Free Lunch delivers a fresh perspective on the social issues that impact our world; everything from current events to self-empowerment.
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
TV Guide (PODCAST)
Where is TV leading us? At one point, television shows took a morally responsible approach to telling the American story, using themes of family, aspiration, and respect for fellow man. But TODAY...the drive for money and viewership has caused many television networks to put responsibility in the backseat. In this episode, join Tight and BG in their discussion on the quality of today's television programming.
Music: K.L.U.B. Monsta "Chauvinist Clap"
Artwork: Dia Reddo (diareddo.com)
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Afternoon Snack© the Freelunch podcast post commentary. Episode 3: What we learned from “TV Guide” Today the fellas give us insights into the quality of television programming today versus what we grew up on in the “greatest generation” meaning those of us born in the late 70’s through the 80’s. Today the tabloids seem to have jumped straight from the grocery store checkout line to live and in living color in your living room or nearest mobile device. Kids and Young Adults are emulating what they see and hear on tv and it is negatively affecting their future. Is there any positive programming left? Are the markets over saturated with drama and “reality tv?” Here’s the answer:
ReplyDelete#1 In the words of musician Jack Johnson “Where’d all the good people go? I’ve been changing channels I don’t see them on the TV shows” Where are today’s Heathcliff and Claire Huxtables, The Tanner Family, The Winslows, The Seavers, and though wild crazy at times, The Martin’s and Gina’s? Are there any more characters to exemplify morality, ethics, positivity, intellect, and just being an old fashioned, down home good person anymore?
#2 What you see is where you’ll be. Shows like Saved by the Bell, Head of the Class, The Wonder Years, Boy Meets World, and the Mecca of TV College A Different World gave us a view of what being a high school and college student was all about. It showed us the joys, pains, frustrations, but ultimately the impact the experience had in shaping your future. From career choices to healthy friendships, and choosing a good date and potential spouse, it showed that continuing education was a good thing.
#3 Parenting. Parents always had a say in what kids watched. Prime time was always family time. You were entertained but you learned things and the lessons and values taught by your parents were reinforced by the TV family you happened to be watching for that half hour. Today young people watch what they want when they want it. Very little is supervised anymore. Parents it’s time to tune in.
#4 If I can borrow a line from Jay-Z, “…wanna bring the 80’s back. It’s ok that’s where they made me at.” It’s time to take back our image and stop allowing negative, ignorant, people represent black culture on TV. Yes there are some positive folks out there, but no one talks about them consistently because its not funny or trendy. We need producers to use the “Cosby” formula and create shows that can change a generation and impact a nation. You say Love and Hip Hop, I say let the shit stop! Watching Wrex n Effects Rump Shaker Video got my TV privileges revoked for a week, Watching Real Housewives should get you a year maybe 6 months with good behavior. The things that kids are emulating on you tube, vine, world star and social media everywhere shows that kids do what they see. I feel like Russell Crowe in Gladiator asking the spectators “Are you not entertained?!”
We gotta do better ya’ll. Now I’m not saying I don’t stop and look at a train wreck every now and then (Preachers of LA) but it only goes so far before I have to turn it off.
#5 to the Lisa Turtle’s, Whitley Gilbert’s, Leena James’, of the world give Tight a call, he wants to be your Dewayne Wayne, Skreech, and Zach Morris. Seems BG wants to be Stevie J, somebody give him a reality show.
I’m Ccampbell and I hope you enjoyed your afternoon snack. See you when I see you, and I’m gone!
Tight, you are NOT wrong!!! EVERYTHING you said, NEEDED to be said!!!
ReplyDeleteOnce again, I have to agree with you Tight. The sad thing is that we have had networks that have tried to air/support positive black sitcoms in the last few years. The problem is that not enough people support them. For example, Are We There Yet (based off of the movies) with Terry Cruz and Essence Atkins. For those who never saw it, every episode had a teachable moment and was apporpriate and relatable for all ages. It was originally piloted on a major station. I guess because ratings were good, but not good enough for major prime time TV, it was aired on TBS. Very little advertisement was done. I guess the point that I'm trying to make is that there are those that feel the same way you do, unfortunately its not enough people. People would rather watch drama and smut because in these days we live in, having a family and morals just aren't cool anymore.
ReplyDeleteI agree & that is the problem! We’re outnumbered by a culture that’s asleep at the wheel. The masses in our race love: buffoonery, shucking and jiving. Reality TV and Social Media, is DESTROYING our race by setting a breeding ground for destructive, dysfunctional relationship and poor decision making. There is zero Uplift in it. The masses in our race, lack the mental capacity to separate fake reality entertainment from real reality; and they actually start mimicking these people. In my circle of friends, I’m noticing Educated women in their 30s, incorporating reality tv slang into their vocabulary: she don’t do that, Yesss to the Gods, what’s the tea, shade honey…shade, girl bye, bye Felicia and etc. It really disturbs me to see people who are supposed to be the Enlighten ones of our race being shaped by these no named, have done nothing with their life but act a fool people on Reality TV. I have studied & worked too hard to let NeNe & Joseline (ex-strippers) or Kim Kardashin & MiMi (porn stars), be my role model & influence my vocabulary. Like Tight said… Who are they? And what have they done? An even bigger question is, what’s wrong with us that we celebrate these people???
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