By Yogesvara dasa
A Native American storyteller named Ron Evans tells a tale that warms the heart of all who agonise over the effects of contemporary media. Ron visited Africa some years ago and was present the day electric lines were installed for the first time in a tiny village. Along with wiring came a gift from the local government: the village's first television. Ron describes how the entire village sat mesmerised for three days watching every programme. Then as if on cue, rose, turned off the set, and went about their business. Curious as to their motives, Ron approached the village chief and asked, 'Why did you stop watching the television?' The chief smiled and replied, 'We don't need the television. We have our storyteller.' Delighted but not completely satisfied by the reply, Ron commented, 'The television knows many stories, too.' The chief bowed his head thoughtfully, then looked up with a smile and said, 'Oh, no doubt the television knows many stories. But our storyteller knows us!'
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