Federation Without Television.

A progressive, novel, rad organization.

We counteract the all powerful system – not merely on a rhetorical level, but on a substance level.

We are about new and rich things. We are about making life more enriching.

Yo—is your environment anti-rad, anti-true critical thought, anti-upright culture? The environment of Federation Without Television is not about that bogus grime. Your soul is meant to radiate, not be confined by the establishment’s shackles.

Hail the organization that decides revolution is a primary focus and objective, hail he or she who decides that something intellectually stimulating needs to be done, as a reward in itself, and as a way to defeat the evils of society, culture, government, capitalism, and any and all others.

Quintessential questions (aka frequently asked questions) to be asked about this organization:

1. Are you radical extreme loonies?

FWT is radical and extreme, but we are not loony. The aversion to television is seated strongly inside, and it is essentially a rational boycott. To demand and work for political, social, economic, intellectual, and spiritual revolution is not loony. It is very rational. It is very rational to attempt to understand television and its effects on society.

2. Why do y’all deal with issues not related to TV?

These issues that FWT deals with are indeed one way or another related to television and its subsequent culture. One needs to pierce the surface to understand this, and defrock literalism in pursuit of deep knowledge. Granted it’s not all directly or bluntly related. But the exploitative forces of society are all interconnected 1. Most often exploitation and annihilation of the soul does not occur in a vacuum. Capitalistic exploitation, one of the biggest, most massive, and most insidious exploitative forces erects a gigantic holistic wave of oppression, pervading most all areas of life and we should remember that television is the quintessential medium of disease innate in capitalism 2.

On the surface, it may appear as if FWT is dealing with issues not entirely relevant to the anti-television movement we are erecting. But if one analyzes deeper, it all makes perfect sense. Think of it this way: an essential function of this organization is to give voice to the brilliant ideas and issues suppressed, ignored, and destroyed by the major establishment media 3, whether we provide this outlet by disseminating information, demonstrating, or doing a program. This includes, but is certainly not limited to: atheism and progressive religions, sXe, radical politics, brilliant creativity, anti-media voices, anything promoting passion and romance, social and cultural revolutions, ultimately that which is too obscure, but deserves recognition. It is a major injustice that the establishment media is so anti-progressive as to not give voice to the most brilliant beacons of our day and such is a fundamental flaw of establishment media . The mainstream media does not do you good. FWT rounds out the picture and broadens the horizons of all. Hopefully we are considered “militant” because that is a flattering plus.

3. Would you people smash televisions?

Most certainly yes! Provided that the owner voluntarily gave up the t.v. We will not smash which is not legitimately ours to smash

4. Does FWT have any slogans?

Sure, a good one is “Liberation begins when the television is turned off.” Another slogan we have is “Try to be the antithesis of what you are railing against”.

5. What exactly does FWT do?

We do much. Our functions and programs are vast and varied. They reflect the romantic vision of FWT’s founder. The organization has put on a Less Television Conference, at which speakers from the Libertarian party, the U.S. Pacifist Party, Freedom from Religion Foundation, Democratic Socialists of America, the leftist Solidarity, the Green Party, and others provided a very entertaining, informative, and enriching experience for all participants. We have also organized a freethought rally, a religion vs. atheism debate with Dan Barker of Freedom from Religion Foundation, and forum discussions on Mumia Abu Jamal. We also often do informative booths. Additionally, at every general meeting there is an intellectual discussion. Get the drift? Innovative, stimulating programming is our gist.

6. Are you closed minded?

Although we are strongly opposed to television’s pervasive grasp, we really are not closed minded, just convicted. An essential function of ours is one of open dialogue. Most all opinions are welcome. We are open minded. For instance, the 2nd meeting’s topic was entitled “The Positives of Television”.

7. Do you think everyone needs to kill their television?

This is, of course, the ultimate goal, for a great society demands it. Society would be absolutely wonderful and massively stimulating if this occurred. Think of t.v. watching as a continuum, the less t.v. you watch and the more awareness of television’s effects you have, the better. Merely by this organization existing the fact that television is pervasively dominant has been affirmed. FWT is the antithesis of all the rubbish and decay television creates.

8. If television watching isn’t the purpose of life, then what is?

Art
Revolution
Fellowship
Knowledge of body and physical exertion
Knowledge of self
Altruism

These are the keys to fulfillment. FWT vigorously promotes creativity and spontaneity, revolutionary causes, fellowship of the intellectual sort, and the ever important knowledge of self. Knowledge of self is contrary to the capitalist elitists’ best interests 4. Knowledge of self leads to defiance and questioning of the establishment 5. In short, knowledge of self leads to revolution 6.

9. Are you just an insignificant ripple in the river of revolutions?

No, the media is a very powerful propaganda weapon of the ruling class 7. To not watch television or read establishment status quo newspapers, or listen to ruling class radio is hardcore. This organization was founded by a hardcore anti-television fellow. This is where mind revolution is at! This is the heart of a better society. We say we won’t be trapped by their media conditioning machine. FWT vociferously resists the ruling class’s propaganda efforts. FWT is hardcore. If you want to petrify the ruling class, you will question its ethics and fight for liberation and justice. It’s only a matter of time when the danger of the founder’s anti-television stance (a dynamic link with all his other anti-establishment stances) will cause a major clash with the ruling class establishment.

Television is the downfall of the societal spirit. So start turning off televisions. Revolution doesn’t stem from dejected television watching. Revolution begins when people analyze themselves. Revolution begins when people actualize themselves. Suppression of the soul characterizes today society. Change this circumstance by turning your television off and joining the revolution. Your soul will love it. Society will flourish. Carpe Diem. Don’t fear if you live Carpe Diem. Carpe Diem, now more than ever. Carpe Diem!

If you would like more information, or you would like to become a part of FWT, or you would like to start your own chapter of FWT (FWT is very interested in expanding; chapters may be community based, church based, lodge based, school based, or as a group in most any other shape or form.) Write fwt@wowmail.com. Have a good television free day!

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1 Many have argued this.

2 The initial reference is unknown.

3 This argument was advanced by Andrew Yoder in Pirate Radio Stations: Tuning into Underground Broadcasts.

4 This is a common theme expressed by many activists.

5 Same as footnote 4.

6 Same as footnote 4.

7 Many have argued this.