The World As I See It

The World As I See It:
Through Television From My Childhood
by Scott Lofgreen
　
　
I. Sesame Street
II. Gilligans Island
III. The Brady Bunch
IV. The Cosby Show
V. Scooby Doo

I. The Sesame Street taught me that people or whatever they were, were all different shapes and sizes, colors, and it didn't matter. It didn't matter to anyone. Tall, short, black, white, brown, deaf, blind, male, female, thin or fat, we are all people and no one was better than another.
II. Gilligans Island taught me that people were different. Not everyone was a movie star, nor was everyone smart. Not everyone was rich and not everyone could be the leader. Some people were humble and some people were goofy, but it didn't matter, because people everywhere were decent, nice people. They all did different things in life and sometimes they didn't hang out together because their interests were diffferent, but in the end everyone had a place. It was ok, to be different and not conform just to fit in.
III. The Brady's were a large family and they stuck with each other no matter what. Were the Bradys rich? I don't know. Were they well to do, sure. The house was big, they had a house keeper and the kids had braces so they had some money. Also they were able to take vacations, but did they have money? That we will never know and that is the way people should live. What I mean to say is some people have money and they want the world to see it and to know it. Other people have money and no one knows it by the way they live. I am not against people having money and having nice things, I just think if a person has to flaunt it, they are very insecure and usually not very nice. Something is wrong with rich mean people.
IV. The Cosby's were another large family and they were another picture of a happy family that I can relate to. Again the question is were they rich? I believe that they were because of a few things. One of those things is that both parents worked and had good jobs, jobs which most people associate with making money. Another of those things is an episode where the kids asked if they were rich and Mr. Cosby said we (meaning mom and dad) are rich, you (meaning the kids) aren't. This is a funny but true way I think life is, or should be. Kids shouldn't be handed the world on a platter just because mom and dad worked hard. It is fine if parents want to give their kids things or make their lives better, but kids need to work and earn too.
V. Scooby Doo also had a group of people trying to get along, everyone with their own strengths and weaknesses, but they were accepted for who and what they were, and never made to conform or become like someone else because that other persons way was better. It is also ok to be good at what you do and do it well, no matter what your age.

Today we hear all kinds of things about being politically correct and make sure that we never say or do anything to offend someone, but then someone else due to some other rule or exception is allowed to break this made up rule. I get sick trying to figure it all out and keep it straight. What I have learned is simple: Treat other people wether they are tall or short, fat or skinny, black or white, male or female, the same way that I want to be treated, with respect and honesty. When I see a person, I am not stupid. I can see what color their skin is, just the same way I can see what car they drive, what clothes they wear, how they style and color their hair. I can accept that they are different from me and be ok with that. I can see that some people like to smoke, some like to drink, some like to read books, and some like to be the center of attention. Some people would rather sit alone in a corner and some in front of a computer or television. Some people would love to live in the open outdoors and some hate being away from the hustle of the city. We can all have different likes and still be friends and be respectful to each other and allow for our differences. I have learned that family is important. Some people have large families and some have small. Some people may have surrogate families including neighbors, friends or workers, but we all are looking for a family to accept us and be loyal to us. A family is a place where we can be ourselves without worry, we can let our guard down. People seem to be the most comfortable and the happiest at this time. I have also learned to work hard and if I have or have not, it doesn't matter nor will it dictate the way I behave or treat others. Sure I want to be able to provide for my needs as well as my family, but I don't need to have a billion dollars and 15 houses with 3 cars in each garage to be happy. Simple needs make for less stress and less stress makes for a happier home.
I don't know why I wrote this. Just listening to some people complain about our country and how it kind of sucks and racisism and all the talk about illegal aliens and a "black president." It amazed me to hear so much about equality and how we are all people and find that so many people still dont get it or understand it. It seems so logical to me. I am a person. You are a person. Nice to meet you.