Our culture has become one of instant gratification in many ways and media has helped us rush headlong in this direction. Once there were only printed books to turn to for our information but now information abounds and is virtually accessible anywhere we are. (at least in the United States) So to has changed many other areas. Medicine for example has changed. You used to have to go to a doctor who would send you to an actual psychologist who, through many sessions, would arrive at a diagnosis or treatment plan in which to aid you with your ills. Now however we can turn on the television and hosts like Dr. Phil can sum up in one episode what our problem is and also what we can do as the quick fix to solve it.
Above is an article referring to the rise of Dr. Phil. I mention this particular individual this week because I feel that he truly embodies what is meant by both buying and selling culture as well as gender is regards to media.
Personally, I hate Dr. Phil. Apparently, as a male, I am not alone in this sentiment and one of the resins attributed to this is because the manner to which Dr. Phil goes about solving problems in his show is one that encourages a deeper emotional connection to issues through verbal cues that inherently make most males uncomfortable. This, unfortunately, is becoming the standard for rip off shows that are attempting to produce much of the same.
Despite my dislike of Dr. Phil, his television show hit our nation like a storm. His methods have become something of a sub culture all their own and you can barely go anywhere without the association of Dr. Phil, not only, being attached to psychology but also to American culture.
It's not even just Dr. Phil. We also have other shows like Judge Judy (and other court shows) Jersey Shore, The Real World, etc.
I used to watch Judge Judy when I was younger. I haven't watched her in a while. However, I do think that (even though Judge Judy is a good judge) the show is simply pure entertainment. The people on those shows are only there just to make money and to entertain the viewers.
All of these shows especially on MTV and VH1 are ridiculous, too. Yes, I do watch the Jersey Shore and Real World from time to time; but, I still think that they are stupid shows that really have no point other than to entertain and promote sex, partying and booze. lol I only watch because it is funny to see how some of these people are really f*cked up. What pisses me off is, the Jersey Shore kids are making huuuuge money--for what?! They are dumbasses! All they are doing is promoting sex, partying, not working, and "being tan" lol I mean, hell, maybe I should apply to be on these shows just to make some easy million dollar money!
Anyway...Ohhh, yeeaaahhh, it's T-Shirt tiiiime, ohhh, yeeaaahhh...Gotta go GTL and find a chick who is DTF. Ohhh, yeaaaahh. (Total sarcasm there...)
What does everyone else feel about this? Should our culture be promoting such things in this way in general?
No comments:
Post a Comment