Two Aspirins and a Comedy: How Television Can Enhance Health and Society
An extraordinary book which makes a vital contribution to our understanding of the potential power for healing and goodness in 'television entertainment.' Personally I hate the ads, the violence, the speed, the escapism of American television, but I've learned a very great deal from this book about 'the other side' of TV. -- Arlie Hochschild, The Time Bind: When Work Becomes Home and Home Becomes Work To solve global problems, larger numbers of people must be informed and also mobilized to act. This book convincingly points out a way to accomplish both objectives through entertainment. Now we need creative storytellers who will inspire and motivate their audiences (especially in film, radio, and television) to address the world's environment, justice, and peace challenges. -- Alexander Likhotal, President, Green Cross International and Global Green, USA Despite the light title, Two Aspirins and a Comedy is quite serious about the healing possibilities of television. With an approach that integrates philosophy, psychology, physiology, religion, and sociology, Spencer describes the power of "stories" told by the media. She details the positive impacts pleasurable relationships with television characters and programs can have for individuals and society at large...provocative and enlightening. -- Beth Montemurro, Penn State University