Junk TV.
"Kill him!" "Kick him!" phrases usually associated with 2.40am taxi que ramblings, putting any world wrestling federation pantomime to shame. It comes to something when the aforementioned manifests itself on a popular tv show, in this case one Jerry Springer. Yes! A show that prides itself on letting every backward fucker with no shame air their differences on national tv. It may be the States in this case, but make no mistake, the UK has its share of empty heads too. Mr Springer's recent UK version was popular. The procceedings are worthy of an Equity card, to be honest I'm sure many of those appearing had already got one.
In the UK version of so-called Confrontation shows, the topics are usually relationships or potential hate figures. Kilroy prides itself on dealing with such issues as benefit fraud and asylum seekers. They usually sit someone up front who cannot construct a rational argument for the programmes subject matter. The one on benefit fraud had some fella going on about how clever it was and how he was proud of what he was doing. Now we know where the government gets its exaggerated stereotype for their anti-fraud campaign ad. Anyone with half a brain knows that fiddling your dole can result in loss of benefit, a hefty fine or even prison. Not something you would go on about in public, let alone on national daytime tv. Asylum seekers caused near hysteria, as apparant rational members of the ordinary community foamed at the mouth at the prospect of accepting people fleeing murderous regimes. "We cannot cope" was a popular term. As if "We" gives the impression that the argument against asylum seekers is a well thought out and rational approach. Apparently these programmes are popular with the so-called underclass who supposedly sit in smoking and watching telly all day. I thought that such subject matter was more in touch with the opinion of reactionary middle England, those who claim to work all day and don't own a tv, as tv is really lowbrow, unless its Morse or Pride And Prejudice. These people usually argue against the licence fee, as they only watch BBC2 and Channel 4 at 7.00pm.
Moving away a little, consider You've been framed. This is shite by any other name. Somewhere there is a breed of human that exists just to catch very unfunny slapstick on a camcorder. The bounty of £250 is all too much for some. Kids are pushed off swings, cats are set on fire and set-up stunts are used to gain the camcorders owner cash and Harold Lloyd type slapstick status.
Current favourite is the absolutely annoying Who Wants To Be A millionaire. Why Chris Tarrant hasn't been smacked yet, is beyond me. His annoying habit of keeping the contestant in limbo after answering a question should be made a criminal offence, and punishment a public hanging. That fella from the Wirral who was made to give the money back for being a little bit naughty should have been allowed to keep the lot for putting up with the annoying pratt. Hopefully, some day soon Tarrant will be using the phone to call an ambulance for himself, rather than a contestants friend.
What about the larger than life celebs who attempt to ensure the nation remains around the box of a weekend. Cilla, Barrymore or Winton. Yes! Those icons behind popular tv. Truth is, pensioners only love em as they are a group in society not able to leave a room as quickly as they would like to. At least Barrymore or Winton are an alternative to the Tory loving Cilla, Tarby etc. Still, if they think Blair's ok that's a reason for worry. Seems they might be a little behind the musical community, who now know Blair's a gobshite. My constant socialization with my elderly aunt usually ends up with me asking her if she will be watching Barrymore or Cilla at the weekend. That is ofcourse when the subject of religion and politics is exhausted.
As for kids shows. One word Pokemon. Now, maybe you remember things differently when you were a kid, but this cartoon is scary. It was under protest that I watched it, be assured. Now, even though, Marine Boy was of a similar production, but correct me if I'm wrong, dolphins seem a lot less violent than these badly drawn heroes. Scooby Doo was harmless fun, even with the Scooby Snack being a metaphor for dodgy substances, and Tom and Jerry was quite tame compared to today's kid shows.
Don't kick that tv set in just yet, remember tv will be the only way that ordinary working people will be able to view footy. By the time the gentrifi'cation process has been completed, the great unwashed won't be able to afford the gate.