Sam Waterston's remarks about TV and politics may blow you away

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

Sam Waterston, long a star of "Law and Order" gave a talk at his alma mater, Yale, this past Friday. His comments on television and politics would, I think, sound right at home here at DU, so I'm posting what I can. Be sure to check out the link to see a photo of the ultimate Bad Hair Day.

http://www.yaledailynews.com/article.asp?AID=28115
Waterston discusses effects of TV and sales

The link between sales and television has had a "gigantic effect" on American society in recent decades, Waterston said. He added that people take news and cultural developments less seriously than in the past because most programming today is interrupted by ads, which he called "trivial."

Rather than searching for information about the news independently and making their own judgments about the importance of events, Waterston said television encourages people to believe that anything important will be sold to them by advertisers or networks.

snip

The television star also described the political effect of selling on what the public perceives as truth. He said the Social Security crisis is a "sales pitch" that is not supported by evidence showing that the system remains viable.

"If a thing is really well sold ... really forcefully, or insistently, it must be true," Waterston said sarcastically.

[AmandaRuth]

1. I love Sam and I am very conflicted about L&O

It seems to have just turned into another outlet for rightwing spew, but I find I am having a hard time turning it off. I only made it halfway through the last episode I watched, turning it off after the rightwing propaganda slogan of All Drugs From Canada Are Dangerous made it into the dialog for the third time. in less than 30 minutes.

I guess if I want to continue to enjoy Sam, I will have to put up with Fred (Yeeech, blah, barf, choke). I am defiantly warming up to the Dennis F character, but the obvious slant to the story lines are going to drive me off permanently, I'm afraid.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

2. I'm thinking that

there have been personel changes in writing/producing that are probably responsible for the rw slant we've seen in the past few years. Frankly, the ONLY reason I watch is Sam. When he leaves, I leave. I wouldn't be surprised if this is his last year. Perhaps this speech was his declaration of independence.

[kaitykaity]

3. I've liked Waterson ever since I saw him in "Mindwalk"

http://www.spiritualityhealth.com/newsh/items/moviereview/item_6133.html

http://deseretnews.com/movies/reviews/ip0u45r4.htm

which was based on a really good book called "The Turning
Point" by Fritjof Capra.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

4. Oh Yeah

Mindwalk is one of my all-time favorite movies. I've seen it at least five times, and get more out of it each time I watch it. Wish Sam's character had become President, don't you?

[kaitykaity]

5. I've actually read the book five or six times.

Or parts of it. I get something new out of it every
time I read it.

[Mojambo]

6. That photo!

He looks like a befuddled, liberal, professor.

It's a hilarious shot. I would love to have seen his reaction when he saw that that was the photo they used.