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44. Unreality Of TV Dr. Heinrich Applebaum recently completed a study on the effects of television on children. In his case, though, he wasn t concerned1 with violence , but how television gives children a false sense of reality. Dr. Applebaum told me, The greatest danger of television is that it presents a world to children that doesn t exist, and raises expectations that can never be fulfilled. I don t understand, Doctor, I said. Well, let me cite one example. Have you ever seen a television show where a person in an automobile doesn t immediately find a parking2 place on the very first try? Come to think of it, I said, I haven t. Not only is there always a parking spot available3 but the driver doesn t even have to back into it. There are two parking spaces available whenever someone in a TV show needs one . Children are being led to believe that when they grow up they will always be able to find a parking place when and where they want it. Can you imagine the trauma when they discover that in real life you can drive around a block for three hours and still not find a place to put your car? I never thought of it but it s true . What else do they show on television which gives a distorted4 picture of the real world? Have you noticed that whenever a character walks out of a restaurant or office building or apartment and says to the doorman, Get me a taxi, the taxi immediately arrives? Millions of children are under the impression5 that all a doorman has to do is blow his whistle and a taxi will be there. I have never seen a show where the doorman has said, I m sorry. I can t get you a taxi. You better take the bus. Of course , I said. I never knew before what bothered me about those TV action programs, but now I do. There is always a yellow taxi waiting off screen. Now, said Applebaum, have you ever said to a taxi driver, Follow that car and don t lose him ? | 
