CLEAN UP!
Why do so many producers of television shows seem to think we - their audience and ultimate source of income ? want to be entertained and enlightened by an endless series of TV shows founded on filth?
It is only natural, I suppose, that from time-to-time a quiz show format for instance, may chance upon a question which allows or even demands the mention of a male or female body part but it should not be made the main emphasis of the entire show.
Performers who are attempting to endear themselves to viewers certainly must realize that by giving such material front-stage-center with special lighting is like gilding an ailing lily. Filthy terms, street talk, profanity, obscenity, sacrilege, sex-oriented sketches and other lewd treatments have no place in family type entertainment on TV or elsewhere save, perhaps, in the withdrawn art theaters catering to people to who fertilizer is a fared food.
Stars, it seems say that writers are at fault, and that they are only ?reading? that which writers have set down in black and white for them to declaim as directed by professionals who how best to depict it. Producers use the same lame excuse and repeatedly bemoan the fact that it is difficult to find ?good writing? today. They also mention a point which may, perhaps, which seems a bit more valid when they say; ?That;s what the people want!? it is more honest when they say: ?That's what we think some people seem to feel they want.? The well-know 'nattering nabobs' run loose in entertainment production areas, it appears.
Far too often today that which is billed as a ?situation comedy? is, essence, an ?embarrassing situation? comedy. Cleavage and crotch shots are the main camera angles to watch for in judging a film's success at the box of. The so-called ?reality? shows are slice of life segments from yesterday serve with sexy sauces and synthetic sensationalism. Personality interviews are often diary entries at the genres least level.
If TV continues to degrade itself, who knows ? people may even start to read once again!
A.L.M. June 27, 2004 [c000wds]
