RSSFast Cars
Remember the spectacle that surrounded O.J. Simpson’s high-speed chase. Remember the procession of police cruisers that followed. Remember the people holding up signs. “Go O.J., go!!!”Most of us remember the scene pretty well. Its become one of those “where were you when this happened” moments.
In instances like this, it’s important to recognize the media role takes time away from more critical issues to cover what boils down to celebrity not news.Yet, what’s even more necessary to dissect is “us”, the viewers, and our perverse media consumption.
In Los Angeles, where the sprawling maze of highways sets the stage, these chases are covered frequently. In each instance the script is familiar: police prompt motorist to stop; motorist fails to oblige and speeds off; the media soon catches wind of the chase; one station features the chase, which compels other news channels to drop whatever they’re covering to get in on the scoop.
Despite the fact that these incidents have little news value, the chance that we might witness a wreck or some other shocking outcome keeps our attention.
Are we that attracted to tragedy? Are we still driven by the same pathology that drove Romans to watch gladiators battle for their lives? Or are we more cynical because we watch the drama from the comfort of our homes?
I’m going to remain critical of the media. But right now, I want “us” as viewers to check ourselves. We can complain about the media all we want, but why should it show “real news” if we stay glued to our televisions to watch things like high-speed chases?
Until we tune out, the media will happily feed our destructive fix.
4 Comments, Comment or Ping
Vigorous
I feel you! I find myself saying the same things about Reality T.V. I find myself sometimes asking the people around me “Why they watch that shit?” Then while I’m expressing myself to them, the next minute I’m like “Oh Damn” Or even when I’m driving on the freeway, and get stuck in traffic because of an accident. I fuss and get angry, and I say the reason why traffic is so backed up is because of people being so nosy and starring at the accident. Then when I get by the accident, I look straight ahead, so that I don’t kick myself in the ass for the same things I criticize the people who were ahead of me in traffic for looking at. But honestly subconsciously I want to look too, and take a peek. America has a thing for crazy shit like that, and I think it has been embedded in us for generations…So therefore we got to do allot to break our thought processes, and gear it in a more positive direction..
[Reply]
TROUBLMan
It really takes an active awareness to notice when your watching bullshit. It grab us without us knowing. I might be searching for a good movie and before you know it, I’ve just watch an entire episode of “I Love New York.” Damn! Its hard to stop consuming junk if you’ve been raised on it. I’m finding out its about moderation. The one thing people must understand is that we do have the power to dictate what’s broadcast to us. Advertisers support the programs we watch. Without viewers the bullshit won’t get aired.
[Reply]
TheHeartoftheCity
America is definately driven by tragedy, We like to see other people endure hard times, to cover up the problems that are experiencing at home…
[Reply]
C3
You are dead on Bruh… it starts with us.
I can’t watch any “reality” TV, “judge” shows or any show starring a Black person on VH1 [the new TV ghetto]… not because I’m so righteous but because I’m afraid any one of those shows will melt my brain. Based on what people tell me I’m not missing a damn thing. I can proudly say I’ve never seen an episode of any of the above and I managed to avoid that Bobby Brown coonery.
Stay strong y’all.
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