What do these things suggest about modern american society?
Theme shows
Reality shows
sports
unfunny comedies
awards show
why are these popular what does it suggest?
2007-04-30 12:27:26 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
someone believes that americans today enjoy the gladiatorial arena portrayed by television. competing adversaries, where we can pick a participant to root for: do we vicariously live out our fantasies that we no longer have time for by rooting for someone to be the last survivor, the most desperate housewife, the world series mvp, or win the great race?
2007-04-30 13:17:57 · answer #1 · answered by patzky99 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Okay. I'll be the cynic. 98.9% (oh, how I love to exaggerate) of Americans have an IQ less than room temperature. I've never seen any of the shows you list, but I did see some promos (if that's what they're called; I'm not a TV fan), & they were disgusting. I occasionally watch Booknotes on CSpan; some incredibly intelligent & interesting people--but TV is the last thing on my mind. Except for CSpan--also what's going on in the Senate, that's a bit more civilized than the Congress--but rarely even that. Some may call it voyeurism, or "getting away" from their own lives. How about a good book, a long walk, a conversation with someone intelligent, whatever respite needed from daily stress? That would be so much more constructive. Through Q&A I've discovered I can relate so much better to people in other countries; Australia, U.K., Saudi Arabia (examples) than with most Americans. What an editorial comment!
Edit: [guru] If the most popular TV shows are seen by only a fraction of the population, how do they get their ratings?
2007-05-01 17:15:25 · answer #2 · answered by Psychic Cat 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Nothing.
Television is hardly an indicator of society. Even the most popular TV show is only seen by a fraction of the population.
At the same time there is news, sports, documentaries, educational television and so on.
It's easy to construct an argument by avoiding all the evidence.
2007-04-30 13:38:20 · answer #3 · answered by guru 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
America, and Western Civ in general, is morally and ethically bankrupt, and quite possibly irredeemable. The world at large has entered a new Decadent stage, which is historically followed by a near total collapse, and a non-voluntary population reduction of 78%+, through starvation, war, and disease.
2007-04-30 14:14:31 · answer #4 · answered by tyco88 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
People watch movies and t.v. to escape from reality. Even so-called "reality shows" and sports are ways of pretending that a viewer is somehow a part of what is happening on t.v., and it's way cooler than what's going on at home. It makes people feel better about themselves to see others fall, and important when the team wins because of their cheering from 2,000 miles away. Television is 100% marketed and researched so that you, the viewer are a) not offended b) offended enough to keep watching c) buying the advertisers' products d) not questioning what is being spoon-fed into your brain.
The majority of people are morons who follow someone else's idea of "good" if they are told too. Not enough people read books. American entertainment centers primarily on the almighty dollar, and who the suits think will bring in the most advertising millions.
p.s. "Heroes" rocks! :)
2007-04-30 12:38:59 · answer #5 · answered by Genie 1 · 3⤊ 1⤋
It suggests that America along with the rest of the world, that as a species, huanity has become obsessed with the human condition and our reations to different circumstances, it does'nt neccesarily mean anything bad or good.
2007-04-30 12:50:58 · answer #6 · answered by kissaled 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
purely, to me it shows the sorrowful fact. We used to concentration on the society, its betterment as an honorable place. Now this is for me the sunlight rises and gadgets. From a philosophical viewpoint, the utilitarianism has come finished circle and we live in nihilistic circumstances. no longer something is there that would desire to be preserved, yet ate up.
2016-10-04 04:09:45 · answer #7 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Americans are voyers at heart and like to peak into other peoples lives. Instead of having there own interesting life, they can plop down on the coach, open up a bag of chips, and watch someone elses. Maybe it makes us feel superior when people mess up. It's all just a vicarious thrill I guess.
2007-04-30 12:32:52 · answer #8 · answered by Joan H 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
You're speaking about general broadcast. It is going the way of the other general broadcast media. Soon it will be nothing but talking heads with no substance. It will be the entertaiment and panacea of the poor and dis-enfranchised.
2007-04-30 12:42:03 · answer #9 · answered by Sophist 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Creativity is frowned upon in a society of consumers.
2007-04-30 23:27:37 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋