Ryan ChartrandIn Thursday’s guest commentary on television (How television is destroying America), “Arrested Development” and “The Office” are referenced once after the initial paragraph. I’m guessing the author of the article has never watched either since they are lumped together with pixelated-trash like “24” and “Lost.” “Arrested Development” lasted three seasons, won many awards and was loved by critics and fans alike, but was pulled because it didn’t get high enough TV ratings. It boasted brilliant casting and writers, resulting in intelligent humor – on TV.
Wow. What a contradiction! “Arrested Development” didn’t exactly conform to the “Friends” formula so it was given the Old Yeller treatment. That’s right, I said it, “Friends” was generic bull. “The Office” isn’t exactly for idiots either.
The author goes on to say that in “24,” “George Bush then attempted to persuade the actor who portrays (the president) to enforce stricter regulations on suspected terrorists.” WTF! Paradox: real president telling fake president to tighten restrictions on fake terrorists. Only in the blessed U.S. of A does the president of a TV program’s fake domestic policy carry enough importance to draw the special attention of the EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF OUR GOVERNMENT.
The way things have been going in Iraq, our commander in chief shouldn’t be allowed the time to indulge in Orwellian fantasies of a “clean, safe” America over an episode of “24” and its saga of the anti-terror super soldier Jack Bauer, while real American soldiers are dying by the dozens daily in what is now a civil war.
However, I do agree that TV in general is a vehicle of sedation, apathy and fear that operates for the benefit of the corporations that own them, advertise through them and dominate the political, social and economic agendas for this country.
Christopher Sahms
Philosophy freshman