America Seen From Reality TV
CuriousJohn ·
February 24, 2012 at 1:58am
I heard something on CNN this morning. The guest asked a question, “ if China’s only view of America were based on the TV shows they watched, what would be their impression of America with all the crap reality shows available (i.e. the Housewives of XXX) . I would like to change that query to “If you could chose just 2 or 3 shows (currently on air), you wanted the Chinese people to use in getting a picture of America, What would they be?”
My choices and the message it sends:
“American Idol” - We are gifted with song and music is important
“Top Shot” - We are gifted with the 2nd Amendment and we’re not afraid
“Dirty Jobs” – We are gifted with passion and free enterprise
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Comments:
Oct '10
Re: America Seen From Reality TV
Mythbusters is kick to say the least. Sons of Guns is another, albeit hard to get into.
Dec '10
Re: America Seen From Reality TV
I think these are great choices.
Dirty Jobs puts the lie to the slogan "there are some jobs Americans just won't do."
Mythbusters shows that Americans (at least some of us) have a healthy skepticism that leads us to question the official or the generally-accepted version.
Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives shows the amazing scope of American diversity: we come from everywhere, we draw inspiration from everywhere, we are willing to try things from everywhere. And it also celebrates American ingenuity and creativity, when you see that a hundred hamburgers can span a gamut of flavors and styles and still leave room for new versions to emerge and attract a following.
May '10
Re: America Seen From Reality TV
Great suggestions. Especially, love the suggestion of How the States Got Their Shapes.How about HDNet? It streams the most beautiful aspects of Americana and in glorious HD. And, of course, at night it shows that not everyone has an obesity problem here.
Feb '12
Re: America Seen From Reality TV
I haven't tried Sons of Guns yet. Its on my list to start putting on the DVR. My Favorite show "Top Shot" makes me want to go shopping at my nearby Gander Mountain Outfitter. And I'm not a NRAer or a owner of a gun, unless you count a red rider bb rifle a weapon.
May '10
Re: America Seen From Reality TV
Those were two paragraphs, but Ricochet and my iPad don't seem to get along.
May '10
Re: America Seen From Reality TV
And CuriousJohn, you MUST watch The Voice. It blows away American Idol. I think it does, anyway. :-)
Feb '12
Re: America Seen From Reality TV
Love the fact that you're a fan of late night HDNet. May I buy you a drink sometime Ms. Ryan?
Feb '12
Re: America Seen From Reality TV
I'm adding it to the DVR as I type
May '10
Re: America Seen From Reality TV
Well, thank you, CuriousJohn. I like Belvedere, slightly dirty, and ice cold. Hubby likes Captain and Diet Coke. How about we go Dutch? :-)
May '10
Re: America Seen From Reality TV
Great! I hope you enjoy it as much as I've hyped it. I'm slightly addicted to it.
Feb '12
Re: America Seen From Reality TV
Captain and Diet Coke, Not one of our fine obesity members.
You got it! ... a Splash of Dirty with Belvedere for the lady. I'll go with three fingers of Marker's Mark and a Sam Adams (Seasonal).
May '10
Re: America Seen From Reality TV
Oh, Maker's Mark...another favorite of mine. With Sam Adams? How interesting. If you try watching The Voice I'll try drinking the Maker's and Sam. This is fun. OK, now back to your even more fun post. ...TV shows.
Feb '12
Re: America Seen From Reality TV
My kids have a lot of fun with me by saying "Dad your Geek show is on". Big Bang Theory is a very funny show. The funny or sad thing is I get all the jibs and joke about Star Trek and stuff.
I'll have to pick up a bottle Belvedere over the weekend.
Feb '12
Re: America Seen From Reality TV
How about House? not a impression I would want the world to think how our Hospitals work. But there something about that show that keeps me coming back.
May '10
Re: America Seen From Reality TV
If liking Star Trek is geeky then you're in good company. James Lileks and Jonah Goldberg are fellow Trekkies.
May '10
Re: America Seen From Reality TV
I'm trying to think how Swamp People might come across to a foreigner. I love that show. It shows the resourcefulness of those living in a rural community with few choices to earn a living. And is an example of the rich, cultural diversity of our country. At the other end of our country would be Alaska State Troopers. I like that show, too. And you get to see some pretty cool wildlife.
May '10
Re: America Seen From Reality TV
As far as shooting shows no one mentioned Long Range Pursuit. One of the best and my favorite. It goes into great detail showing the math, knowledge, skill, technology, ballistics, climate, intelligence, and experience that are required for long range shooting. You can imagine instead of siting in a Bighorn the level of difficulty snipers experience in a war zone and under pressure. Although, I'm not sure snipers feel much pressure.
Feb '12
Re: America Seen From Reality TV
Are you a fan of the Podcast? That's how I got hooked. Once a week wasn't enough. I rejoined once i found out they started building a podcast network.
Back to TV ..... How about yhe US Coast Guard show? I must be watching something else when Swamp People are on. I laugh at the promo spots, but haven't stumbled across it. I'm afraid to watch the Redneck Billionaire. I'm sure that would go over great in China
Oct '10
Re: America Seen From Reality TV
CuriousJohn: I haven't tried Sons of Guns yet. Its on my list to start putting on the DVR. My Favorite show "Top Shot" makes me want to go shopping at my nearby Gander Mountain Outfitter. And I'm not a NRAer or a owner of a gun, unless you count a red rider bb rifle a weapon.
49 minutes ago
Outside of the vicseral driving need to purchase a Boom Stick, as I am fond of calling them, take a few moment or two. As this may sound cheesey, the air rifles and pistols of today are quite suprising and will not break the bank, great fun as well.
A recent few days of practice with the PCP air guns put big smiles on the faces of some shooting buddies. And they were Texans, Go figure.
Jul '11
Re: America Seen From Reality TV
Combat hospital