JUNE 17, 2009

       I’m probably going to get flack for this one, but hear me out anyway.

       Typically in Manitoba summer has more criminal activity than winter. That goes without saying, right? What criminals want to be stealing cars when they have to keep covering their sticky fingers to prevent frostbite?

       In summer, it’s nicer outside and the days are longer. While that means it’s brighter outside for an extended period of time, that means crimes will be committed later because it takes that long to get dark.

       Or, could it be the fact there’s nothing good on television in the summer that people aren’t distracted so much?

       Think about it: ratings periods are fall, winter and spring so the big networks are loading up our TVs with great programming and people don’t want to miss their favourite shows. Come on, you probably have one that you can never miss.

       Additionally, a month ago I tried watching some new shows (because it was sweeps time so I figured there’d be something to wow me) and I was disgusted by how many violent programs were running during family-viewing hours.

       So, if not for the sole reason of boredom in the summer – because, really, how many people are fascinated by seeing B-list celebrities living in a jungle for three weeks? – could the rise in crime and violence be because of what we see on TV?

       Whether or not it’s the lack of entertaining programming or the simple effects of what we’d seen while cooped up all winter, I once again draw the conclusion TV has an effect on society.

       Yes, I understand there’s lots of other reasons pinpointed for crime trends, but maybe TV isn’t getting as much credit as it deserves.