Televisão
Titãs
The Hypnotic Grip of Television
The song "Televisão" by Titãs is a sharp critique of the pervasive influence of television on modern society. The lyrics convey a sense of mental numbness and intellectual stagnation caused by excessive TV consumption. The repeated line, "A televisão me deixou burro, muito burro demais" ("Television made me dumb, very dumb indeed"), underscores the idea that television has dulled the narrator's cognitive abilities, making all thoughts seem monotonous and indistinguishable. This sentiment reflects a broader societal concern about the impact of media on critical thinking and individuality.
The song also touches on themes of isolation and passivity. The narrator describes a life confined to a metaphorical cage, where the only interaction is with the television. The lines, "A mãe diz pra eu fazer alguma coisa, mas eu não faço nada" ("Mom tells me to do something, but I do nothing"), highlight a sense of inertia and disconnection from the outside world. The imagery of closing the curtains to avoid sunlight further emphasizes a retreat into a dark, enclosed space, away from reality.
Cultural references, such as the mention of "Cride," a character from Brazilian comedian Ronald Golias, add a layer of local context and humor to the song. The plea to "Cride" to explain the situation to the mother suggests a longing for understanding and communication, which is ironically hindered by the very medium that was supposed to connect people. The song's critique is not just about television but also about the broader implications of media consumption on human relationships and mental health.