A shout out to M*A*S*H for teaching me to think about other people

[ProfessorPlum]

For as much bashing as television (the "idiot box&quot often takes, I am surprised that we don't revere it as a source for our shared cultural stories and values more. I watched a lot of TV as a kid, and shows like MASH (and many more ridiculous other shows) helped shape my thoughts about racial bigotry, warmongering, shared humanity, homophobia, abuse, religious mania, etc. A simple lesson or two packed into 30 minutes, with commercials.

It's amazing to me that so many people of my generation, who also watched MASH and other shows, grew up to be Frank Burns instead of Hawkeye.

[think]

1. MASH was in a league of it's own. Excellent show.....

[unblock]

2. and how many archie bunkers!

[ProfessorPlum]

7. exactly...

[magellan]

3. k&r -- M*A*S*H was and is still one of my favorite tv shows

Another is represented by your avatar.

These shows got people thinking and challenged their world views. They were gutsy and full of heart. Nothing really like them nowadays.

We used to call Bush** Frank Burns. Among other things.

[GeorgeGist]

4. I agree.

Sociopathy is amazing.

[geckosfeet]

5. The origional Star Trek series, and by and large subsequent spin off series took racial equality

head on. The jury is out on feminist issues...

[KT2000]

6. Twilight Zone

prepared me for the present.

[Zorra]

8. +1. MASH is a work of art.

LOL! I sometimes post Frank Burns youtube clips here as a response to posters who are unwittingly doing classic Frank Burns imitations.

I haven't had a TV in decades, but Mash, Star Trek, Northern Exposure, The Simpsons, and Glee are, IMO, shows that are thought provoking works of art. The third season of Glee was a bit overdone though.

I have not had a TV since before the Simpsons, Northern Exposure, and Glee were running, but I have rented the entire series of each of them and watched them in the original sequences.

[ohheckyeah]

21. My all-time

favorite show: Northern Exposure.

[mike dub]

9. As a major M*A*S*H fan, I thank you for this post, ProfessorPlum!

My wife and I both watched M*A*S*H when we were young, and we now own all 11 seasons on DVD.
To me, it is the best series Ever. There are some moments in that show that are just emotional gut busters - and real lesson-teaching moments.

And I'm glad we have more Hawkeyes than Frank Burnses here on DU!

[rl6214]

17. +1

An education in each episode.

[Mr.Bill]

10. The first time I saw MASH (the movie)

it was on a double bill with Patton. Talk about a contrast.

[Nevernose]

18. Oh dear god! You've said the unsayable word!

Sorry, you just reminded me of my own childhood for a second. My grandfather, normally the calmest, most serene guy you could ever meet, would freak the hell out of you mentioned the word "Patton" in his presence. He would begin mutteri and grumbling, filled with rage, and he always began the muttering by saying "Blood-and-guts Patton? Yeah, his guts and our blood." I've literally never seen that kind of anger in my entire life. After the muttering would come the thousand yard stare for the rest of the day, with about a 50-50 chance of a full-blown WWII-generated night terror sometime after we were sleeping.

[AnnieBW]

20. Patton was an asshole

The "slapping a wounded soldier" incident was true. My uncle saw him do it.

[Uncle Joe]

11. One of my all time favorite programs, the movie M*A*S*H*

from which the television series sprang from was great as well.

Thanks for the thread, ProfessorPlum.

[RevStPatrick]

12. But... "It's nice to be nice to the nice!"

M*A*S*H was awesome.

[Brigid]

13. M*A*S*H* will live forever.

[JesterCS]

14. Im only 31 years old and LOVE MASH :)

My dad always watched it so I would watch with him. Is a great show. Funny that the show lasted longer than the actual Korean war.

[applegrove]

15. I‘m watching MASHon dvd. I am amazed

at how liberal america was way back when. Reminded me of political discussions at the dinner table as a kid during Trudeau's time, in Ottawa. I've really enjoyed the series this time. The characters on mash were so much savier regarding what is important in life than most of the characters you see on the tv today.

[awoke_in_2003]

16. Great show, which was influenced greatly...

by Alan Alda

[AnnieBW]

19. M*A*S*H*, Star Trek, and All In The Family

Were staples in my house. Loved all three of them, and I guess a lot of the messages rubbed off.

[davidpdx]

22. I always have loved MASH

and now have the entire series. The strange coincidence is that I now live in South Korea and my FIL fought in the Korean War. Growing up watching the show I never thought I'd have such a direct link to the country.

The one thing that I always laugh at is the episode where Burns thinks a mine has been buried outside of the camp and it turns out to be...kimchi. The kicker is kimchi is one of the foods I don't like.

[adirondacker]

23. And here I thought everyone on DU got their ethics from growing up Brady.

MASH was/is unbeatable TV.