Reality TV for the downturn....

Platapus · 04-11-09, 08:54 AM

I never watch these type of shows. The whole premise of many of these types of shows seems to be making the suffering of people into entertainment. This I find distasteful.

I can't help making a comparison between today's society taking pleasure in the suffering of "contestants" and the Roman Gladiator Reality shows.

There, the Roman citizens (Early TV audience?), took great pleasure in watching the suffering of humans and animals (Survivor Maximus?). They applauded the winners, briefly honoured the losers and eagerly and impatiently waited for the next show (season?).

Is it is good sign when society starts taking enjoyment out of the suffering of its fellow citizens and starts making suffering into an entertainment business?

I don't think so. But, as in Roman times, the vulgar masses disagree.

04-11-09, 08:54 AM	#12
Platapus Fleet Admiral Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 19,395 Downloads: 63 Uploads: 0	I never watch these type of shows. The whole premise of many of these types of shows seems to be making the suffering of people into entertainment. This I find distasteful. I can't help making a comparison between today's society taking pleasure in the suffering of "contestants" and the Roman Gladiator Reality shows. There, the Roman citizens (Early TV audience?), took great pleasure in watching the suffering of humans and animals (Survivor Maximus?). They applauded the winners, briefly honoured the losers and eagerly and impatiently waited for the next show (season?). Is it is good sign when society starts taking enjoyment out of the suffering of its fellow citizens and starts making suffering into an entertainment business? I don't think so. But, as in Roman times, the vulgar masses disagree. __________________ abusus non tollit usum - A right should NOT be withheld from people on the basis that some tend to abuse that right.