instead of 'dumbing down' tv shows to appeal to the masses, what would happen if they asked us to 'wise up'?

Question

...probably, no one would watch. or would people 'get smart'?

Answer 1

I know I'm answering a question with a question, Patz, but wouldn't it be worth it to TRY and see what happens? Good grief, has the television terrain ever been as intellectually barren, creatively challenged, hopelessly banal and seriously stupid as at the present time? So-called "reality tv" has become a decadent monstrosity, a veritable testimonial to tasteless excess, classlessness and the dumbing down of a generation. It is an abomination.

Conversely, enlightening, intelligent, creative, informative and educational programming is all but extinct. The sad part is that such programming CAN make a difference. Listen, I always considered myself an autodidact (at least until I finally succumbed and got my university degree to make it all "official"). And although most of that self-education was acquired as a result of intensive and exhaustive reading, much of it actually came from television -- quality television.

It used to be that one could find such programs as 'The Story of English' or 'The Living Planet' or 'The Day the Universe Changed' or 'Scotland's Story' (a personal favourite) on PBS or cable channels like A&E, Discovery, The History Channel and The Learning Channel. Now, many of those same channels eschew such quality television in favour of "true crime" programming. Sensationalistic docudramas about deranged serial killers (which in turn serve as instructional manuals for up-and-coming serial killers) now substitute for nature, science and (true) historical programming. This is madness!

Okay, you got me started up with your similarly thought-provoking -- and equally excellent -- query about Hollywood film adaptations of classic literature and I promptly went on a proper rant. So I'll cut this short for both our sakes (and our sanity?). Cheers, mon ami! ;-)

Answer 2

Drop all the "reality shows" and see what happens to the ratings. People watch TV for entertainment. If you want to wise up, Discovery, History and Science channels have good shows. Or read a book.

Answer 3

Yeah same with the history channel and the food network. Guess they really turned it up with the programming there! Not. Well, people will always tune into what in to what is shown on tv. maybe it will eventually catch up with the masses in terms of appeal and approach.

Answer 4

I don't know...in the case of Xena:Warrior Princess the producers became wise guys and their pretentiousness killed the good stories and eventually the series. Viewers got smart and deserted the series in droves, starting with the beginning of the fourth season.

Answer 5

I believe its called a documentary, and they are reduced to public tv and such.

I do not watch tv anymore, its really offensive, even if you are basically a tolerant person, they seem to want to find every line there is to morality and then cross it.

I do enjoy some docs, but most are so slow paced, I still feel like they made it for an idiot, sorta like animal kingdom for dummies.

Answer 6

The majority of the people in this world are stupid, so intelligent shows would never work to make money. The producer of such shows would wind up out of a job and a network would wind up out of business. You can't make people smart. They are stupid from birth. That's just the way it is. C'est la vie.

Answer 7

The only way that would work is if *all* the dumb shows were cut off and they *only* showed smart stuff. And that, sadly, is obviously never gonna happen, so I can't even surmise what would happen. I'm sure TV viewing would drop dramatically tho.. intially, anyway.

Answer 8

Probably the same thing as if they told everyone who believed in GOD that it was all a lie...Made up to keep law order and morality. Complete Anarchy of the stupid people!!!!!

I hope they would allow us to arm ourselves that day.
Honestly, i don't know how bad it's gotten, i haven't watched regular TV since Survivor #1. I stick w/ A&E, Hist, Court, NGC, and Disc. occasional justice league on cartoons i will cop to

Answer 9

I have been watching BBC a lot more, and I really enjoy the drama's they aren't so mindless and repetitive. Our tv programs seem to all be the same thing now days, and if it is good and different it never lasts.

Answer 10

What's the saying? "Nobody ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the public."

People like what's on TV. If they didn't, it wouldn't be on TV. And if everybody "wised up," it would create havoc and ruin the economy.

Answer 11

It sure would be an interesting experiment. Personally, I believe they underrate the American People, although, after reading a lot of these questions, I am begining to wonder, on that. lol