Only watch kind TV (not bullying reality shows)

Today, many TV shows echo social media, offering lazy programmes built on cruel jokes, exclusion and public humiliation. They (sadly) draw big crowds and advertising pounds, creating a society obsessed with bullying, ‘winning’, empty fame and prize money.

It may seem harmless to watch or support such media. But the trouble is that by watching (or even talking about and promoting) such shows, it’s giving ‘quiet approval’ to bullying in disguise.

Isla St Clair (not impressed by reality TV)

Many people loved The Generation Game TV series a few decades ago, presented by Larry and his beautiful co-star Isla St Clair. She was a Scottish folk singer (she still is! – listen to beautiful songs at her site for free).

However like many, she is not impressed with modern reality TV (from bullying TV shows to ones that millions inexplicably seem to find entertaining). She writes that people long for a light entertainment show that ‘doesn’t involve eating worms or awful revelations that should be kept indoors’.

If you were ever bullied at school (or in the workplace), you will know the deep lasting damage that it can do. Sometimes for life. It may not affect you, but the after-effects will harm others.

Bullying on popular reality TV shows

• Britain’s Got Talent: Judges often embarrass contestants. They laugh at talentless acts or make cutting remarks, all while the crowd jeers.
• Come Dine With Me: Sarcastic voiceovers and contestants mocking each other over meals might seem funny, but it usually ends with someone feeling isolated and ridiculed. Interestingly, the European versions of this show are good, with everyone being nice and pleasant to each other .
• Big Brother: Housemates face constant public judgement and pressure. Tasks and arguments are designed to trigger fights and embarrassment.
• The Traitors: The format pushes players to isolate, deceive, and shame each other. Hostile whispering and plotting, leads to cruel behaviour.  It spills over into real life, when people forget that honesty is a require character trait for decent people in everyday life.

And the obvious too – all of these programmes are unoriginal, non-creative and incredibly boring!

Talking Pictures TV (and other good channels)

Talking Pictures is a great little channel, that’s free to air. And plays lots of old films from the 40s and 50s. When the world appears to be a much kinder place. The film Brighton Rock by Grahame Greene was made into a film starring the brother of Sir David Attenborough.

It also shows a few more recent series like Maigret. We had a quick look for today’s programmes, and it included vintage films for Batman and Robin Hood, and a thriller directed by Sam Wanamaker.

Not every TV channel pushes drama or negativity. Channels like Together TV focus on stories that help you feel good and spotlight real community spirit. Together TV offers shows about gardening, healthy living, and people turning small ideas into something great. No fighting, no shaming, just honest and interesting stories.

For cooking, read up on food safety for people & pets. For gardening, read about pet-friendly gardens (avoid facing indoor plants to gardens, to help stop birds flying into windows).