Job Discussion Forums

waxwing · Joined: 29 Jun 2003 Posts: 719 Location: China

Actually most of reality TV started in Western Europe and the UK, including almost all of the really famous ones, and is just as popular there. Probably it's a good insight into Western culture, rather than specifically American.

Seth · Joined: 05 Feb 2003 Posts: 575 Location: in exile

reality TV is horrid (except american chopper, of course). Britain also started the whole corporate pop thing with the spice girls...thanks a lot, mother Britain!

yet another thing americans can be proud of, as can be witnessed by these threads...we argue over stupid sh*t like 12 year olds.

Bindair Dundat · Joined: 04 Feb 2003 Posts: 1123

Deborann · Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2004 3:18 am Post subject:

What people choose to watch - as quantified by the ratings system - is indicative of their interests. Therefore for insights into current cultural mores, themes, values etc, watching the most highly rated TV programs (the most popular and easily accessed form of entertainment) gives a broad overview of what a significant percentage of people in each state will find important, interesting, worthy of their time and attention. I.E. the current state of American culture.

The ratings systems hold a certain external vaildity, as evidenced by the shows cut/extended because of the ratings, and also the dollar value of advertisements placed during particular programs.

Bindair Dundat · Joined: 04 Feb 2003 Posts: 1123

skeptic · Joined: 30 Jun 2004 Posts: 73 Location: USA

Nicely done, Deborann!

A word of caution though, if you plan to continue baiting him. He bites.

And this is a nice segue to my next point.

Do the wretched huddled masses out there in the wide world not realize that you are wretched huddled masses? That is what those folks who prop up the reality TV shows, Jerry Springer and Montel Williams, listen to Rap, and worship Dumb and Dumber believe.

Do the people described care about the fraternity pranks endured by the prisoners at Abu Graibe? Critics say torture, proponents say hazing, and the people choose the word that fits their conception of the world. (Guess which one they go with?) Do they appreciate the global emancipations effected by the WTO, and the IMF?

They voted for George W Bush, once, and they will confidently vote for him again. He is resolute! (Synonymous with simplistic, but they don't get that.)

The people who participate in this particular forum do not fit that profile. I guarantee it. How many posters here have watched Survivor? Who will confess to being a closet Springer fan? How often do you engage with Fox News? (Watching it for laughs doesn't count, now.)

But any class on American culture that avoids religion, philosophy, and politics, of course, can't address these issues. My advice is to take a trip to a small town fair, or festival, with a video camera. Record the goings on: particularly the Amish, the animals, the demolition derby, and the cotton candy. That is a fiction that can be readily presented to students of all ages and maturity levels. Wink

If you are looking for serious college fare, for critical contemplation and analysis, then pack a big lunch and hit the road. According to Deborann, you've got a long road ahead in visiting those fifty hotel rooms in those fifty states. By the end of that trip, you will have your finger on the pulse of contemporary America. And a lot more muscular that finger will be from working the remotes in those hotels. But then you will have:

insights into current cultural mores, themes, values etc, ... a broad overview of what a significant percentage of people in each state will find important, interesting, worthy of their time and attention. I.E. the current state of American culture.

Good luck.

Deborann · Posted: Thu Aug 05, 2004 2:09 am Post subject:

Thanks skeptic for the warning, I will be careful of the bite - it's a long way to go for an anti-rabies injection here.

BD, does your limited view of the world preclude you from realising that there are other activities apart from television that people can choose to do?

That such a significant percentage of people still choose to watch particular TV shows when there are a plethora of alternatives available still indicates what

Bindair Dundat · Joined: 04 Feb 2003 Posts: 1123

Bindair Dundat · Joined: 04 Feb 2003 Posts: 1123

Bindair Dundat · Joined: 04 Feb 2003 Posts: 1123

skeptic · Joined: 30 Jun 2004 Posts: 73 Location: USA

I'm mildly ashamed to confess that I'm a Beevis and Butthead fan. Very Happy

Deborann · Posted: Fri Aug 06, 2004 12:01 am Post subject:

No actual discussion - just abuse and threats - bullyman tactics. Very reflective.

Hypothesis still stands.

Bindair Dundat · Joined: 04 Feb 2003 Posts: 1123

desultude · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 614

Mr. Kalgukshi · Posted: Sat Aug 07, 2004 5:27 am Post subject: Locked

This thread was locked to provide everyone, as needed, the opportunity to cool off.

It is now unlocked, but name-calling, insults and anything remotely close to threats will not be permitted. If they continue, the offending paries risk the very real probability of sanctions up to the point of being banned.

Healthy and civil discussion is encouraged. To all of you who have contributed in this vein, thank you. Anything less will result in this thread disappearing and other action as appropriate.

Enjoy.