It seems like every armchair psychologist and political pundit is out there trying to explain the 'values' issue in America. How can Bush voters say they voted on values one day, and then watch "Desperate Housewives" the next day? Isn't that hypocritical? Ummm, no."'Desperate Housewives' on ABC is the big new hit of the television season, ranked second over all in the country, behind only 'C.S.I.' on CBS. This satire of suburbia and modern relationships features, among other morally challenged characters, a married woman in her 30's having an affair with a high-school-age gardener, and has prompted several advertisers, including Lowe's, to pull their advertisements.
In the greater Atlanta market, reaching more than two million households, 'Desperate Housewives' is the top-rated show. Nearly 58 percent of the voters in those counties voted for President Bush. "
Not everyone who feels that values are being attacked in this country are puritanical. As with most things, so-called experts tend to over analyze based on observations of the fringes rather than the fabric. Most of my friends, family and acquaintances are fairly well grounded. We tend to see the same boundaries and know when they are crossed - without being told by an expert.
"Desperate Housewives" is just the latest 'over analyzed' example. For the majority of us out here in normal-land, we get it. The show actually has some level of freshness. The plot lines - for the most part - are interesting and the writing is comparatively good. The problem that most of us have isn't the content of the show, as much as the when and how it is promoted. In addition, the time slot is a problem for some in the Midwest since it airs at 8:00pm - still a time for some children to be awake.
The show follows another that is very family-friendly: "Extreme Makeover-Home Edition." Families can watch the makeover show very comfortably with kids of any age. The underlying messages of helping your neighbor and volunteering your time are good 'values' that appeal to many. Then, just when you're waiting for the conclusion, the promo's start for "Housewives". And of course, the promo's aren't the witty dialogue or the subtle sub-plots of who the mysterious neighbor really is, it is one of them falling into bed with the underage gardener or another exposing herself in lingerie and fur. Add to this, the insulting promo prior to a football game, and you start to see why we are getting tired of messengers. [Here's something else - the show could probably be pretty good with NO sex.]
As an adult, I have no problem with other adults making their own decisions as to what they do or don't watch. As a parent, and someone who would rather continue to choose what I watch, I am appalled by the content of ads and promo's thrown in our faces. I understand advertising and marketing. I realize that to make more money, either more people have to buy your product or you have to raise your prices. [I may address the pulling of ads facet of the story in a later post]
The 'easy' answer, we're told, is turn off the television. The easy question right back is, "Why should we have to?" There are still many entertaining programs on television - not to mention the educational ones. In addition, even the programs being analyzed - "Housewives", "CSI", etc. - have entertainment value for many, and if people want to watch them, they should be able to. The difficulty is keeping children from being exposed to things that parents decide are inappropriate. The V-chip is all but useless. It may keep most programs from being viewed, but does nothing for promo's. Besides, almost any kid between 5 and up can de-program the thing if they want.
Perhaps more sophisticated folks in the blue recesses of this country see nothing wrong with this exposure. Maybe they believe that kids should mature more quickly. Learn the ropes of the real world as soon as possible. That's their choice, if they so desire. It just shouldn't be thrust upon the rest of us if we choose to let kids be kids.
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