chosehumanity: (george-mitchell: did you hear this?)
chosehumanity ([personal profile] chosehumanity) wrote in [community profile] fandomhigh2009-05-22 07:19 am
Entry tags:

TeeVee for Beginners, Friday Period Two

"Today, we're going to be talking about people," Mitchell said, once they'd all filled into the classroom. Anyone paying attention may have noticed the large table full of bags upon bags of crisps off to the side of the room. "People watching television, to be precise." You know, in case they'd thought he was going to talk about something a little less savoury. "Academics call television the 'electronic hearth', because where families used to gather before the fireplace, they started to gather in front of the television instead. It grew very very quickly from being a novelty to being in every household, in every family."

He gestured at the television. "Others call it being couch potatoes," he said, wryly. "People who spend too much time in front of the television. They have a little food, have a little drink, and let the programmes flow on past. Wasting their lives away, never looking for some meaning in life, never bothering to find out who they really are, what the world's really like." He smiled once. "The truth, as it generally is, lies somewhere in the middle. Television nowadays is a unifier, it brings people together, but it also sets them apart."

He wandered over to the table, patting it with his hands. "Now for the fun part," he said, "Snacks are a vital part of the modern television experience. Sometimes, it's entire meals, pizza and Chinese food." Mitchell was a great appreciator of the art. "But at this hour, that may be pushing it. Crisps," he picked up a bag and waved it around, "Are excellent television chow. I want you all to pick what looks like it may taste good, and if you're not sure, ask your fellow classmates about it." He set the bag down. "Today is all about people. About audiences, which we all are when we're watching the television. So go on, make yourself comfortable. Be an audience, meet people, see what the social contexts are all about."

He took a seat on his own couch. "Have fun. That's what television's all about."
wantstodirect: (Pondering)

Re: Talk to the TAs

[personal profile] wantstodirect 2009-05-22 05:47 pm (UTC)(link)
"Hm...," Tony pointed randomly to one of their classmates. "That guy over there?"
bitten_notshy: (distinctly intrigued)

Re: Talk to the TAs

[personal profile] bitten_notshy 2009-05-22 05:51 pm (UTC)(link)
"He might be," Jack said, grinning. "I don't properly know. Should I go ask him?"
wantstodirect: (Dimples)

Re: Talk to the TAs

[personal profile] wantstodirect 2009-05-22 05:57 pm (UTC)(link)
"It's not very fair to play guessing games if you don't know the answers," Tony grinned.
bitten_notshy: (always on guard)

Re: Talk to the TAs

[personal profile] bitten_notshy 2009-05-22 06:05 pm (UTC)(link)
"True," Jack admitted, unabashed. "I can't speak for him, then, but I can say I got a note from home this morning. I'll be gone tomorrow afternoon until Monday evening, assuming the travel goes as smoothly as the mails did."

Jack needed the visit; Sebastien needed the visit; it was one big ball of neediness.
wantstodirect: (Relaxed - Leg up)

Re: Talk to the TAs

[personal profile] wantstodirect 2009-05-22 07:07 pm (UTC)(link)
"So you'll be gone all weekend," Tony said. "We should get dinner or something when you get back. You can tell me more about 1899."
bitten_notshy: (dark shirt hi there)

Re: Talk to the TAs

[personal profile] bitten_notshy 2009-05-22 07:10 pm (UTC)(link)
"I'd like that," Jack said honestly. "It'll probably be a lot of helping Sebastien unpack his things, but I'll find some kind of souvenir for you. I should be free any day, really."

There was lunch with Rose, but no need to bring that up just now. It certainly wouldn't impact his ability to eat dinner.
wantstodirect: (Dimples)

Re: Talk to the TAs

[personal profile] wantstodirect 2009-05-22 07:15 pm (UTC)(link)
Tony couldn't hide his grin. "Cool, so, let me know when you get back and we'll make plans then."
bitten_notshy: (distinctly intrigued)

Re: Talk to the TAs

[personal profile] bitten_notshy 2009-05-22 07:28 pm (UTC)(link)
"I wouldn't let you miss me," Jack told him with a sly smile.