[Kip Russell]

Not to mention the stories “told on TV” and at the movies 24/7 — tales of depravity, violence, etc.

Which brings up an interesting point...is children's literature even relevant for the vast majority of kids today? How many children read novels for pleasure these days?

10%? Less?

[ClearCase_guy]

The point has been made that visual media (movies, TV, etc.) readily appeal to people's emotions. Written material may also appeal to emotions, but is generally the best way to appeal to their reason.

When children read books, they can understand things and learn complex concepts. Morality and virtue would be good example. But, if children only watch TV, they seem to mostly grasp the concept that "the bad guy dresses in black, has a scary soundtrack, and is mean to the pretty lady". Recognizing such simple hallmarks does not well prepare children for a world in which the bad guys hide their badness.

Liberals who live their lives based on knee-jerk emotional responses seem to be the products of TV.
Conservatives who appreciate the importance and basis for morality seem to be the products of reading.

And as the world reads less, we seem to have an increasing supply of Liberals.

[Sherman Logan]

The relevant stories of today are those on TV and in the movies.

And they are for the most part teaching exactly the wrong things.

Songs and music also tell stories in this sense, BTW.