Alien-Nation

What happened to the culture built around television viewing? Sure, I've abstained from the set for three years now -- dabbling only at gatherings with friends and family. However, when I'm within these circles I'm puzzled about the zeal drawing viewers to screens. Talk of the HD, the new Golden Age of Cable, the reality programming boom either yields nods or jaw-drops. The top-rated Dancing with the Stars baffles me as a theory! However, taking-in 20 minutes of this swill on a 52-inch HD screen was enough to leave irreparable psychological damage. The unblended blush and excessive false lashes were far too distracting to notice the dancing -- especially with the ballroom takes on tunes from the 80s -- Lord, help us all!

Today's programming, thanks to the success of Survivor, American Idol, and this damn Dancing crap, may actually have more interesting roots. In this era of hostility towards immigration, we have appropriated some of the most obnoxious programs of Europe and Asia from the 80s. Back in the day, it was not unusual for some program to culminate clips from a variety of international programs and ads with the underlying theme of "how weird are these guys?" Bizarre game shows from Germany and Japan encouraged contestants into compromising and debasing situations for little to no gain. Goofy culturally specific music-oriented programs enabled the young and old to bond. Ha -- and here we are! What the hell?!?!?

Truth be told, many of the European and Asian producers have come to the much more accessible American market promising low-cost hits that will hit a critical audience across the generations, incomes, and regions. And, were they wrong?

Part of my exit from the regular TV vieiwing was built upon what I was willing to pay per hour versus quality. There was no way I could own a television without cable. Based upon my meager wages, cable is an obscene luxury -- especially, with my limited viewing time. Economically speaking, my supporting such schlock could not be justified. But folks are doing it -- gladly!!! by the boatload!!! for years (Survivor, Fear Factor, Deal or No Deal, blah-blah-blah)!!!

However, my belief in paying for quality is continuing to blossom. Sure, HBO has been the big dog for years. Nonetheless, program such as Mad Men on AMC(?!?!) or Dexter on Showtime are giving viewers an interesting twist and smirk. But, is it worth the ticket price, considering all the other "utilities" (electric, water, phone, cell, internet, transportation/insurance/gas, etc)?

One might wonder, where does such a passioned rant come in a woman who hasn't had her own TV in years. Sadly, I once said proudly, "It's what I know."