I would love to know your thoughts on today's topic. Please share your (kindly-worded) opinion below. :) For news, comment of the week, and much more, please visit my corresponding blogpost dailyconnoisseur.blogspot.com/2018/08/refuse-to-be-dumbed-down-detox-teatime.html
I agree. Although I do watch TV, I am watching much less and trying to be more discriminating. I hope some day to watch very little. But there is some really good television . One show you would like (you could probably get the DVD from the library) is Civilizations from PBS. It is about art through the ages but tied into history. It was absolutely fascinating. Also, Steve Allen wrote a book about 20 years ago called “Dumbth” about how dumb we are becoming. I think you would like it. I do listen to popular music but mostly from before 1970. But classical music is wonderful. And one last thing. If you haven’t read “A Gentleman from Moscow” you have to. It is one of the best books I have ever read. And I’ve read a lot. Everyone I know who has read it agrees. Thanks for your videos.
Love this vid. It's easy to detox from TV. - we have TH-cam now. 😅 Wow I like that I'm not the only one who stopped with the crap music! To anyone who doesn't want to be dumbed down - Get off of Instagram and social media!
Preach on, Jennifer. You will NEVER regret the standards you have set for your family. We raised our 3 kids with no cable, and very limited movie time. We were unicorns for sure, took a lot of criticism and were the butt of many well-meaning jokes. Our kids even thought they were really missing out at one point; all of them are grown and married now....and guess what? They are raising their families exactly as we did!
Cindie, your story is beautiful! We have 4 kids, homeschool, no cable, we play outside instead of video games. We receive a lot of criticism about how we raise them from "younger" friends "older" friends say my kids are very well behaved & sweet.
Sooo inspiring. I want to do the same insha-Allah (if God wills) ! Thank youuu for your comment, very reassuring. I am a "unicorn" too for sure and it is not easy in this society, but I stay strong :))
My husband and I are in our 80s now. When our 4 children were in elementary school we had family dinner every night. After dinner, we all lingered at the table and my husband read poetry to us while we enjoyed dessert or an after dinner beverage. It was a wonderful time in all of our lives. And something they always remember.
Oh my goodness, Jennifer. You are exactly where I was about 20 years ago! I cannot agree with you more. We raised 5 children without television and homeschooled them from kindergarten through 12th grade -- 23 years in all. There were so many exciting things to learn and do, we couldn't imagine wasting time being entertained with meaningless shows or having our children watching less-than-wholesome programming. Our days were filled with reading good literature, exploring nature, and researching topics that interested us -- often involving fascinating projects and activities. Neighborhood walks gave us the opportunity to meet our neighbors while providing fresh air, sunshine, and exercise. And classical music filled our home. Our little ones went to bed with the music of Mozart softly playing in their room, and by the time they were older they could identify the composer of many pieces played on the local classical radio station (which sadly, no longer exists). Contrary to the concerns raised by some, who thought our children were missing out on something by not watching TV, our kids did not turn out to be weirdos or ignorant of the real world. All of them went through college on scholarships and have careers they love. There is so much life to live, why waste it watching others on a screen? These days, it is the computer or smart phone screen that consumes the time of so many. Your video is a wake-up call to all of us to stop being mind-numbed, or dumbed down, and live an intentional life.
I mentioned in a previous comment that I stopped watching TV end of 2017, however my YT watching has become borderline out of control. I am struggling to find a balance. Sigh! I do agree dumbing down is out of control in our society.
Pam Long, I remember the advice of one TH-camr on this subject. She gives herself one day a week where she is allowed to relax with a fancy drink and watch all the videos in her subscription feed that she wants. Then she is done until the next week. You could even amp it up by watching them in a bubble bath or something.
This is an old video already but I wanted to say that I found this very inspiring! I'm 23 and kind of bummed out about life right now, but videos like this give me a bit of hope and perspective on how much life has to offer. Thank you :)
Yes yes yes. I thoroughly enjoyed this video. The things you equate to "dumbing down" society are the same things I cut out years ago for reasons of demoralizing society. Matthew 12:34 "For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks" and Phillipians 4:8 "Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - think about such things." I do not walk around quoting the bible but these verses CHANGED MY LIFE when I put them in the context of our world. Our minds were simply not intended to be passively fed constant negativity and garbage. I am certainly not perfect and admit that I like to listen to my favorite beauty and lifestyle TH-camrs while I am doing dishes, cooking, or winding down after the kids go to bed, so I will try to take your advice about audiobooks to do something more enriching instead (or even just choose other TH-cam content). Thank you for speaking on such an important topic.
I’m 22 years old and an opera singer. The richness I find in classical music is beyond compare! I really love when non-musicians appreciate that music as well. 💗 for anyone trying to listen for the first time, I recommend Debussy, Chopin, Eriks Esenvalds and Morten Lauridsen.
pauline doyle, totally agree! My grandpa played a lot of Irish music and my students always want me to put on K-pop before school starts. It’s fun seeing what other cultures like.
I personally think refusing to be dumbed-down has a lot to do with one's taste and ambitions. I have never said it out loud or expressed it, but I've been purging negative, useless content for the last few months. IMO, there is nothing wrong with watching TV once in a while if the show is a classic and if it is the way that you can wind down after a hectic day yet still learn something. As far as I am concerned, I don't have cable, I prefer not having any games on my cellphone, instead I have Duolingo and apps that I would be ashamed to get rid of in order to free up space for a dumb app. And I would rather use TH-cam as a treat after I achieve my daily goals and go through my to-do list... As a foreigner who made it to a top graduate business school in the US and who is polyglot, I can attest that refusing to be dumbed-down is very fruitful and takes you places :)
I could not agree more! At the ripe old age of 76, I find all the subjects you touched on have tremendous value! I hope to never stop learning and appreciating nature! I enjoy your perspective so very much! It is so valuable and encouraging! Thank you!❤
It is often not the "thing" that is the issue, but rather how we use it. I think you addressed this with a couple of very eloquent points. My husband and I also have phases where we watch more tv at times than others (we limit tv time for the kids always). There are times that watching a tv show or a movie has been an uplifting and enlightening experience. When it no longer is, we have no problem turning it off. Our household will always incorporate museums, operas, classical music, books, etc. My takeaway from this excellent teatime is you should always strive to improve upon your knowledge and what you contribute to your family and community. If you can accomplish this while engaging in small amounts of tv watching, etc. then great. If not, that is the time to detoxify and reconsider the choices you are making for entertainment and leisure. Thank you and your husband, as always, for a wonderful teatime!
Just a note on audiobooks (I love them, too!) - the Los Angeles Public Library system has an incredible collection of digital material, and the largest selection of audiobooks I’ve seen! You can borrow/listen for free through the Libby app, without needing to run to your local branch (I continue to use LA/Libby even since moving to NYC). If you don’t already use your local library/Libby, I’d highly recommend it :)
Hi Jennifer, I totally agree with you. We are empty nesters so it might not be as hard to darken the TV. We watch the world news each day, as dismal as it is, we feel compelled to be "in the know". We occasionally peruse Netflix for a decent movie to watch but are finding the offerings there to be very limited to rather worthless watching. All that being said, I find it to be a constant struggle with myself over too much time watching/reading social media. Why is it so intriguing to watch other people clean, grocery shop, put on makeup etc!? I totally baffle my own self! I know you addressed this in a previous post. I limit myself to a certain time to "tune" in...usually evening when I am ready to call it a day. I make myself pick just a few but it can so easily get out of hand and that strong urge is definitely there to binge watch! Sometimes if I am sewing, knitting etc I will allow myself a few extra watches. I really need to spend more time reading or listening to audio books. I guess the battle is something that is not unique to a specific age group but something we all battle. For us...the TV is fir the most part "OFF" and that is fine with us! Now to battle on with other forms of time wasters! Your videos are on my "watch" list as I always know you will have something worthwhile to talk about. Thanks! Oh...I love your music selections also!
Thirty-three years ago we removed the TV from our home because my then 2 year old was afraid of some of the things he saw on Sesame Street. What a blessing it has been to be without TV all these years! We too homeschooled all of our children who have all now completed college/ some graduate school. We had so much time to read and pursue hobbies. They spent many hours a day outside and invented many games and performed plays with other children in the neighborhood. It certainly wasn't always easy and I have to say that at times I would have loved to plop them down in front of the TV for a few hours so I could have a bit of peace, but I'm happy now that we persevered.
Hi Jennifer, thank you for another great video! I completely agree with you and your very special guest 😊 on all of your thoughts about our society’s dumbing down process. The idea that we should all be entertained all of the time has become ubiquitous. My way of dealing with it has been to become more conscious of how I spend my daily time. As you, I love being efficient, and like following things through till the end. But I also enjoy taking some quiet time, by which I mean taking time to spend doing things that give me pleasure. Reading a book, taking a bath by candlelight, cooking an elegant meal for my family, watching a historical movie or documentary. I have learnt that pleasure and entertainment, are polar opposites. The first is to be engaged in fully and consciously, the other is mindless and numbing. One requires discipline, the latter is a free-for-all. I mean, one piece of a beautifully handmade chocolate cake is delicious, while eating a whole packet of chips in front of the telly - not so much. One gives pleasure, the other is entertainment. This simple distinction has really given me wings when it comes to living well, and with more presence. What do you think? Sincerely, Mx
I did that Jennifer in 2016cut my cable, deleted my Facebook and convenced my American husband (I'm Peruvian) that tv should not be the prime spot anymore I was raised in a home where mom had a tv in a small room, never in the living room, and we have to go there if we want to watch something specific, we girls didn't find fun to be just seating there to random switch channels ....we had company almost daily and we delighted great conversations in the living room Thank you for letting me know still young ppl like you find that way of living more meaningful
Jennifer, this video is refreshing. I grew up without a television for all but one year of my life. My husband and I do not own one now and are glad for that fact. I also love Audible and listen to books while I cook, drive, and do housework. Yes about the sports. It is like the bread and circuses in Rome. We are certainly dumbed down in America. My husband and I are doing our best to go against the flow. Thank you for being an inspiration!
Thank you Jennifer for bringing up this subject! We have four young children, and we are raising them the same way as you do. My kids have never been exposed to the cable in our own house, but they know youtube. We had some funny moments, when we were at somebody's house where there was a TV, and one of my kids wanted to go and grab something, they asked if they could pause the TV. It always provoked some interesting conversations... We also walk every evening after the dinner, it is our tradition. What surprises me and my husband, that over many years no matter where we lived, we are the only people who walk with their kids not to the park or their car :-), but around the neighborhood block.
Because of you, I listen to a classical station in the kitchen on low volume all day long. Often times a favorite song will come on and we'll raise the volume. The boys say it helps them focus while they do their school work. I tend to listen to too much negative stuff. Bad habit. By the way, hi Ben!
I agree. I think we need to be more selective in how we use our time. Whenever I implement a new idea, create something wonderful or simply complete a project, I always hear, “You have way too much time on your hands.” To which I reply, “ No I have the same amount of time as everyone else. I just choose to use it differently.” I love learning, classical music is a gift and reading is a treasure. Jennifer, I got your book from the library, At Home With Madame Chic. I’ve enjoyed it very much. Speaking of which, don’t forget the library. It is a wonderful way to spend time with children. Peace ❤️
Fun seeing your husband, always! Love this topic. A friend of mine constantly talks about the Kardashians and the Housewives. Listening to her made me stop watching all reality television. I never want to sound like that.
Spot-on, Madame Chic Jennifer! I have five sons and have been very particular about the music, media, and language in our home. Making these changes really does add to the education of our children.
So good! I work in a library so I’m a big believer in reading and being a lifelong learner. Audible is great, I’ve used it before and find I can “read” a book while doing my more mundane tasks. You can also find e-audio books from the library! I don’t get tempted much by tv, and I’ve never liked pop music-since I was young I loved classical music...but my main time waster is mindlessly surfing the web, social media and online shopping...I’ve really got my work cut out for me in this area! Thank you for the reminder :)
"The Minimalists" podcast also advocates to allow only the things that add value to your life.I enjoy public radio, Audible & podcasts while I do housework. I also have been loving to listen to "Bethoven for Breakfast" or "Mozart in the Morning" in AM & Chopin's Nocturne in PM. Love when you have your husband as "special guest". ;)
Jennifer, I can't tell you enough how much my life has improved since I stopped watching television...relationships, physical health, and my learning curve. A special thanks to Katie for introducing me to Halidon music.Thanks again for keeping this topic open. Linda
There was a book written in the 70s called "Four Arguments for the Elimination of Television," at the top of my reading list now. It's important to step back and take a hard look at how television conditions us to think and behave in ways that don't really improve our quality of life in the long run. Plus a lot of unnecessary consumption is promoted there, harmful to our planet and to our collective happiness. Thanks, Jennifer and Ben, for taking the time to make this important video.
Hi it's so cheerful to hear you talk and somewhat peaceful! It's been funny to hear Kazakhstan in this video. I am originally from Almaty moved in ME US in 2003 I am 44 years young 🤣 ! Thank you for what you do !!! I discovered you myself and loving it! God Bless you and family!!!
I wanted to like your video 100 times. Absolutely, we need more encouragement an eye opening to be aware of the effects of being dumb down. Thank you for needed content!
My grandchildren were here for 2 weeks- we watched an episode of The Walton’s every evening and sang classic hymns- they really seemed to love both activities!
I loved what Ben said, having more information on a topic can stimulate the conversations we have. It’s so true, perhaps that’s why society’s social skills are declining because of many people having no knowledge on topics so that the conversations we have aren’t stimulating. I have also limited my TV intake, it’s such a time waster! I’m so glad you are turning your attention again on refusing to be dumbed down.
Just remember the “pop” of yesteryear are the classics of today. Rudyard Kipling, Wilkie Collins, and even Dickens were all “pop” writers. The entire genre of the novel was seen as unintellectual and frivolous as we view tv at one point. A genre being more recently created does not mean it isn’t as artistic as a more established one. I guess with my background in literary criticism I want my music to have lyrics. Not all song writers stand up to poetic analysis, but there are a lot of gems. I’m a big fan of folk rock, both new and old, so Paul Simon, Passenger, Radical Face, and Bob Dylan come to mind-and don’t forget one of them is even a Nobel prize winner. If folk rock isn’t your thing The Red Hot Chili Peppers and Emienem are also producing lyrics of exception poetic quality. I think embracing classical art forms is great; I love the theater, opera, symphony, and ballet; but putting them on a pedestal seems like it can be a slippery slope to living in the past, shutting yourself off from innovations that are amazing and enriching, and becoming a bit snobby. I guess my point is don’t forget to try new things too. I went to the electric forest music festival this year even though that sort of thing isn’t my normal cup of tea and the way they crafted the physical architecture of the environment to act as an extension of the music was amazing. This would be easy to miss or entirely dismiss without an open mind though.
I would love to cut and paste the lyrics of the type of songs I am talking about, but I can't put them on my channel because they are too profane. Like I mention in the video, I am not talking about all popular music.
the Daily Connoisseur, no worries, I know the type you mean. It’s just too easy to disregard too much and not hunt out the good stuff at times. I’d hate for people to get carried away and write off too much. I remember you posting once about a concert you went to and a few comments were a bit silly with how critical and surprised they were. As if it’s impossible to like both classical and modern music. Quality is quality. On that note (pun intended) I tend to think of wholesome and artistic quality like a Venn diagram. There is a lot of wholesome stuff that is frankly rubbish and a surprising amount of profanity in high quality music. If you want both your pool definitely gets smaller, though truth be told I’m not bothered by difficult topics or profanity if the quality is good. I also don’t have little ears to worry about though! 🙉
To think Doris Day & Helen Shapiro were pop, and relating that to say Christina Aguilera of the 00’s or of say RiRi’s music of today makes me want to cringe. I’m not a fan of classical music but like early swing, jazz. When I’m in the car with my preschooler I have the radio tuned into a modern Christian based channel that still plays modern pop but without all the explicit or inappropriately illustrative lyrics. Considering I’m non-faith that says something 😂
I have just re-read Anne of Green Gables as an adult and I was amazed that I ever got through it as a child. I'm not sure many children nowadays would read those big words and long chunks of description. I'm now reading Wuthering Heights and it's heavy going. I have been tempted to give up on it but remembered this video. I refuse to be dumbed down!
My mother played classical music in the house every day growing up. Each morning I would wake to the sound of the classical music radio station being played. I loved listening and humming along to anything that was played. My uncle still reminds me 30 years later of a road trip with my mother and I when I was 12 years old. I sung along to a Mozart opera that I knew by heart for the entire trip in the back seat while they sat in the front. It may have influenced my choice to study opera singing, my love of all things string related (especially cello). And having classical music (and soundtracks especially Thomas Newman scores) playing constantly all day every day.
Thank you, Jennifer (and Ben) for 17 minutes that weren't a waste of my time! I've been moving more and more in the direction of "decluttering" physical and mental clutter that is wasting my time. The older I get, the more I want to focus in on priorities. Our family just got a new puppy and my teens are approaching adulthood SO quickly. I want to squeeze every drop out of the precious moments I have. Thank you, for clarifying a few things for me! Much love.❤
Hello, Jennifer, I very much enjoyed this video. I agree with you that our culture is contributing to the dumbing down of America. Each of us can make the decision to elevate our life and be inspired by the finer things. I'm new to your blog, and am very impressed. Thank you for your sharing your inspired views. You are an elegant and lovely woman. (Your husband is quite handsome and adorable.) I have read and re-read all of the Madame Chic books, and they have inspired me to live my life with more refinement, character, and joie de vivre. I am grateful to you and Madame Chic for bringing elegance into my life.
I love your thoughts on the subject but it is somewhat bittersweet to me as a retired homeschool mom. I remember the excitement of learning together as a family, the music lessons, the nature walks, cooking together and mostly reading books together. Sitting on the couch with my sons reading historical fiction and wonderful stories together was one of the happiest times for me. My husband used to read wonderful historical fiction To my sons each night before bed; Also a highlight for him! Now my sons are grown and in college and I am having trouble adjusting to being done with the wonderful seasons of homeschooling. It seems like there was a reason to keep learning when you are passing on this to your children. I’m happy for you and rejoice with you on your learning lifestyle! The homeschooling lifestyle is a wonderful way to live!
I discovered you through Audible in 2016 when my husband and I decided to give up tv for lent. Giving that up was so good for us! He now only watches the 4 major golf tournaments and only a portion of it. I use to spend so much time sitting and watching tv during throughout the day and now I hardly sit down. The only things we record now is The Great British Baking Show and The Rifleman. We only turn on the tv for news about once every other week and usually we end up regretting it. I listen on Audible and TH-cam a lot but only while cleaning or working on something else. The funny things is, it's not like we're still denying ourselves tv, we honestly just don't care about it anymore. When we do watch it's on nights we have Subway or pizza. Your books and TH-cam channel have been a great influence and helped me find joy in the daily things I use to dread and avoid. Thank you!
I couldnt agree with you more! My husband and I got rid of tv about 12 years ago, and we never looked back. It makes it a little more difficult to socialize with people at work sometimes, as they seem to focus so much of their discussions on television shows. They say' " No tv? What do you do with your time?" Plenty of things! Ive returned to painting, Ive read so many more books and spend a lot of time outdoors. I think its made me a happier person, and doesnt everyone want to be more happy? Over the last few months I have removed myself from most of social media, no more twitter, facebook, instagram. So much of it makes people compare themselves too much, makes them feel envy or lack in their own lives instead of appreciating all the wonder around them. Recently I a have been listening to a lot more classical music, especially on the way to work, and it puts me in such a relaxed state that helps me to deal with the high paced chaos of the restaurant I work at. Now, if only theyd play that kind of music in there, I feel people would act less rude or be in less of a rush. I would like to add theater to my repertoire but alas my town and the ones around lack much in the arts. Any suggestions?
I realize this is an older video; I’m a new fan making my way through your delightful channel. 🙂 I am very much in line with your thoughts on this, Jennifer! I was drawn to Charlotte Mason for this reason. Another area in which I’ve seen severe dumbing down in recent years is church. So many churches seek to entertain and draw crowds, when the pastor should be feeding the members the meat of the Word!
Do you know what Church you can go to and by simply attending every day for 3 years, hear and read the entire Bible, OT and NT? The One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. And you're not just fed God's Word. You're fed His body, blood, soul and divinity in Holy Communion as He established at the First Supper, through the Church that Christ created. Not a bit of dumbing down there. So if that is what you crave, come on home :) With Love, a Former Mega Church attender turned Traditional Catholic
I have small children as well and no time for much tv, however, I will watch TH-cam late into the night on my phone. I learn a lot on TH-cam but it is now borderline out of control. I struggle to find balance between me time, family time, housework, within the very limited hours left after working full time outside the home. I love your books and advice. I agree that limiting tv frees up time to be productive.
I am a little bit late in seeing this video just now (LOL), but I wanted to say you are SPOT ON in regards to society being dumbed down. It’s terrible. Between the news channel regurgitations and the music and social media (except you and a select few others)..... it’s sad. So thankful Gods Word isn’t dumbed down 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 Keep doing what you’re doing and don’t let anyone bully you out of doing it and saying what you believe. Not only is helping young girls, but it’s helping young and older, BOTH!! Love your channel!!
Yes!!! I’m only halfway through the video but I have been nodding along and agreeing with every point! You’ve put into words what I have been feeling for years.
I am so pleased that I encouraged my now 19 year old daughter to participate in musical productions in middle school. Now she is a theatre major in college and is totally absorbed in participating and enjoying musicals. She had a full time children's camp counselor job during the day this summer and in the evening participated in a community theatre. I'm also pleased to say that her iPod is 90% Broadway show tunes!
Love your videos! Thank you! I try to listen to Mozart & Beethoven when we assign homeschool assignments. Other times, our kids listen to 70s & 80s music like ZZ Top, Pat Benatar & The Eagles & Creedence. Our daughter also listens to Austin French, a contemporary Christian singer, & our boys love The Newsboys.
Thanks for this helpful video. Very timely for me, as I am weaning myself of tv. It feels good to know that you are doing it too. It feels like support.
It’s so nice to see you and your husband sharing this point of view, I definitely agree we can stop wasting time watching tv to improve our days learning and reading and exercising. Loved this video
Hi Jennifer! I've just discovered your channel and I love it! My husband and I have 2 little ones at home and my goodness, do we have to filter things out of our home and minds constantly...and to not forget to put good and truthful things in replace of it! We want their little brains to actually THINK and reason well. It is definitely a battle in today's society...for my husband and I as well. Love your first book so far and am valuing what I'm learning from them. Thank you!😊
Hey Jennifer! I know I'm four years too late to this video party, but I'm catching up on your videos while I fold my massive laundry, so thank you for keeping me company during this arduous task. I couldn't agree with you more on this subject and please don't ever apologize. You are almost TOO NICE! It's a good thing I'm not doing a video because I'd just tell people straight up that they're engaging in total trash most of the time. It's a message people need to hear. I also haven't watched tv for over 20 years (really) but I do order DVDs (I don't want to belong to Netflix or Hulu, etc). However, I am running out of the classics and it's such a shame to me that there are really so few quality programs being produced these days, especially when it comes to children. Not sure you will ever see this comment but I'd love it if you shared a list of quality movies and books that you have found worthwhile. All the best.
Jennifer, you are speaking to me. A few years ago, I got sucked into the Real Housewives. These shows exhibit some of the worst of human nature - drunkenness, petty fighting & vindictiveness, valuing material goods over relationships. I started watching when I desperately needed escapism from things that were going on in my life but it is definitely time to let them go!
You make such good points about popular music! I talk about the lack of skill involved in a lot of the pop music today due to the hyper-commercialization of the mainstream music industry. Often people get really upset with me and call me a "music snob" etc...but I have a degree in music history and I feel that through the study of the development of the music industry has only reinforced my feelings about current pop music. Thank you for saying it!
So glad you continue to cover this subject, Jennifer. I love learning! I am always challenging myself to learn new things and it is so rewarding. Our daughter, who is 19, has grown up without teen shows, video, and pop culture music. It can be done, and, she has so many talents and interests because of that. One item that you didn’t mention, but I have noticed is how most of the current popular books on the bestseller lists are dumbed down, crass or vulgar. So disappointing to see so many books that do not add any value, inspiration or purpose to life.
You are 100% correct!!! I do need a little less computer time. I've just about stopped watching TV. I find that I get upset every time I watch it. It see like all the TV shows have some sort of negative content. Thank you for making the world a better place!!
110% spot on and correct! I canceled Hulu, Netflix, and even amazon prime because I was watching way too much. I watch youtube but I use it as a masterclass. I'm subscribed to channels I learn from. If I'm not careful youtube can replace tv and you are doing the same thing. I take notes on various subjects of interest as I'm watching youtube. I listen to music and enjoy it immensely but modern music is not my cup of tea. very little of it I can stomach, I will rather be in silence. Jennifer, you have no idea how refreshing and validating it is to know someone understands how I feel and think. I've been ridiculed and cast aside even by family so much it left me with a complex of fear and rejection. I went contrary to my nature for years trying to fit in and it was disastrous for me. I'm still paying a high price for the choices I made. I'm invigorated again to be my authentic self and your channel is helping greatly. I love your content. ♥
Oh my gosh, this is so inspiring! There's definitely not much worth even watching these days, and sometimes we're picking a show, just to watch "something next". I need to transition or detox as you say, to more reading!
Just watched this now - this is something I had not put a name to, but I agree! I don't watch TV or listen to pop music. Thank you for sharing these thoughts and encouragement!
Love this video! I find that in my relationship my spouse and I watch shows as our way to connect. Before we met I never even owned a tv. Now we let our kid watch her own shows. I internally cringe when I think about how we spend our time and wish we lived differently and I try to get my family on board and we try to cut out screens but we start detox process and it’s uncomfortable and we go back to comfortable ways. I feel like tv dumbs people down makes people fat and takes away from doing most important things in life. I love your perspective on this.
I watch little to no television now. I do not watch the news at all anymore because it just causes added stress which there is enough of that in our own personal lives. We cannot change tragic events that are shown over and over on news channels. I removed that out of my life and feel less stress because of it. I never felt withdrawals from removing television from my life. If I want to watch something out of the blue I will. But, that’s it. :)
urthebest1122, I understand how you feel about the news. I often need a bit of a break. Before you make that break permanent just remember, if you live in a country where you have the privilege to vote you also have the responsibility to stay informed.
- - If I am interested in finding out anything to do with politics, (which I used to take way too much interest in and no longer do), I’ll research this. But, honestly a lot of the political news is fictitious at best and over dramatized along with the rest of the news genres. Though, if it helps you with an area of life such as voting you should do what works. Thanks for replying. :)
I totally understand you, I would turn the TV on as I made morning coffee and listen to the news, then I'd listen to political talk radio for hours on end; i was getting so depressed and felt so overwhelmed and heartbroken over everything. I dont watch any news, but I do stay somewhat current by reading headlines of world news and such. Maybe in the future I will be more into news, but right now Im just too sensitive and it breaks me
I was just talking to my husband about this the other day. I have a "news" app on my smartphone. Half of the "news" items are just sensationalized (often negative) titles to entice you to click. I refuse to take the clickbait and am now thinking of deleting the app from my phone. We're better than that. Thank you Jennifer!
I've found that recently I watch tv while I'm cleaning/pottering around the house and just have it up on my laptop - I am still watching TV but for me it's helping the chores feel less dull, and the watching feel more productive!
Thank you for taking the time to share this information. It's a character issue so well. You are so accurate. Television is the tool of darkness. Enjoying your channel.
I'm under 30 and couldn't agree more. I've felt this way, always. I listen to classical music or instrumental pieces from movie composers. Really amazing. The popular music of today (one in specific) makes my skin crawl if I hear it. I do love to watch my movies but am very specific on what I watch. If I feel I need something more than that a subtitled foreign film fulfils that gap. Its nice to see a community I think I can relate with in the culture we live in today. X
LOVED THIS SO MUCH!! So many great tips! Thank you!! I am a newly homeschooling mom myself and have felt this strong pull to teach my children the joy of learning. I am learning along side them as well. It’s so fun!
Great video! Another thing I've noticed is how acceptable it's become to swear in common speech. I often hear children swearing in public or adults swearing in front of children very casually. Seems to be a recent development because when I was growing up this rarely happened. It is probably due to the lyrics and media we all consume as a society becoming more explicit. I have definitely begun to decrease my exposure to pop culture because most of it is mindless these days.
Awwwwww you're so refreshing. I'm with you babe. I've reduced tv so much . However I love escapism now and then. Agatha Christie....old movies. Love them. I'm a massive rock fan which is also a love of mine. Can't stand today's music. You are so right love. I commend you for being so truthful. Music is meant to touch your soul ......artists of today bless them are moulded into robots autotuned the hell out of and can't play an instrument between them. Sixties seventies eighties have soul which really inspires me. Classical .....jazz .....world music really reaches into my very being. Reggae etc.....such richness. I really appreciate your vids. I'm a 46 year old girl from Liverpool England. ...I've tatoos piercings I'm alternative in every way........and I love what you do xxxxx
I love that classic piece as well. It’s very sad, but fills you up with so many different emotions. I have not watched any shows for about a month now because I literally have no time and I haven’t found anything I would make time for. So I’m going to take advantage of this and not make time for tv anymore, but if I ever happen to have time for something that seems interested then I’ll watch. I actually want to go back to making books and painting but I haven’t found the time. I have a 4 month old and it’s been hard to get into a schedule. Thanks for sharing this.
You are spot on. Hi, I am Cheri and I am a tv addict. It is my main vice, so it could be worse. Don't touch my music though. Music that lifts my spirit, makes me dance, makes me smile is of value to me. Many pop songs fit that bill. I also listen to classical, folk, country, rock, and more. I worry more about people spending time alone on devices. The lack of interaction is concerning and people that speak in texting abbreviations is just sad.
I pulled up the song you said you loved by Albinon. I listen to it while watching your video this mid morning. It was just what I needed beautiful piece. Thank you for doing this Loved what you had to say. My dear you are wise beyond your years. Love to you and yours. God bless you and your family prayer's are with you.
Think what people of a bygone age achieved. One often wonders how , without the labour saving devices we all have today , they still managed to do wonderful embroidery, write numerous letters , wood carving and making their own music . We’ve lost this art and , you’re right , television is the main reason. We never watch television but instead listen to classical music and read every night . I may sound goody , goody but it makes me happy .
Just ordered a copy of The Mayflower and am looking forward to it. Appreciate your recommendations of books and music. Regarding classic music, I love your recommendations and hope you will continue to recommend more. I have begun to listen to classical once again after many years, but to be honest, there is some of it I really don't care for, so having something recommended is a big help to those of us who are not wholly familiar with it.
You are such a wise young woman Jennifer and it's very good of you to share these ideas with others. I find that popular music on the radio makes me jumpy after a while but classical music is always enjoyable...especially when driving. I think one has to be very selective about television...there's a lot of garbage out there but there are some shows which are worth one's time. I have stopped watching the news regularly...just a few minutes to know what's going on in the world then turn it off because it's just the same thing being rehashed over and over.
We have 4 kids too. We homeschool, no cable, our kids don't have much toys since we play outside everyday. Their video games are limited to Fridays & Saturdays only. We do crafts, we read books, we rid bike and do everything together. Most people tell us our kids are well behaved & sweet.
Hello Jennifer, thank you for broaching this topic. One item popular culture esteems that I find hard to accept is "feelings" are more important than "facts". A quick example, would be a sports newscaster after a big win will ask the coach or key players...."How do you feel now that you have won the final game?" Instead of, "Share the important strategies that helped you accomplish this goal." Of course, the depth and breadth of this line of thinking can be applied to many other facets of life. Critical thinking skills are not championed, in certain sectors, unless it supports "worldly" endeavors. Again, thanks for sharing this subject.
Ugh for me its tv. I only listen to Christian or gospel or bluegrass music.Occasionally classical but after this video I think I am going to listen a bit more. But I totally agree with you on this subject. Its so wonderful to have you to watch, you inspire me so much and I am just so thankful that there are still people in this world who have class and manners and are adding a bright light rather than darkness to this world! Love Kate
On Friday date nights, my husband and I will select a show to watch because we can get it for free through the local library. BUT we are very selective. We typically pick an old classic on Hoopla or will rent a DVD series. Andy Griffith or the Beverly Hillbillies are some of our favorites. (Old movies are also great!) Because we are on a tight budget right now to move into our first home, this helps us save a lot of money and gives us some much needed relaxation. We usually accompany this with some margarita pizza from an authentic Italian restaurant and will go for a walk after. We cherish this time together since we know children will be in our future and the quiet life will not last. Otherwise, our TV stays off during the week. One of the benefits I have noticed is that we rarely argue. I'm not sure if this can be entirely attributed to our entertainment choices but I think because we are not constantly consuming junk entertainment, we tend to be in a more positive mood.
Yes, yes, yes, Jennifer. I totally agree. Thanks for bringing up this topic again. I feel it could be talked about for hours. I’d love to see your recommendations for classical music and maybe some resources: do you play cds, access TH-cam, or some other efficient way of finding and listening to music? I have my old favorites, but I need to branch out. Thanks for sharing.
Yes! Yes! Yes! Hubby and I are not fans of music, movies or television! To go one step further "very gingerly"... Even new worship music nowadays is a lot of 3-4 word chorus song that are supposed to stir your soul and it is just flat. I don't want to be a sleeping giant spiritually! I want to use my mind, heart, and soul with this life God has blessed me with I want life to matter! I know the spiritual side is a bit contrivatural for TH-cam however, this is my thought for today. Thank you for sharing! You seem to be an amazing couple and wonderful parents. Take care and God bless you all ~
If nothing else, use your spare time to learn a life skill. I've got three that I'm looking to do: CPR certification Field dressing game (deer in particular) Becoming a better swimmer Now I see that Gordon Ramsey is giving a Master cooking class ... sounds like a good addition. Also, later this year, I hope to get back into my needlepoint. Good topic, Jennifer!
I refused to be dumbed-down. I don’t get on Facebook or social media and don’t have cable because I refuse to watch garbage and see what other people are doing to be “in the loop”. I feel like an oddball but I choose to live this way. It is, however, hard to teach my kids the same way since all their friends talk about what movies they recently watched and that’s the way they connect with my husband, who loves to watch movies. Anyway, my ideal life would certainly be a very different one. Love you message and always admire your standards and how you raise your precious children. Love you
I feel like I am listening to myself years ago!! I cannot believe what I am hearing when you express my thoughts from when I was younger than you. At age 5 my brother sat me down and began to teach me about classical music. He was 11 years older than me. At age 10 he taught me chess. It gave me my first headache... I have always loved classical music probably as a result of his 'training'. My first husband liked big band jazz, so I learned more about it. We saw Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, Buddy Rich all live. I had season tickets to the opera, the symphony, and the playhouse. Ironically now I think one concert's tickets would cost what a whole season cost back then. i was raised to love to read. My mother would only read Winnie the Pooh to me, because it was the only children's books she liked. I hated most of the popular music of my teens, and it has seriously deteriorated since then! I did like the Ventures, but their music was instrumental. Mother loved the broadway show music, and I can still sing many of those songs - so good for the memory too. I will say that one of the TV personalities that is wonderful is Lucy Worsley. If she taught history to everyone, well we would all love history. But she is on PBS. Thank you for expressing your views, especially since I share them!
I am not generally familiar with a lot of classical music, but I discovered David Nevue and when I have the opportunity to get some chores done in peace (aka my husband will entertain the twin toddlers and two young boys), I put his music on and it is quite therapeutic.
I would love to know your thoughts on today's topic. Please share your (kindly-worded) opinion below. :) For news, comment of the week, and much more, please visit my corresponding blogpost dailyconnoisseur.blogspot.com/2018/08/refuse-to-be-dumbed-down-detox-teatime.html
I agree. Although I do watch TV, I am watching much less and trying to be more discriminating. I hope some day to watch very little. But there is some really good television . One show you would like (you could probably get the DVD from the library) is Civilizations from PBS. It is about art through the ages but tied into history. It was absolutely fascinating. Also, Steve Allen wrote a book about 20 years ago called “Dumbth” about how dumb we are becoming. I think you would like it. I do listen to popular music but mostly from before 1970. But classical music is wonderful. And one last thing. If you haven’t read “A Gentleman from Moscow” you have to. It is one of the best books I have ever read. And I’ve read a lot. Everyone I know who has read it agrees. Thanks for your videos.
Love this vid. It's easy to detox from TV. - we have TH-cam now. 😅
Wow I like that I'm not the only one who stopped with the crap music!
To anyone who doesn't want to be dumbed down - Get off of Instagram and social media!
Preach on, Jennifer. You will NEVER regret the standards you have set for your family. We raised our 3 kids with no cable, and very limited movie time. We were unicorns for sure, took a lot of criticism and were the butt of many well-meaning jokes. Our kids even thought they were really missing out at one point; all of them are grown and married now....and guess what? They are raising their families exactly as we did!
Cindie, your story is beautiful! We have 4 kids, homeschool, no cable, we play outside instead of video games. We receive a lot of criticism about how we raise them from "younger" friends "older" friends say my kids are very well behaved & sweet.
@@RACHELORI Well done, momma. Well done. You will never ever never regret what you are doing🙌❤️
@@astorytoldhere - thank you, Cindie 😊
Sooo inspiring. I want to do the same insha-Allah (if God wills) ! Thank youuu for your comment, very reassuring. I am a "unicorn" too for sure and it is not easy in this society, but I stay strong :))
My husband and I are in our 80s now. When our 4 children were in elementary school we had family dinner every night. After dinner, we all lingered at the table and my husband read poetry to us while we enjoyed dessert or an after dinner beverage. It was a wonderful time in all of our lives. And something they always remember.
Oh my goodness, Jennifer. You are exactly where I was about 20 years ago! I cannot agree with you more. We raised 5 children without television and homeschooled them from kindergarten through 12th grade -- 23 years in all. There were so many exciting things to learn and do, we couldn't imagine wasting time being entertained with meaningless shows or having our children watching less-than-wholesome programming. Our days were filled with reading good literature, exploring nature, and researching topics that interested us -- often involving fascinating projects and activities. Neighborhood walks gave us the opportunity to meet our neighbors while providing fresh air, sunshine, and exercise. And classical music filled our home. Our little ones went to bed with the music of Mozart softly playing in their room, and by the time they were older they could identify the composer of many pieces played on the local classical radio station (which sadly, no longer exists). Contrary to the concerns raised by some, who thought our children were missing out on something by not watching TV, our kids did not turn out to be weirdos or ignorant of the real world. All of them went through college on scholarships and have careers they love. There is so much life to live, why waste it watching others on a screen? These days, it is the computer or smart phone screen that consumes the time of so many. Your video is a wake-up call to all of us to stop being mind-numbed, or dumbed down, and live an intentional life.
I loved your comment, Judy! What great life experience you have to share with us. Thank you!
It's just sad we don't hear more about fascinating, sensible women such as yourself.
I mentioned in a previous comment that I stopped watching TV end of 2017, however my YT watching has become borderline out of control. I am struggling to find a balance. Sigh! I do agree dumbing down is out of control in our society.
Pam Long, I remember the advice of one TH-camr on this subject. She gives herself one day a week where she is allowed to relax with a fancy drink and watch all the videos in her subscription feed that she wants. Then she is done until the next week. You could even amp it up by watching them in a bubble bath or something.
I don't understand watching YT because it's normally a how to video that I need
I can get dumbed down by listening to the gossip at work! I'm trying to just walk away :)
Great topic Jennifer
This is an old video already but I wanted to say that I found this very inspiring! I'm 23 and kind of bummed out about life right now, but videos like this give me a bit of hope and perspective on how much life has to offer. Thank you :)
Yes yes yes. I thoroughly enjoyed this video. The things you equate to "dumbing down" society are the same things I cut out years ago for reasons of demoralizing society. Matthew 12:34 "For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks" and Phillipians 4:8 "Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - think about such things." I do not walk around quoting the bible but these verses CHANGED MY LIFE when I put them in the context of our world. Our minds were simply not intended to be passively fed constant negativity and garbage. I am certainly not perfect and admit that I like to listen to my favorite beauty and lifestyle TH-camrs while I am doing dishes, cooking, or winding down after the kids go to bed, so I will try to take your advice about audiobooks to do something more enriching instead (or even just choose other TH-cam content). Thank you for speaking on such an important topic.
I’m 22 years old and an opera singer. The richness I find in classical music is beyond compare! I really love when non-musicians appreciate that music as well. 💗 for anyone trying to listen for the first time, I recommend Debussy, Chopin, Eriks Esenvalds and Morten Lauridsen.
I love music from different cultures like Spanish , Greek, French, Irish traditional music
pauline doyle, totally agree! My grandpa played a lot of Irish music and my students always want me to put on K-pop before school starts. It’s fun seeing what other cultures like.
🙋♀️ from Greece Macedonia
I personally think refusing to be dumbed-down has a lot to do with one's taste and ambitions. I have never said it out loud or expressed it, but I've been purging negative, useless content for the last few months. IMO, there is nothing wrong with watching TV once in a while if the show is a classic and if it is the way that you can wind down after a hectic day yet still learn something. As far as I am concerned, I don't have cable, I prefer not having any games on my cellphone, instead I have Duolingo and apps that I would be ashamed to get rid of in order to free up space for a dumb app. And I would rather use TH-cam as a treat after I achieve my daily goals and go through my to-do list... As a foreigner who made it to a top graduate business school in the US and who is polyglot, I can attest that refusing to be dumbed-down is very fruitful and takes you places :)
I could not agree more! At the ripe old age of 76, I find all the subjects you touched on have tremendous value! I hope to never stop learning and appreciating nature! I enjoy your perspective so very much! It is so valuable and encouraging! Thank you!❤
Absolutely agree with you on this subject. I find it scary how much our society is blind to so many things and how dumb some tv shows are.
It is often not the "thing" that is the issue, but rather how we use it. I think you addressed this with a couple of very eloquent points. My husband and I also have phases where we watch more tv at times than others (we limit tv time for the kids always). There are times that watching a tv show or a movie has been an uplifting and enlightening experience. When it no longer is, we have no problem turning it off. Our household will always incorporate museums, operas, classical music, books, etc. My takeaway from this excellent teatime is you should always strive to improve upon your knowledge and what you contribute to your family and community. If you can accomplish this while engaging in small amounts of tv watching, etc. then great. If not, that is the time to detoxify and reconsider the choices you are making for entertainment and leisure. Thank you and your husband, as always, for a wonderful teatime!
Another wonderful video, as always!!!
Just a note on audiobooks (I love them, too!) - the Los Angeles Public Library system has an incredible collection of digital material, and the largest selection of audiobooks I’ve seen! You can borrow/listen for free through the Libby app, without needing to run to your local branch (I continue to use LA/Libby even since moving to NYC). If you don’t already use your local library/Libby, I’d highly recommend it :)
Hi Jennifer,
I totally agree with you. We are empty nesters so it might not be as hard to darken the TV. We watch the world news each day, as dismal as it is, we feel compelled to be "in the know". We occasionally peruse Netflix for a decent movie to watch but are finding the offerings there to be very limited to rather worthless watching. All that being said, I find it to be a constant struggle with myself over too much time watching/reading social media.
Why is it so intriguing to watch other people clean, grocery shop, put on makeup etc!? I totally baffle my own self! I know you addressed this in a previous post. I limit myself to a certain time to "tune" in...usually evening when I am ready to call it a day. I make myself pick just a few but it can so easily get out of hand and that strong urge is definitely there to binge watch! Sometimes if I am sewing, knitting etc I will allow myself a few extra watches.
I really need to spend more time reading or listening to audio books. I guess the battle is something that is not unique to a specific age group but something we all battle. For us...the TV is fir the most part "OFF" and that is fine with us! Now to battle on with other forms of time wasters!
Your videos are on my "watch" list as I always know you will have something worthwhile to talk about. Thanks!
Oh...I love your music selections also!
Thirty-three years ago we removed the TV from our home because my then 2 year old was afraid of some of the things he saw on Sesame Street. What a blessing it has been to be without TV all these years! We too homeschooled all of our children who have all now completed college/ some graduate school. We had so much time to read and pursue hobbies. They spent many hours a day outside and invented many games and performed plays with other children in the neighborhood. It certainly wasn't always easy and I have to say that at times I would have loved to plop them down in front of the TV for a few hours so I could have a bit of peace, but I'm happy now that we persevered.
Hi Jennifer,
thank you for another great video! I completely agree with you and your very special guest 😊 on all of your thoughts about our society’s dumbing down process. The idea that we should all be entertained all of the time has become ubiquitous. My way of dealing with it has been to become more conscious of how I spend my daily time. As you, I love being efficient, and like following things through till the end. But I also enjoy taking some quiet time, by which I mean taking time to spend doing things that give me pleasure. Reading a book, taking a bath by candlelight, cooking an elegant meal for my family, watching a historical movie or documentary. I have learnt that pleasure and entertainment, are polar opposites. The first is to be engaged in fully and consciously, the other is mindless and numbing. One requires discipline, the latter is a free-for-all. I mean, one piece of a beautifully handmade chocolate cake is delicious, while eating a whole packet of chips in front of the telly - not so much. One gives pleasure, the other is entertainment. This simple distinction has really given me wings when it comes to living well, and with more presence.
What do you think?
Sincerely,
Mx
I did that Jennifer in 2016cut my cable, deleted my Facebook and convenced my American husband (I'm Peruvian) that tv should not be the prime spot anymore
I was raised in a home where mom had a tv in a small room, never in the living room, and we have to go there if we want to watch something specific, we girls didn't find fun to be just seating there to random switch channels ....we had company almost daily and we delighted great conversations in the living room
Thank you for letting me know still young ppl like you find that way of living more meaningful
Jennifer, this video is refreshing. I grew up without a television for all but one year of my life. My husband and I do not own one now and are glad for that fact.
I also love Audible and listen to books while I cook, drive, and do housework.
Yes about the sports. It is like the bread and circuses in Rome.
We are certainly dumbed down in America. My husband and I are doing our best to go against the flow. Thank you for being an inspiration!
Thank you Jennifer for bringing up this subject! We have four young children, and we are raising them the same way as you do. My kids have never been exposed to the cable in our own house, but they know youtube. We had some funny moments, when we were at somebody's house where there was a TV, and one of my kids wanted to go and grab something, they asked if they could pause the TV. It always provoked some interesting conversations... We also walk every evening after the dinner, it is our tradition. What surprises me and my husband, that over many years no matter where we lived, we are the only people who walk with their kids not to the park or their car :-), but around the neighborhood block.
Sad isn’t it that people don’t take walks as a family
Because of you, I listen to a classical station in the kitchen on low volume all day long. Often times a favorite song will come on and we'll raise the volume. The boys say it helps them focus while they do their school work. I tend to listen to too much negative stuff. Bad habit. By the way, hi Ben!
Delightful guest. Be immersed in education. It will thwart the Insipid programming society fell to. You both are exemplary to so many 💞
I agree. I think we need to be more selective in how we use our time. Whenever I implement a new idea, create something wonderful or simply complete a project, I always hear, “You have way too much time on your hands.” To which I reply, “ No I have the same amount of time as everyone else. I just choose to use it differently.” I love learning, classical music is a gift and reading is a treasure. Jennifer, I got your book from the library, At Home With Madame Chic. I’ve enjoyed it very much. Speaking of which, don’t forget the library. It is a wonderful way to spend time with children. Peace ❤️
We stopped watching Television 11 years ago and I never looked back and yes Audible is amazing we have such a great collection after some years.
Fun seeing your husband, always! Love this topic. A friend of mine constantly talks about the Kardashians and the Housewives. Listening to her made me stop watching all reality television. I never want to sound like that.
Spot-on, Madame Chic Jennifer! I have five sons and have been very particular about the music, media, and language in our home. Making these changes really does add to the education of our children.
So good! I work in a library so I’m a big believer in reading and being a lifelong learner. Audible is great, I’ve used it before and find I can “read” a book while doing my more mundane tasks. You can also find e-audio books from the library! I don’t get tempted much by tv, and I’ve never liked pop music-since I was young I loved classical music...but my main time waster is mindlessly surfing the web, social media and online shopping...I’ve really got my work cut out for me in this area! Thank you for the reminder :)
"The Minimalists" podcast also advocates to allow only the things that add value to your life.I enjoy public radio, Audible & podcasts while I do housework. I also have been loving to listen to "Bethoven for Breakfast" or "Mozart in the Morning" in AM & Chopin's Nocturne in PM. Love when you have your husband as "special guest". ;)
Jessica Zaborski , love The Minimalist podcast.
Yes! The minimalists have great advice and discussions that everyone who wants to live with purpose, should hear !!
Jennifer, I can't tell you enough how much my life has improved since I stopped watching television...relationships, physical health, and my learning curve. A special thanks to Katie for introducing me to Halidon music.Thanks again for keeping this topic open. Linda
There was a book written in the 70s called "Four Arguments for the Elimination of Television," at the top of my reading list now. It's important to step back and take a hard look at how television conditions us to think and behave in ways that don't really improve our quality of life in the long run. Plus a lot of unnecessary consumption is promoted there, harmful to our planet and to our collective happiness. Thanks, Jennifer and Ben, for taking the time to make this important video.
Hi it's so cheerful to hear you talk and somewhat peaceful! It's been funny to hear Kazakhstan in this video. I am originally from Almaty moved in ME US in 2003 I am 44 years young 🤣 ! Thank you for what you do !!! I discovered you myself and loving it! God Bless you and family!!!
I wanted to like your video 100 times. Absolutely, we need more encouragement an eye opening to be aware of the effects of being dumb down. Thank you for needed content!
👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Keep spreading this message Jennifer!!!! Such a worthwhile endeavor! Glory to God for this message He put on your ❤️!!! 🙏🙏🙏🙏
My grandchildren were here for 2 weeks- we watched an episode of The Walton’s every evening and sang classic hymns- they really seemed to love both activities!
I loved what Ben said, having more information on a topic can stimulate the conversations we have. It’s so true, perhaps that’s why society’s social skills are declining because of many people having no knowledge on topics so that the conversations we have aren’t stimulating. I have also limited my TV intake, it’s such a time waster! I’m so glad you are turning your attention again on refusing to be dumbed down.
Just remember the “pop” of yesteryear are the classics of today. Rudyard Kipling, Wilkie Collins, and even Dickens were all “pop” writers. The entire genre of the novel was seen as unintellectual and frivolous as we view tv at one point. A genre being more recently created does not mean it isn’t as artistic as a more established one.
I guess with my background in literary criticism I want my music to have lyrics. Not all song writers stand up to poetic analysis, but there are a lot of gems. I’m a big fan of folk rock, both new and old, so Paul Simon, Passenger, Radical Face, and Bob Dylan come to mind-and don’t forget one of them is even a Nobel prize winner. If folk rock isn’t your thing The Red Hot Chili Peppers and Emienem are also producing lyrics of exception poetic quality.
I think embracing classical art forms is great; I love the theater, opera, symphony, and ballet; but putting them on a pedestal seems like it can be a slippery slope to living in the past, shutting yourself off from innovations that are amazing and enriching, and becoming a bit snobby.
I guess my point is don’t forget to try new things too. I went to the electric forest music festival this year even though that sort of thing isn’t my normal cup of tea and the way they crafted the physical architecture of the environment to act as an extension of the music was amazing. This would be easy to miss or entirely dismiss without an open mind though.
I would love to cut and paste the lyrics of the type of songs I am talking about, but I can't put them on my channel because they are too profane. Like I mention in the video, I am not talking about all popular music.
the Daily Connoisseur, no worries, I know the type you mean. It’s just too easy to disregard too much and not hunt out the good stuff at times. I’d hate for people to get carried away and write off too much. I remember you posting once about a concert you went to and a few comments were a bit silly with how critical and surprised they were. As if it’s impossible to like both classical and modern music. Quality is quality. On that note (pun intended) I tend to think of wholesome and artistic quality like a Venn diagram. There is a lot of wholesome stuff that is frankly rubbish and a surprising amount of profanity in high quality music. If you want both your pool definitely gets smaller, though truth be told I’m not bothered by difficult topics or profanity if the quality is good. I also don’t have little ears to worry about though! 🙉
It's true... once you have little ears to worry about you start caring a lot more :)
To think Doris Day & Helen Shapiro were pop, and relating that to say Christina Aguilera of the 00’s or of say RiRi’s music of today makes me want to cringe.
I’m not a fan of classical music but like early swing, jazz. When I’m in the car with my preschooler I have the radio tuned into a modern Christian based channel that still plays modern pop but without all the explicit or inappropriately illustrative lyrics. Considering I’m non-faith that says something 😂
- - q
I have just re-read Anne of Green Gables as an adult and I was amazed that I ever got through it as a child. I'm not sure many children nowadays would read those big words and long chunks of description. I'm now reading Wuthering Heights and it's heavy going. I have been tempted to give up on it but remembered this video. I refuse to be dumbed down!
My mother played classical music in the house every day growing up. Each morning I would wake to the sound of the classical music radio station being played. I loved listening and humming along to anything that was played. My uncle still reminds me 30 years later of a road trip with my mother and I when I was 12 years old. I sung along to a Mozart opera that I knew by heart for the entire trip in the back seat while they sat in the front. It may have influenced my choice to study opera singing, my love of all things string related (especially cello). And having classical music (and soundtracks especially Thomas Newman scores) playing constantly all day every day.
Thank you, Jennifer (and Ben) for 17 minutes that weren't a waste of my time! I've been moving more and more in the direction of "decluttering" physical and mental clutter that is wasting my time. The older I get, the more I want to focus in on priorities. Our family just got a new puppy and my teens are approaching adulthood SO quickly. I want to squeeze every drop out of the precious moments I have. Thank you, for clarifying a few things for me! Much love.❤
So comforting to hear a British accent!! Love from 🇬🇧
Hello, Jennifer, I very much enjoyed this video. I agree with you that our culture is contributing to the dumbing down of America. Each of us can make the decision to elevate our life and be inspired by the finer things. I'm new to your blog, and am very impressed. Thank you for your sharing your inspired views. You are an elegant and lovely woman. (Your husband is quite handsome and adorable.) I have read and re-read all of the Madame Chic books, and they have inspired me to live my life with more refinement, character, and joie de vivre. I am grateful to you and Madame Chic for bringing elegance into my life.
Thank you so much, Claudia!
I love your thoughts on the subject but it is somewhat bittersweet to me as a retired homeschool mom. I remember the excitement of learning together as a family, the music lessons, the nature walks, cooking together and mostly reading books together. Sitting on the couch with my sons reading historical fiction and wonderful stories together was one of the happiest times for me. My husband used to read wonderful historical fiction To my sons each night before bed; Also a highlight for him! Now my sons are grown and in college and I am having trouble adjusting to being done with the wonderful seasons of homeschooling. It seems like there was a reason to keep learning when you are passing on this to your children. I’m happy for you and rejoice with you on your learning lifestyle! The homeschooling lifestyle is a wonderful way to live!
This is the 4th or 5th time I've watched this over the years and it remains just as relevant today as it did then 😊❤
I discovered you through Audible in 2016 when my husband and I decided to give up tv for lent. Giving that up was so good for us! He now only watches the 4 major golf tournaments and only a portion of it. I use to spend so much time sitting and watching tv during throughout the day and now I hardly sit down.
The only things we record now is The Great British Baking Show and The Rifleman. We only turn on the tv for news about once every other week and usually we end up regretting it.
I listen on Audible and TH-cam a lot but only while cleaning or working on something else.
The funny things is, it's not like we're still denying ourselves tv, we honestly just don't care about it anymore. When we do watch it's on nights we have Subway or pizza.
Your books and TH-cam channel have been a great influence and helped me find joy in the daily things I use to dread and avoid. Thank you!
I couldnt agree with you more! My husband and I got rid of tv about 12 years ago, and we never looked back. It makes it a little more difficult to socialize with people at work sometimes, as they seem to focus so much of their discussions on television shows. They say' " No tv? What do you do with your time?" Plenty of things! Ive returned to painting, Ive read so many more books and spend a lot of time outdoors. I think its made me a happier person, and doesnt everyone want to be more happy? Over the last few months I have removed myself from most of social media, no more twitter, facebook, instagram. So much of it makes people compare themselves too much, makes them feel envy or lack in their own lives instead of appreciating all the wonder around them. Recently I a have been listening to a lot more classical music, especially on the way to work, and it puts me in such a relaxed state that helps me to deal with the high paced chaos of the restaurant I work at. Now, if only theyd play that kind of music in there, I feel people would act less rude or be in less of a rush. I would like to add theater to my repertoire but alas my town and the ones around lack much in the arts. Any suggestions?
I realize this is an older video; I’m a new fan making my way through your delightful channel. 🙂
I am very much in line with your thoughts on this, Jennifer! I was drawn to Charlotte Mason for this reason.
Another area in which I’ve seen severe dumbing down in recent years is church. So many churches seek to entertain and draw crowds, when the pastor should be feeding the members the meat of the Word!
Do you know what Church you can go to and by simply attending every day for 3 years, hear and read the entire Bible, OT and NT? The One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. And you're not just fed God's Word. You're fed His body, blood, soul and divinity in Holy Communion as He established at the First Supper, through the Church that Christ created. Not a bit of dumbing down there. So if that is what you crave, come on home :) With Love, a Former Mega Church attender turned Traditional Catholic
@@ashleyslack5960 me too and I 1000% agree.
I have small children as well and no time for much tv, however, I will watch TH-cam late into the night on my phone. I learn a lot on TH-cam but it is now borderline out of control. I struggle to find balance between me time, family time, housework, within the very limited hours left after working full time outside the home. I love your books and advice. I agree that limiting tv frees up time to be productive.
I love listening to Dr radio on Sirius. I love learning about new studies and treatments and everything health related.
I am a little bit late in seeing this video just now (LOL), but I wanted to say you are SPOT ON in regards to society being dumbed down. It’s terrible. Between the news channel regurgitations and the music and social media (except you and a select few others)..... it’s sad. So thankful Gods Word isn’t dumbed down 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 Keep doing what you’re doing and don’t let anyone bully you out of doing it and saying what you believe. Not only is helping young girls, but it’s helping young and older, BOTH!! Love your channel!!
Yes!!! I’m only halfway through the video but I have been nodding along and agreeing with every point! You’ve put into words what I have been feeling for years.
I am so pleased that I encouraged my now 19 year old daughter to participate in musical productions in middle school. Now she is a theatre major in college and is totally absorbed in participating and enjoying musicals. She had a full time children's camp counselor job during the day this summer and in the evening participated in a community theatre. I'm also pleased to say that her iPod is 90% Broadway show tunes!
Love your videos! Thank you!
I try to listen to Mozart & Beethoven when we assign homeschool assignments.
Other times, our kids listen to 70s & 80s music like ZZ Top, Pat Benatar & The Eagles & Creedence. Our daughter also listens to Austin French, a contemporary Christian singer, & our boys love The Newsboys.
Thanks for this helpful video. Very timely for me, as I am weaning myself of tv. It feels good to know that you are doing it too. It feels like support.
As a pianist and violinist - I love classical music. AND - I LOVE Brazilian Bossa Nova! Give it a listen if you haven't in a while.
It’s so nice to see you and your husband sharing this point of view, I definitely agree we can stop wasting time watching tv to improve our days learning and reading and exercising. Loved this video
Hi Jennifer! I've just discovered your channel and I love it! My husband and I have 2 little ones at home and my goodness, do we have to filter things out of our home and minds constantly...and to not forget to put good and truthful things in replace of it! We want their little brains to actually THINK and reason well. It is definitely a battle in today's society...for my husband and I as well. Love your first book so far and am valuing what I'm learning from them. Thank you!😊
Hey Jennifer! I know I'm four years too late to this video party, but I'm catching up on your videos while I fold my massive laundry, so thank you for keeping me company during this arduous task. I couldn't agree with you more on this subject and please don't ever apologize. You are almost TOO NICE! It's a good thing I'm not doing a video because I'd just tell people straight up that they're engaging in total trash most of the time. It's a message people need to hear. I also haven't watched tv for over 20 years (really) but I do order DVDs (I don't want to belong to Netflix or Hulu, etc). However, I am running out of the classics and it's such a shame to me that there are really so few quality programs being produced these days, especially when it comes to children. Not sure you will ever see this comment but I'd love it if you shared a list of quality movies and books that you have found worthwhile. All the best.
Jennifer, you are speaking to me. A few years ago, I got sucked into the Real Housewives. These shows exhibit some of the worst of human nature - drunkenness, petty fighting & vindictiveness, valuing material goods over relationships. I started watching when I desperately needed escapism from things that were going on in my life but it is definitely time to let them go!
I did the same thing!!!!!
You make such good points about popular music! I talk about the lack of skill involved in a lot of the pop music today due to the hyper-commercialization of the mainstream music industry. Often people get really upset with me and call me a "music snob" etc...but I have a degree in music history and I feel that through the study of the development of the music industry has only reinforced my feelings about current pop music. Thank you for saying it!
So glad you continue to cover this subject, Jennifer. I love learning! I am always challenging myself to learn new things and it is so rewarding. Our daughter, who is 19, has grown up without teen shows, video, and pop culture music. It can be done, and, she has so many talents and interests because of that. One item that you didn’t mention, but I have noticed is how most of the current popular books on the bestseller lists are dumbed down, crass or vulgar. So disappointing to see so many books that do not add any value, inspiration or purpose to life.
You are 100% correct!!! I do need a little less computer time. I've just about stopped watching TV. I find that I get upset every time I
watch it. It see like all the TV shows have some sort of negative content. Thank you for making the world a better place!!
110% spot on and correct! I canceled Hulu, Netflix, and even amazon prime because I was watching way too much. I watch youtube but I use it as a masterclass. I'm subscribed to channels I learn from. If I'm not careful youtube can replace tv and you are doing the same thing. I take notes on various subjects of interest as I'm watching youtube. I listen to music and enjoy it immensely but modern music is not my cup of tea. very little of it I can stomach, I will rather be in silence. Jennifer, you have no idea how refreshing and validating it is to know someone understands how I feel and think. I've been ridiculed and cast aside even by family so much it left me with a complex of fear and rejection. I went contrary to my nature for years trying to fit in and it was disastrous for me. I'm still paying a high price for the choices I made. I'm invigorated again to be my authentic self and your channel is helping greatly. I love your content. ♥
I'm so glad you found the channel! xx
Oh my gosh, this is so inspiring! There's definitely not much worth even watching these days, and sometimes we're picking a show, just to watch "something next". I need to transition or detox as you say, to more reading!
Just watched this now - this is something I had not put a name to, but I agree! I don't watch TV or listen to pop music. Thank you for sharing these thoughts and encouragement!
Love this video! I find that in my relationship my spouse and I watch shows as our way to connect. Before we met I never even owned a tv. Now we let our kid watch her own shows. I internally cringe when I think about how we spend our time and wish we lived differently and I try to get my family on board and we try to cut out screens but we start detox process and it’s uncomfortable and we go back to comfortable ways. I feel like tv dumbs people down makes people fat and takes away from doing most important things in life. I love your perspective on this.
I watch little to no television now. I do not watch the news at all anymore because it just causes added stress which there is enough of that in our own personal lives. We cannot change tragic events that are shown over and over on news channels. I removed that out of my life and feel less stress because of it. I never felt withdrawals from removing television from my life. If I want to watch something out of the blue I will. But, that’s it. :)
urthebest1122, I understand how you feel about the news. I often need a bit of a break. Before you make that break permanent just remember, if you live in a country where you have the privilege to vote you also have the responsibility to stay informed.
- - If I am interested in finding out anything to do with politics, (which I used to take way too much interest in and no longer do), I’ll research this. But, honestly a lot of the political news is fictitious at best and over dramatized along with the rest of the news genres. Though, if it helps you with an area of life such as voting you should do what works. Thanks for replying. :)
I totally understand you, I would turn the TV on as I made morning coffee and listen to the news, then I'd listen to political talk radio for hours on end; i was getting so depressed and felt so overwhelmed and heartbroken over everything. I dont watch any news, but I do stay somewhat current by reading headlines of world news and such. Maybe in the future I will be more into news, but right now Im just too sensitive and it breaks me
I was just talking to my husband about this the other day. I have a "news" app on my smartphone. Half of the "news" items are just sensationalized (often negative) titles to entice you to click. I refuse to take the clickbait and am now thinking of deleting the app from my phone. We're better than that. Thank you Jennifer!
I hope young people hear this; I wish I'd made this commitment to myself years ago.... It's never too late to start!
I've found that recently I watch tv while I'm cleaning/pottering around the house and just have it up on my laptop - I am still watching TV but for me it's helping the chores feel less dull, and the watching feel more productive!
Thank you for taking the time to share this information. It's a character issue so well. You are so accurate. Television is the tool of darkness. Enjoying your channel.
Thank you for your video, very important subject. I’ve always wondering why society is going backwards instead of forward
I couldn't agree more!!! I was thinking about all this for a while... I feel like you read my mind, thank you!!
I'm under 30 and couldn't agree more. I've felt this way, always. I listen to classical music or instrumental pieces from movie composers. Really amazing. The popular music of today (one in specific) makes my skin crawl if I hear it. I do love to watch my movies but am very specific on what I watch. If I feel I need something more than that a subtitled foreign film fulfils that gap. Its nice to see a community I think I can relate with in the culture we live in today. X
LOVED THIS SO MUCH!! So many great tips! Thank you!! I am a newly homeschooling mom myself and have felt this strong pull to teach my children the joy of learning. I am learning along side them as well. It’s so fun!
Great video! Another thing I've noticed is how acceptable it's become to swear in common speech. I often hear children swearing in public or adults swearing in front of children very casually. Seems to be a recent development because when I was growing up this rarely happened. It is probably due to the lyrics and media we all consume as a society becoming more explicit. I have definitely begun to decrease my exposure to pop culture because most of it is mindless these days.
Sage oh, I'm with you on that one! Children learn by imitation, and it can't all be society's fault. Parents have to take more responsibility 🙂
Awwwwww you're so refreshing. I'm with you babe. I've reduced tv so much . However I love escapism now and then. Agatha Christie....old movies. Love them. I'm a massive rock fan which is also a love of mine. Can't stand today's music. You are so right love. I commend you for being so truthful. Music is meant to touch your soul ......artists of today bless them are moulded into robots autotuned the hell out of and can't play an instrument between them. Sixties seventies eighties have soul which really inspires me. Classical .....jazz .....world music really reaches into my very being. Reggae etc.....such richness. I really appreciate your vids. I'm a 46 year old girl from Liverpool England. ...I've tatoos piercings I'm alternative in every way........and I love what you do xxxxx
Mandy Fortune I am currently reading Murder on the Orient Express...love Agatha Christie 😘
I love that classic piece as well. It’s very sad, but fills you up with so many different emotions. I have not watched any shows for about a month now because I literally have no time and I haven’t found anything I would make time for. So I’m going to take advantage of this and not make time for tv anymore, but if I ever happen to have time for something that seems interested then I’ll watch.
I actually want to go back to making books and painting but I haven’t found the time. I have a 4 month old and it’s been hard to get into a schedule. Thanks for sharing this.
Well I’m a late comer to this video but thank you so much Jennifer. You opened my eyes to the need to make a change.
It s true..I am with you in all what you say and hold on to..
You are spot on. Hi, I am Cheri and I am a tv addict. It is my main vice, so it could be worse. Don't touch my music though. Music that lifts my spirit, makes me dance, makes me smile is of value to me. Many pop songs fit that bill. I also listen to classical, folk, country, rock, and more. I worry more about people spending time alone on devices. The lack of interaction is concerning and people that speak in texting abbreviations is just sad.
I pulled up the song you said you loved by Albinon. I listen to it while watching your video this mid morning. It was just what I needed beautiful piece. Thank you for doing this Loved what you had to say. My dear you are wise beyond your years. Love to you and yours. God bless you and your family prayer's are with you.
I just want to tell you, my favorite videos are all of the Teatime with Jennifer episodes. They are so much fun! So keep them coming please:)
I also love listening to podcasts about subjects such diet, Health, religion, minimalism, etc.
Think what people of a bygone age achieved. One often wonders how , without the labour saving devices we all have today , they still managed to do wonderful embroidery, write numerous letters , wood carving and making their own music . We’ve lost this art and , you’re right , television is the main reason. We never watch television but instead listen to classical music and read every night . I may sound goody , goody but it makes me happy .
Just ordered a copy of The Mayflower and am looking forward to it. Appreciate your recommendations of books and music. Regarding classic music, I love your recommendations and hope you will continue to recommend more. I have begun to listen to classical once again after many years, but to be honest, there is some of it I really don't care for, so having something recommended is a big help to those of us who are not wholly familiar with it.
You are such a wise young woman Jennifer and it's very good of you to share these ideas with others. I find that popular music on the radio makes me jumpy after a while but classical music is always enjoyable...especially when driving. I think one has to be very selective about television...there's a lot of garbage out there but there are some shows which are worth one's time. I have stopped watching the news regularly...just a few minutes to know what's going on in the world then turn it off because it's just the same thing being rehashed over and over.
We have 4 kids too. We homeschool, no cable, our kids don't have much toys since we play outside everyday. Their video games are limited to Fridays & Saturdays only. We do crafts, we read books, we rid bike and do everything together. Most people tell us our kids are well behaved & sweet.
What an incredibly important subject. For homeschooling moms needing a fun and meaningful place to start, I recommend the podcast Schole Sisters.
Very timely video!! I agree completely. I love hearing of the music you listen to and the books you are reading. Thank you!!!
Hello Jennifer, thank you for broaching this topic. One item popular culture esteems that I find hard to accept is "feelings" are more important than "facts". A quick example, would be a sports newscaster after a big win will ask the coach or key players...."How do you feel now that you have won the final game?" Instead of, "Share the important strategies that helped you accomplish this goal." Of course, the depth and breadth of this line of thinking can be applied to many other facets of life. Critical thinking skills are not championed, in certain sectors, unless it supports "worldly" endeavors.
Again, thanks for sharing this subject.
Ugh for me its tv. I only listen to Christian or gospel or bluegrass music.Occasionally classical but after this video I think I am going to listen a bit more. But I totally agree with you on this subject. Its so wonderful to have you to watch, you inspire me so much and I am just so thankful that there are still people in this world who have class and manners and are adding a bright light rather than darkness to this world! Love Kate
On Friday date nights, my husband and I will select a show to watch because we can get it for free through the local library. BUT we are very selective. We typically pick an old classic on Hoopla or will rent a DVD series. Andy Griffith or the Beverly Hillbillies are some of our favorites. (Old movies are also great!) Because we are on a tight budget right now to move into our first home, this helps us save a lot of money and gives us some much needed relaxation. We usually accompany this with some margarita pizza from an authentic Italian restaurant and will go for a walk after. We cherish this time together since we know children will be in our future and the quiet life will not last. Otherwise, our TV stays off during the week. One of the benefits I have noticed is that we rarely argue. I'm not sure if this can be entirely attributed to our entertainment choices but I think because we are not constantly consuming junk entertainment, we tend to be in a more positive mood.
Yes, yes, yes, Jennifer. I totally agree. Thanks for bringing up this topic again. I feel it could be talked about for hours. I’d love to see your recommendations for classical music and maybe some resources: do you play cds, access TH-cam, or some other efficient way of finding and listening to music? I have my old favorites, but I need to branch out. Thanks for sharing.
Yes! Yes! Yes! Hubby and I are not fans of music, movies or television! To go one step further "very gingerly"... Even new worship music nowadays is a lot of 3-4 word chorus song that are supposed to stir your soul and it is just flat. I don't want to be a sleeping giant spiritually! I want to use my mind, heart, and soul with this life God has blessed me with I want life to matter! I know the spiritual side is a bit contrivatural for TH-cam however, this is my thought for today. Thank you for sharing! You seem to be an amazing couple and wonderful parents.
Take care and God bless you all ~
If nothing else, use your spare time to learn a life skill. I've got three that I'm looking to do:
CPR certification
Field dressing game (deer in particular)
Becoming a better swimmer
Now I see that Gordon Ramsey is giving a Master cooking class ... sounds like a good addition. Also, later this year, I hope to get back into my needlepoint.
Good topic, Jennifer!
I refused to be dumbed-down. I don’t get on Facebook or social media and don’t have cable because I refuse to watch garbage and see what other people are doing to be “in the loop”. I feel like an oddball but I choose to live this way. It is, however, hard to teach my kids the same way since all their friends talk about what movies they recently watched and that’s the way they connect with my husband, who loves to watch movies. Anyway, my ideal life would certainly be a very different one.
Love you message and always admire your standards and how you raise your precious children. Love you
I feel like I am listening to myself years ago!! I cannot believe what I am hearing when you express my thoughts from when I was younger than you. At age 5 my brother sat me down and began to teach me about classical music. He was 11 years older than me. At age 10 he taught me chess. It gave me my first headache... I have always loved classical music probably as a result of his 'training'. My first husband liked big band jazz, so I learned more about it. We saw Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, Buddy Rich all live. I had season tickets to the opera, the symphony, and the playhouse. Ironically now I think one concert's tickets would cost what a whole season cost back then. i was raised to love to read. My mother would only read Winnie the Pooh to me, because it was the only children's books she liked. I hated most of the popular music of my teens, and it has seriously deteriorated since then! I did like the Ventures, but their music was instrumental. Mother loved the broadway show music, and I can still sing many of those songs - so good for the memory too. I will say that one of the TV personalities that is wonderful is Lucy Worsley. If she taught history to everyone, well we would all love history. But she is on PBS. Thank you for expressing your views, especially since I share them!
I am not generally familiar with a lot of classical music, but I discovered David Nevue and when I have the opportunity to get some chores done in peace (aka my husband will entertain the twin toddlers and two young boys), I put his music on and it is quite therapeutic.