Davis, Walter T., Jr., Teresa Blythe, Gary Dreibelbis,
Mark Scalese, Elizabeth Winans Winslea, Donald L. Ashburn,
Kimberly Ayers, and Lonnie Voth. Louisville, KY: Geneva Press,
2001. xxii + 338 pp. $19.95 (USD). ISBN: 0-664-50193-1.
[1] Watching What We Watch is a collective
effort of eight people, most of whom are associated with San
Francisco Theological Seminary (SFTS) or the Graduate Theological
Union (GTU). In order to analyze religion on television, these
authors - representing a variety of professions, including seminary
and college professors, members of the clergy, and media professionals - define
religion as consisting of four elements: a worldview composed
of a web of mutually reinforced beliefs and values; a moral
code; periodic public rituals; and a community of believers
who practice these rituals (xii). They conclude that television
provides all four of these elements.
[2] The body of the book is a detailed analysis
of sitcoms, prime-time dramas, and fact-based programming,
as well as the business of television. Sitcoms such as Seinfeld,
The Simpsons, Moesha, Will & Grace,
and Ally McBeal, prime-time dramas such as Law &
Order, ER, Beverly Hills 90210, Touched
by an Angel, and The X-Files, and non-fiction programming
such as the evening news and the Super Bowl, make up the heart
of the study, with commercials and other aspects of the business
of television completing the analysis.
[3] Through various "lenses,"
Watching What We Watch is intended to assist the reader
in interpreting and appraising the truth and meaning created
by television. Literary criticism provides a lens on narrative
by examining its three basic elements of the narrative: setting,
character, and plot. The structural lens analyzes the worldview
of the narrative: types, structures, and codes. The lens of
signs and codes are something we sense and the meanings ascribed
to them in a particular context. The lens of ideology and
power is instrumental in sorting out the relationships among
characters in the narratives. The lens of function explores
the effects that the programs have on the lives of people
in the society. Finally, theological interpretation, the lens
of faith, leads us to the deep and broad reflecting questions
regarding the human conditions: good and evil, changes, desires,
passions, community, sins and grace, etc.
[4] The mission of this book can be summarized
easily: If television functions as a religion for millions
of Americans - a religion whose dominating message (consumerism)
is at odds with genuine religious faith - we need guidelines
for "discerning the spirits" at work in this popular
religion (277). This study has accomplished its mission in
providing a means to read television. Indeed, ignoring the
impact of television on our culture and in our lives is not
a valid option. Therefore, the suggestions for action to be
taken by communities of faith suggested in the conclusion
are invaluable. Having learned to evaluate television in a
critical way, viewers are encouraged to express their opinions
(negative or positive) directly to television stations and
networks. In addition, readers are also reminded that they
can choose alternative media such as public access television
and the Internet. If readers want to know more about this
project, they are invited to visit an affiliated Web site
(www.lensoffaith.org).
[5] The three appendices at the end of the
study ("Methods for 'Reading' Television," "Worksheet
for Analyzing and Interpreting," and "Lesson Plans")
are significant because they are the roadmaps by which the
authors developed their study. By following the format established
in these appendices, readers are able to work on their own
analysis of a television program through the lens of faith.
[6] Watching What We Watch is recommended
to all who are concerned about the effects of television in
our society in general, and to those who would like to acquire
some effective tools to analyze and interpret programs on
television through the lens of faith in particular. In sum,
it is a great resource that helps readers to be informed,
critical, and responsible viewers.
Alan L. Chan
Director of Mission, Chinese Lutheran Church
San Francisco, California
alanchan1@ureach.com
