ABC Family

Here is my letter to ABC Family...

To whom it may concern:

My name is Amy Lynn Richards and I am currently a senior at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. I am studying Human Development and taking a Media course this semester as part of the curriculum. Throughout this semester I have learned about the different types of media and how they influence and impact not only the individual but the family unit. Media is all around us and takes on many forms. It can be a force for good or a force for bad.

With “family” in your networks name, I respect the goal you have to provide meaningful and enjoyable entertainment to families. Recently, I have enjoyed the Christmas specials that have been airing on your network in anticipation of the 25 Days of Christmas. The other night I watched “Jack Frost” and “The Miracle on 24th Street.” I felt that both of these shows promoted family values and taught principles of love, service, and the importance of family. They were extremely uplifting and I would feel comfortable trusting you with my future children’s entertainment, based off of these shows. I am excited for the 25 Days of Christmas to begin.

Although I appreciate your efforts to air family-friendly movies this season, I have been disappointed with some of your choices in airing certain TV series. With family being your emphasis and in your name, I feel that your content should resemble that label. I feel that shows including “Pretty Little Liars” and “The Lying Game” do not measure up to the values of family that you promote. In advertising for your winter premiere of “The Lying Game” you ask, “Ready for more lies and deception?” Is lying and deception really what we want to be showing to our families and to our children? Are these principles that are worthy of our families time?

I understand the pressure that you receive from our current culture to keep TV entertainment dramatic and engaging but I ask you to consider your audience and the values that you are supporting with the TV shows that you air. With the label of “family” that you have attached to your network, I also feel that you are responsible to air content that is appropriate for families.

I hope that you will consider these points that I have brought up and that you will evaluate the principles you are teaching families. Media can be a great teacher and can be a force for good if networks like you stand up for the family.

Sincerely,

Amy Lynn Richards

Angel Tree

 

Yesterday I was looking at an Angel Tree and searching for a gift that I could give. As I was looking at the different gifts requested, I saw an ornament that said "9 year old boy, Call of Duty game." UH... WHAT? I have to admit that for a second I wanted to take that ornament off and throw it in the garbage so that this little 9 year old didn't get what he wanted for Christmas. Call of Duty on an Angel tree? Seems like an oxymoron to me.

Family Video

Okay so my family loves to make videos and as I was going through my brother's you-tube videos today I found this one that we made about 2 or 3 years ago. It's still a favorite of mine. Enjoy!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Media and the Family

Man, yesterday in class when we were going through different scenarios we might face as parents, I was overwhelmed with the responsibility that I will have as a parent, especially when it comes to media. It is so hard to know what the right thing is and it is definitely easier said than done. So although I felt the overwhelming weight of parenthood, it also made me think of how blessed we are... we have the Holy Ghost! If we turn to the Lord, he will help us when we become parents. He wants us to be good parents! What a great gift that we have.

The News

I don't watch the News very often but last night I watched Channel 5 before I went to bed. One of the stories was about how thieves will read obituaries to find out when families will be away and will go steal from their homes and their cars. I couldn't believe it, along with all the other sad stories of things going on in Utah. So although I like getting caught up on what's happening in the world, last night I just went to bed thinking how sad it is that so much bad is going on. Can we have a happy news station, where only good things can be reported? That would be refreshing.

BLOOD!

I know that this is old but my mom recently just saw it for the first time so I have been thinking about it lately. It's amazing the things you can find on YouTube. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fVDGu82FeQ.

Life without cell phones

This weekend I was hanging out with my mother-in-law and we started talking about cell phones and technology. She told me a story about going to a bridal shower when she was younger and getting lost. She couldn't find the house anywhere and finally had to pull off at the gas station to use the phone book and the phone booth. She had to pay 25 cents and then proceeded to call her friend. But of course she didn't answer, she was in the middle of the shower. Feeling lost, confused and frustrated she eventually reached someone who could give her directions and made it to the end of the shower. We started talking about how technology has changed even the simplest things... like going to a shower. Not only can I call anyone from anywhere to get directions but I can type the address into my phone and get step by step directions. After hearing these stories from my mother-in-law, it reminded me how incredible technology is. We can text people across the world in seconds, we can get directions when were lost, and we can have access to the internet in the palms of our hands. I take it for granted everyday.