August 30, 2002

exploiting the poor for fun and ratings

CNN ran a story on CBS's plans to create a reality TV show based on 'The Beverly Hillbillies'.

The plan, it seems, is to take a "rural, lower-middle class family" and move them into a mansion in Beverly Hills. As far as I can tell, the idea is to provide amusement as we get to watch poor people try to navigate the world of their betters. A CBS vice-president is quoted, "Imagine the episode where they have to interview maids."

Does this seem disturbing to anyone besides me?

Ick.

Posted by Mike at August 30, 2002 12:01 AM
Comments

Yeah, my reaction to most reality TV concepts is, "uh, ok."

My reaction to this one is "eeeew."

Posted by: russell on August 30, 2002 09:08 AM

Dude. I think this show already exists.

It's called "The Anna Nicole Show," and it's on E! network. You do infact watch a rural lower-class fry-cook-turned-stripper try and negotiate the world of the classy, monied and educated, armed only with her two massive missles and a wit only a sugardaddy could find charming. Bleah.

I watched it. Then I had to try to watch it. Now I'm just trying to forget it.

Posted by: beca on September 3, 2002 03:47 PM

Good point, Beca. I saw about five minutes of that show. That was plenty for me.

Years ago, I saw her on some late night talk show. She seemed ... well ... completely vacuous then, too.

What amazes me is that some people consider her attractive. Oh well.

Posted by: Mike on September 4, 2002 10:40 AM