Newton Minow Vast Wasteland

We all have capabilities. We all have talents. We all have potential. We all have power. But, do we use our talents for good or for evil? In “Vast Wasteland,” Newton Minow warns broadcasters of the power of influence. Television, media, and now the Internet are powerhouses for influence, whether that power is good or bad. While I agree with his position on media’s power of influence, I do not accept the idea that the government has the sole responsibility to regulate media. Jim Morrison, a famous songwriter, once stated, “Whoever controls the media, controls the mind.” Morrison’s words align perfectly with Minow’s warning that media, “has limitless capabilities for good—and for evil.” Even in the 1960s, Minow realized the amazing potential

Throughout the book, Winn gives examples of parents that have allowed the television to become the center of the family. Parents, not broadcasters, should have the responsibility of regulating media. TV broadcasters will display whatever makes the most money, but parents should decide what is good or evil. Even the Internet has become the heart of the family; I’ve seen the Internet’s takeover myself. My family enjoys eating out at local restaurants. But when we arrive at our table, the phones and handheld games are pulled out. Immediately, all conversations end and the Internet takes over our thoughts and focus. Even my parents fall prey to the Internet’s snare. From the start, parents should have regulated children’s usage of media. The only problem is, parents refuse to accept this responsibility. Mothers and fathers all around the country think that media is a good thing. The false belief that the Internet allows people to be more sociable is ridiculous. The misconception that television keeps kids away from the world’s distractions is ludicrous. In reality, media is the distraction. The Internet and television pull us away from what matters, family. Parents have become passive with their duties and responsibilities. Marie Winn realized that, “parents’ educational role in their children’s lives is taken over by media.” Television and the Internet have become the mother and father of today’s