I’ve always been sensitive about watching things on tv that weren’t exactly nice. I hate watching scary movies, shows with sex or live-action violence in them, and anything where people do something that ought to get them into trouble. Anything I class as “drivel,” such as “reality television” or Lifetime movies, makes me want to run screaming to an ECT therapist. And I don’t like televised sports, because I don’t really like any sports.
Thus, my viewing is limited to such benign things as Sesame Street, some Cartoon Network, Junkyard Wars, and PBS-type documentaries. This makes it difficult for people who want to socialize with me near the telly. I find myself wandering outside or to another room to avoid looking at whatever it is I find offensive if someone else insists on watching it, and they get all huffy because I don’t want to spend time with them. I feel like saying, “Pardon me, dad, for not wanting to watch Skinimax with you” to take one example.
Anybody else have delicate tv sensibilities? And do my viewing habits make me a prude?
I’m not quite that extreme, but I’ll admit that I’ve watched things I wish I hadn’t. Your decision to watch certain things and avoid certain things just goes to show that you’re a person who’s careful about what you let into your mind. Once you watch something, no matter how much you say it doesn’t effect you, it’s in your head, and it’ll pop into your thoughts at the worst possible time. I wish I had your self-control.
I’m not overly sensitive, either, but I find it hard to watch tv because most of it strikes me as boring, insipid crap. Occasionally I’ll watch a documentary, so long as it’s not another “Space Aliens Built the Pyramids” special.
This does not, however, count whatever I’m watching when I eat. For some reason, the bovine chewing action makes me content to watch nearly anything. Sometimes, after masticating a bagel, I finish and find to my horror that I’ve been watching Christina Aguilera videos for a half hour. shudder
“This makes it difficult for people who want to socialize with me near the telly.”
—Why don’t they turn off the damn tube and socialize like human beings? Whatever happened to sitting by the fireside with a nice pot of tea and actually TALKING to your guests?
RE: your OP, though, I can hardly be classed as “sensitive.” I can watch “Faces of Death” while eating pizza . . .
I don’t have delicate sensibilities at all, be it tv/movies, books, websites, or lyrics to music. However, I respect those who do. it’s not something I feel the need to worry about, but I understand why you care. And good for you.
Don’t feel bad, I’m more or less the same way. Perhaps not as extreme, but I absolutely cannot tolerate watching scenes of extreme violence on television or in the movies. Sex is okay, but I can’t stomach violence. Suspenseful horror movies are also right out.
Have you tried watching any sitcoms on TV? I have to admit that there aren’t any I currently like, but it seems like there wouldn’t be too much violence in those. I also like the West Wing, and usually Law & Order. (Occasionally L&O will depict a scene or two of graphic violence, but it’s usually in the first five minutes, and I can always look away until it’s over.)
I don’t know how I changed this way, btw. I used to be able to watch the most unbelievably gory and disgusting things. Not anymore. Just can’t stomach it.
Me! I don’t like that stuff either. I have actually gotten to the point that kissing scenes will often gross me out–you know, the tongue-hockey ones that are just all slobbery and grody, and you don’t like the actors anyway…ew. And I even cover my eyes if any violence shows up.
Hey, you’ve got more time for other stuff.
I really dislike it when I’m trying to socialize and the person won’t yank their eyes away from the screen (Um, I haven’t seen you in a year, do you have to watch your soaps right now? Why, when we are trying to have a family visit, must we watch the OJ trial while we eat?). I mean, if TV is the activity scheduled, or if we’re just casual, frequent visitors, OK. But not for a real visit, please.
Nothing useful here, but know that you’re not alone!
