TV CAN BE A GOOD PARENT

-Ariel Gore, USA

Literal Comprehension
'TV can be a good parent' is an essay written by an
American female writer, Ariel Gore. In this essay, the
writer talks about advantages of television especially to
poor single mothers.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests every
parent not to allow below 2 years babies to watch TV
because it causes negative impacts on the brain of
children. However, the writer claims that children can
have direct interaction with their parents while watching
TV also. In fact, single mothers can have many advantages
from TV:
• She can control negative emotions and
feelings, as the daughter watches the TV and
does not bother the mother.
• She can go to college and office, leaving her
child with TV at home.
• Children interact with TV while watching.
• TVs are informative, interactive, entertaining,
and knowledgeable.
• TV is a good source to learn civilized manner,
behavior and culture necessary at every step
of life.
Interpretation
This essay may be trying to tell us about the
advantages of TV. Television can be a good
parent for a child. TV is especially a good
means of controlling the children of poor
single mothers.
Critical Thinking
This essay is interesting and argumentative.
Here the writer defends TV as a good tool for
children. Title is suitable. It gives us a good
lesson that single mothers can control their
children with the help of television. Language
used in this essay is simple to understand.
However, I don't agree with some of the ideas
expressed in the essay. For example i) Is it
always good for children to watch television? ii)
Can we really replace TV sets in place of
parents?
Assimilation
I found this essay very informative. Before
reading this essay, I used to think that TV
could damage children's mental ability. I
always discouraged my younger brother and
sister to watch TV. I only forced them to read.
But after reading this essay, I have realized
that TV can be a good means of controlling
our kids. Nowadays, I allow my brother and
sister to watch TV.
 Questions for Discussions
1. Write an essay on advantages and disadvantages of
watching TV.
2. Do you agree with Ariel Gore’s claim that TV can be
a good parent? Why does she think so?
3. Explain whether you agree or disagree with
Allsburg. If you agree, would you go as far as to
actually trash or sell your television?