Guess what, we have something in common, we're both west aussies, and similarly it's the first thing we've agreed with Howard on (although I would say that the human rights violations at Gitmo warrant more serious attention from our head of state right now, but anyway...)
These people are not real, they're trashy, and stupid, and completely vacuous
I've always been astonished at how inaccurately the selected housemates represent what I feel is mainstream Australia. My qualm with the show (historically) is that a potentially interesting social experiment is indeed reduced to the lowest common denominator; creating hype for ratings and ignoring what should be the show's central tenet.
To have their 15 minutes of fame and to boost ratings, they resort to the lowest, most depraved, disgusting behaviour imaginable
While I would see it as an affront to my dignity to participate, I don't know about how objectively degrading hosemates' behaviour is.
People say the incident with John and Ashley is being taken too seriously - please, let's consider if this happened in real life to a girl
Interesting you should say that. If the same incident played out in real life the only real differences would be a) The responsible parties would have had the opportunity to work the situation out (instead of being separated); and b) there would not be the same assumption of guilt on the boys. I suppose you can say more fool them for choosing to have their actions broadcast, and I don't necessarily disagree, but it doesn't negate their right to a fair trial, and our cherished idiom of innocence until proven guilty.
Maybe it was all for fun, like Camilla says - this is never fun
Unwise to be making such sweeping judgement calls. One's opinion is never acceptable as objective fact
This encourages men to act foolishly and piggishly - they can be swayed to think it's no big deal
I respectfully disagree.
What if they hadn't stopped when Camilla said no?
Interesting point. Seems at odds that a show predicated on depicting reality was sent into such a tailspin by being confronted with a reality that didn't suit their MO.
Will Big Brother be there to apprehend them if John and Ashley continue on acting lewdly in actual society, not artificial society?
Not really sure what your point is here.
I'm 16 and I'm in my final year of school - I'm the target audience for this show, except, wait a second - I'm pretty clever, so it doesn't have much of an effect.
You may have answered some of your concerns yourself. Anyone with an iota of intellect would not be swayed by any actions depicted on BB. Anyone impressionable enough to be influenced will no doubt be influenced by other media also, much of which contains material far more 'objectionable' than BB.
Channel 10, save your credibility. Stick to great shows like House, The Simpsons, Veronica Mars, and whatever Law & Order shows you have that have good, respectable audiences, and adopt some new shows - maybe some Australian or internationa goodies
I would agree with you on the point that networks like 10 should be shouldering responsibility for the production and promotion of more local programming. 10 is, however, a corporation, and a corporation's only obligation is to their shareholders. Which means cheap, high rating shows are the order of the day. Reality shows and imported American dramas/sitcoms will thus always be the order of the day. Sad but true. Which is why if its ratings stay reasonable, I wouldn't expect BB to be going anywhere soon. As it stands, I would at least prefer BB to air and provide local production work, than passing the buck to cookie cutter American programming.
I find it strange being, if anything, a critic of the show, yet defending it from the recent attacks from the purity brigade (notably Family First). It's an oft used political tactic to deflect attention away from real social concerns (ironically many of which involve the damaging international influence of the Christian Coalition movement, the very same ideologues who voice their dissent loudest on relatively trifling matters like BB).
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TheAvenger007
18 years ago
Meh, my hatred for Howard increased. Australia is, for the most part, a democracy and a free society where people can express themselves without people trying to silence others. A show should not be axed because certain people don't like it. We are not living in nazi Germany- please don't bring cersorship and degrade this country from the great thing that it currently is.
Obviously, society needs boundries and what those two house mates did was completely disgusting. I'm glad they're out. But, the incident was not broadcast on netword 10- the show has not breached any laws. I hate this show as much as the next person, just like I hate tripe like Home & Away. However, I don't expect anyone to step in and axe them just because I find them obnoxious.
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SALTER-pt
18 years ago
Well said. I should clarify I agree with Howard's assertion that the show is meritless, not with his desire to see it axed to appease certain moralists.
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