Okay, I know many folks enjoy living it up how they see fit and don't care for strong-minded people pushing their opinions on them. Shoot, there are things I do that others find offensive. That's all part of pluralism. But Studio 60 opened both barrels at censorship (aka "decency standards"), blaming the FCC, spurred on by Christian conservatives, for driving creativity and intelligent dialogue from television (i.e., their variety show a la Saturday Night Live) and leaving us with juvenile jokes and -- heaven forbid -- reality shows.
Am I over-reacting? Not at all! Judd Hirsch's character (producer of a variety show on fictional NBS) goes on a rant because an "intelligent" sketch is cut from the program for an overplayed Bush-bashing one. Hirsch's character is canned, but applauded for his stand by the oncoming station President. One of the main characters, played by Sarah Paulson, is a talented actress and overt Christian who gets her share of ragging at Studio 60. Matthew Perry's character broke up with her because she sang on "that biggot" Pat Robertson's 700 Club promoting her album of spiritual songs. Oh, the TV President wants Perry's character (who replaced Hirsch's) to open with the "intelligent" sketch, a controversial one portraying Christians.
The show got me thinking, is this really how Hollywood thinks of Christians? After realizing how many shows on broadcast TV are overtly counter to conventional morals (language, fidelity, honesty, work-habits, self-responsibility...) Studio 60 opened my eyes to what the "religious right" has been saying all along. There are people writing and producing these shows who want us to see another view of life and promote that view vigorously. They hope we'll put our moral values on a shelf long enough to "enjoy" their programs. Sure, it may be an innocent escape for us who find these things unacceptable in our real lives, but they've got us -- pushing that stuff into our minds but dismissing us as "radicals" and "biggots."
I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar. I hate all crooked dealings; I will have nothing to do with them. ~ David (Psalm 101:3, NIV)
2 comments:
This is sad, but true. I would not at all be surprised if this is how Hollywood views us. I just work in local media, at a local TV station on the EAST COAST, and I've heard people refer to the "religious right" as the "ridiculous right." They just don't get it and refuse to open their eyes to a conservative way of thinking.
Mike,
I found your site by way of a friend, and I just wanted to say that I really enjoy reading your posts. God bless!
~JCP
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