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Do Americans have hobbies anymore?

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MrX
The first thing I want to point out is that it's pretty assholeish behavior to ask a question, and then when someone puts effort into a serious response, to call it "beyond absurd." I keep holding out hope that you're not an asshole, because we have a lot in common and I've enjoyed your company in person. But, I don't know if I can hold out hope much longer.

What math doesn't hold up, exactly. Do you think that maybe before TV, there were other "crutches" to help deal with modern society. Is that idea beyond absurd?
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Now, we're talking. What other crutches have been used prior to television to address individual frustrations with society? Isn't TV simply another destructive crutch (an escape not unlike alcohol or drugs)? Why are people not willing to address their frustrations rather than kicking back in acceptance and allowing those issues to control them?


I think they play video games because they are more stimulating to the brain on a base level. I fail to see what this has to do with the rest of the argument.
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It is no different than television. Why would a child choose to play a basketball video game rather than go outside and play it in person? My contention is simply laziness.


Our brains cannot be conditioned to thrive under any and all circumstances. You know this. We have certain underlying social needs to function well.
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This is true. However, you'd have a very difficult time attempting to prove that our brains work optimally in smaller civilized societies or that they are "hard-wired" for that sort of setting. In fact, I'd argue that people were even more isolated and socially inept in smaller groups. It is far easier to find "your place" with like-minded individuals in a larger society.
 
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Friends of mine have babies and cannot be without the TV on in the background. I think the average American spends way too much time watching TV. Italians spend too much time eating maybe? :) But then again, I have friends on the opposite end of the spectrum who don't even own a TV and just watch movies in the theater.
 
At the other end of the spectrum, let's assume that television is indeed a replacement for social misgivings in a larger society. Wouldn't television, by its very essence, only exacerbate the problem rather than lend itself therapeutically? It can only serve to increase isolation rather than cure it.
 
MonkeyF0cker
At the other end of the spectrum, let's assume that television is indeed a replacement for social misgivings in a larger society. Wouldn't television, by its very essence, only exacerbate the problem rather than lend itself therapeutically? It can only serve to increase isolation rather than cure it.
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Yep.

Although, if one was going to be isolated either way, I wouldn't be surprised if the person who had television experienced a greater quality of life.
 
MonkeyF0cker
I realize that I am an asshole on the forums, but I do appreciate your candor on the subject. Please don't take anything I say on here personally. The forums are simply my release.
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I will probably continue to take things you say on here personally. I don't really consider this place separate from real life, but that's a subject for another time.

I appreciate the explanation, though.

And another potentially epic e-battle ends in a fizzle. Sorry sports-fans.
 
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