The Optimist (Abilene, Tex.), Vol. 64, No. 4, Ed. 1, Friday, September 24, 1976 Page: 3 of 12
twelve pages : illus. ; page 11 x 8 in. Digitized from 35 mm. microfilm.View a full description of this newspaper.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
ss
BShEEiBlnl
A
A
Tunnevison' examnes shallowness of 7"V
nv BRYAN BROWN
Television like most areas of our popular culture
leaves itself wide open to satire. Tlic shallowness of
situation comedies the unrcalism of the soaps and the
basic naked greed motivation of the game shows prove
offensive to many people myself included.
The latest work In a growing body of television
criticism is "Tunnclvlsion" a film written and directed
by Brad Swlrnoff and Neil Israel. Although quite short
and sometimes pointless "Tunnclvlsion" is very funny
and worth seeing.
There is some sort of story line to this film although
it is more or less just an excuse for the scries of sketches
The year is 1984 and a Congressional committee has
called u hearing and summoned the president of
Tunnclvlsion to justify the network's existence. The
network president is the ultimate cynical television
executive and he tells the committee that his intention
is to give the public exactly what it wants.
of the film is David Eisenhower. Two administrations
before hTin was George Wallace. "Responsible" citizens
nin amok with guns and companies make millions' of
infPrrniSSlfWn dolars a vcar sclinE deodorants for obscure areas of the
The rest of the film is ostensibly a typical day's
broadcast over Tunnclvlsion which the network
president is showing the committee.
The following series of commercials game shows and
snips of situation comedies and dramatic programs make
clear the authors' view of the public taste. Any public
that will sit for hours digesting this kind of garbage the
film says Is less than intelligent.
The film also draws a direct line between (he public
intelligence and the society it creates for allows ttv he
created). For instance the President at the supposed time
There really is no star of the- film although the ads
state that both Chevy Chase and Phil Proctor of the
Fircsign Theatre are in the picture. Neither one is on the
screen for more than five minutes so don't be misled by
the advertising.
Of. course there will be some of you who are
concerned with bad taste and one could say that there is
some material not suitable for social club presidents.
There are some words with four letters that will offend
you and some with more than five which you will not
understand. Also those of you who took forward- to
watching "Klioua" will probably not be pleased.
r- it" --..w khiwiuii imivaiu nut Jiuu4uijr nui uw piwdu
Letters question campus attitudes praise blood pledgees
Comments on 'environment'
Dear Editor
While sitting in chapel the other day I was reminded
of an issue I've longed to address myself to for some
time that being the old line that ACU is a sheltered
environment and is not the real world.
I suppose I should state my biases. I have two they
arc: I believe in God and I think I'm right. By the way
those two are not Inherently connected.
So is learning about real life possible within an
artificial environment like ACU? I will assume of course
that it is Impossible to learn from the effects of any real
world sins such as sexual immorality dnigs or drinking
since none of these things ever happen here.
Therefore I will turn -tu our beloved classroom. If
there ever was an artificial environment the classroom
would be it. Haven't you ever wondered how biology
psychology and business students become accountants
counselors and doctors simply by reading books and
sitting in classrooms? I don't understand it but I do
know that the business field and all the other fields want
classroom-trained graduates!
What docs it mean? Maybe (t means there are some
things that can only be learned in an artificial
4ftk
letters to
the editor
environment. Gel the application?
I don't believe ACU becomes a sheltered
environment simply because it disallows shorts drinking
etc. Just what Is the real issue and what is peripheral?
Docs drinking and dancing constitute real life? Are these
(he things that will equip one to handle the world?
Sorry I just can't buy any lines like (hat.
I believe that one learns to handle life by learning
what life is for! Now on that count I'd say ACU is
trying. You sec ACU believes in the head biologist and
the head psychologist that being Jesus Christ. I believe
that he is the one logo to to find out about real life.
Joshua and Caleb
(Proper name withheld on request)
Craig lauds generosity
To the students faculty and staff
What can I say except that you've done it again! The
unity and generosity on this campus astounds me. Last
year 1193 pints of blood were pledged by the ACU
family. We have surpassed last year's mark and pledge
cards are still being counted.
Thanks arc to be extended to Alpha Phi Omega for
their help thus far in the campaign. Also the Senate
along with several individuals who helped during the
pledge week are to be commended.
Now may I encourage our giving with a famed
cliche: "we've only just begun." A vast number of the
student body has pledged but pledging and giving arc
two entirely different things. Last year only 30 per cent
of those who pledged fulfilled their pledges. This year I
challenge everyone that pledged to fulfill their promise
to give.
Some' because of illness anemic conditions or other
reasons may not be able to give but there is no excuse
for the rest of us who simply will not take the time to
give.
Someone needs you. So please take time to help in
this unique way. Remember you have until April 15
1977 to fulfill your pledge. Hendrick Hospital Blood
Bank is open from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. on Monday-Friday
and 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Saturday.
Casey Craig
chairman of "Pulling for Plasma"
BhjiBgg Bj4k"Sg Mm JKwtofeIfl&'yfc.irl tJBA Jff HilMJit mBBBiti ifi mJl A)ju ii vHlil'H
u ujiiniMiiwmiii j ii
- -
ijjggawiMiiiiJCgsa
H
X
m
O
5
8
I
M
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This issue can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Newspaper.
The Optimist (Abilene, Tex.), Vol. 64, No. 4, Ed. 1, Friday, September 24, 1976, newspaper, September 24, 1976; Abilene, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth91891/m1/3/: accessed May 6, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Abilene Christian University Library.