions selling to those which for the most part still don't see fit to act in accordance against the future we are facing, Should we be worried that in the face of danger we won't rally together and unite as one race... rather watch in disbelief as we gorge on popcorn?
Okay, a little exaggerated with the popcorn, but the point still stands, the line between fiction and reality is constantly blurred in the minds of society, and especially youth, who are now raised on a steady diet of armageddon focused movies and video games.
Is there a point where our ability as artists, to create something so beautifully realistic and convincing, becomes impossible to decipher as fiction from fact?
