I am writing in response to the article “Television needs silly, pointless fun.” (Thunder Bay Source, Thursday, November 6, 2014).
I do not agree. Pointless fun is just that—pointless. There are no benefits to be reaped from a lazy brain.
If people need a chance to escape life and just calm down, why not read a book?
Reading for even six minutes reduces stress levels by two-thirds, more than taking a walk, drinking tea or coffee, or playing video games. (Anonymous. “Reading ‘can help reduce stress’” The Telegraph March 30, 2009.)
Or how about listening to music?
I’ve heard from various people and sources that certain types of music are good for the brain.
The author of the article had the idea that silly TV shows could encourage family watching and bring families together for a laugh.
If the goal is silly, happy family time, then it would be much better to have a family joke night with everyone contributing their favorite jokes, or to read a humorous book out loud together.
This would be more inclusive, more personal, more relaxing, and much more likely to build happy memories than just watching a TV show—however funny it may be—together.
Kayla Falkenholt,
Thunder?Baay
