We have all done it, for some it is soap operas such as Coronation Street or Emmerdale, for others crime dramas like silent witness. The programmes that we have never shown an interest in before, but thanks to a partner of loved one we find ourselves sitting down actually enjoying something that we would otherwise have loathed.
For me, my pet hate was that batch of American high school programmes such as Dawsons Creek, the OC and a catalogue of others that unfortunately keeps growing. It was the false ideologies that they were founded on, where everyone was beautiful, white, and healthy that I hated so much. The fact that the 16/ 17year olds these shows were based upon were being played by people in their mid to late twenties summed up everything that I believed to be wrong with popular culture.
I have never watched a huge amount of television myself, but have recently found that if a loved one is engrossed in a show, watching it is often a nice way to relax with them and spend a lazy afternoon.
It was this attitude that led me to thoroughly enjoy a programme out of a batch I have come to hate. The programme is One Tree Hill, and the levels of engrossment reached have lead to box set purchasing and a complete viewing of all episodes released to date.
I even want to slap myself for saying it, but although I have hated these programmes in the past I actually love this show. I have for years wondered how boyfriends and husbands have come to love shows not aimed at them, but I am now a first hand case study of it, and one which has lost all place to tell people what shows are and are not good.
I think that sometimes you just have to accept that although you don’t completely understand why, you get immense enjoyment out of something’s in life, and that in itself is perhaps reason alone to continue doing them.
September 5th, 2007 at 8:16 am
Interesting article and right in so many ways except the assertation that ‘if you get immense enjoyment out of something’ you should continue doing it.
How does this fit with socially or morally unacceptable or illegal behaviour?
September 5th, 2007 at 9:20 am
Haha hilarious mate! Don’t succumb to the pressure! No seriously you’re right. If you are surrounded by people who like a particular show you usually end up watching it… and in turn sometimes liking it. I agree with your comment on these ‘idealised’ type American programs, which are just plain unrealistic. I have to admit I was rather partial to Smallville. But my firm favourite is still Prison Break. Awesome in every way possible. Aimed at lads I think, but I’m sure the girls like it too.
September 5th, 2007 at 9:35 am
Perhaps the point should have been made that the concluding philosophy, as with most things, has exceptions. Watching television programmes is in stark contrast to partaking in illegal activity for personal fulfilment.
In answer to you question Jason, yes we should adhere to the law of the land, and respect the ideologies that create the corner stone of civilised society. At the same time however isn’t the great thing about living in a free country that we can do things not everyone agrees with?
Like I stated there are exceptions, and it depends on what socially unacceptable issues are being raised.
If I got personal enjoyment out of driving an uneconomical 4×4 at weekends, although some may deem it socially irresponsible, does that make it unacceptable? Personally I think not.
September 5th, 2007 at 4:26 pm
Many years ago I used to love watching “Love Thy Neighbour”. When I was at college my girlie was appalled at the exteme “racist” nature and demanded I join her and watch “El Dorado” instead. She quickly became and ex.
September 7th, 2007 at 1:46 pm
what can i say?i think everyone caves in to one tree hill,its that amazing and full of cheese!what ever puts a smile on your face!!