(January 19, 2010 at 11:08 am)Pippy Wrote: But I don't say that the computer screen gets some kind of special clause. Computer screens are almost as bad for you as TV screens (they have a slightly different flicker and refresh rate). If I tried to make the point that computers are fine, and TV and video games are bad for you, then I would be a hypocrite. But, if you look carefully, I never made that point. I skipped computer screens because it was already a large scale argument, and I want to stick close to my strongest points. I know that all the things I have against TV's stand against computers. May be we have more control over what we do in our modified mind-state on a computer, but it is the same in lack of health.There are two ways you could be a hypocrite. The first is the way you just stated (saying that computers are fine, but TV and video games are bad for you). I am well aware you never made this point.
The second way you could be a hypocrite (and I hold that you are) is by telling us that TV and Video Games are unhealthy, and this is why you do not use them, and yet fail to explain how you can justify using a computer, given that it operates in the same way, and does the same "damage". As I explained, it's like my exam question, where someone argues against TV and is then revealed to be watching movies excessively at a cinema. You argue against TV and don't use it, yet you argue against computers for the same reason, and you are fine with using them. Your only excuse is "maybe we have more control". I'd like to see you back up that assertion.
Quote:Am I a hypocrite because I am here right now? No. Do I have trouble "practicing what I preach"? Absolutley, it has been a pinnacle of my life. But is that a flaw? If I can't do something perfectly, does that have a bearing on it's right or wrong-ness? Should I aim for ideologues, for an objective right action? I think the 'practice what you preach' issue is about human growth. I know more than I have put into action as of yet, just room to grow. It has to do with positive change, with attempting to think of solutions creatively...Yes, technically having trouble practicing what you preach is a character flaw, since it means you are a hypocrite. It's not that you can't do something perfectly, I'm not asking you for that. What makes you a hypocrite is you arguing against TV and Video Gaming yet staring at a similar monitor in order to do so! It's honestly like watching a 2 hour documentary on why watching TV excessively is bad, or a video game where you go around solving puzzles in order to protect the world from video games...
Quote:If asked I would quickly point out that the same hypnosis and sitting still for hours issues stand on computers, they also have their own issues about flow and speed of information. I reserve that you only call me a hypocrite when I am one.I've explained how you are one. Using a computer whilst saying it hypnotises you and is unhealthy is hypocritical when you've used exactly the same reasons to shun TV and Video Games.
Quote:If you seriously never thought the TV was hypnotizing you, and you're not just being contrary, I am flabbergasted. I have brought this up untold thousands of times, and although you're not the first to question this concept, no one has ever flat out denied it. Congratulations. If you are literally as alert in the woods than in front of the TV, I bow to your superior ability to function. The rest of us, myself included very much feel the mental and physiological effects of the boob tube.I never denied being as alert as in the woods. The two are very different scenarios though. With TV you are focussed on one thing; in the woods you are surrounded and are paying attention to a much wider scope. The same could be said of going to the theatre, or looking through a telescope. Just because you are focussed on something doesn't mean you are hypnotised.
Quote:Seriously, slowed brain wave function. Unquestionable... But you're allowed to think what you will, it just amazes me.Unquestionable indeed. I just doubt it has as much effect on me as you think it ought to. I've never zoned out when watching TV (my mother on the other hand, regularly does).
