TV taste is an aftertaste. Whatever gets on the tube is…
“TV taste is an aftertaste. Whatever gets on the tube is always a foregone conclusion, a fait accompli. That is, any new ideas or social changes have already been fought for in the real world of the streets, or in the bedroom or even the law courts long before they reach the screen. By the time you see it on prime time, it's usually all over and done with, whatever it was. Television by definition is not avant garde. It is often reactionary and always sentimental.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Television reflects ideas already settled in society, not pioneering new thought.
In simple terms: TV repeats what’s already decided.
Key Takeaway
Recognize media’s lag behind real change.
Themes
media
culture
reaction
sentimentality
Mood
cynical
reflective
Type
analytical
critical
When to use this quote
- political debates
- fashion trends
- legal reforms
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
social diffusion
cultural lag
media theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How does TV shape your perception of change?
- Can media ever be truly avant‑garde?
A Different Perspective
It may occasionally spark new discussions despite being reactionary.