TV seems to be a baromter...Want to know what Americans value or are what issues they are wrestling with? It is a window to view the highlights and lowlights of society.

Many of those are cultural. All in the FAmily broke alot of barriers and brought them into mainstream discussion.  An event can unite the globe.  I remember watching Neil Armstrong walk on the moon with my dad. A great memory I will treasure because I shared it with my dad. The WORLD watched and for a brief time we all were ONE.

The thing with TV is it has great potential to unite people and be a common denominator. I remember watching the mini series ROOTS as a kid and thinking any society that would treat any man with less than full dignity could not call itself a great society. Thirty years later, the hip hop culture values are glorified. Ironic to say the least.  Is this what would classify American culture as diverse or merely shallow? But we are a country of assimilators.

I think sports on TV serve a two-fold purpose and why they are such a staple for television networks world wide. They show the indominatable Human Spirit in moments of triumph...and this crosses all geographic, cultural and racial boundaries. Need an example? I cant tell you how many times I had sport related conversations with people from every walk of life and with people of every imaginable color...except plaid...never talked to any Scottish soccer hooligans. I am Scottish on my moms side.

-- Edited by Dylan at 02:22, 2005-10-07