Deprived of TV during my pre-college years because of my
mother’s decision to cancel the service, I decided to live
out my dream of being a TV junkie for a day.
If anyone says you can’t learn from watching TV,
it’s a lie. I learned plenty that day, especially about a
certain sect of American society.
Many shows offer glimpses into the lives of the wealthy, such as
tours of the homes of the rich and famous, teen dramas featuring
the lives of the rich in a soap-opera context, and
“reality” shows depicting wealthy teens squandering
their money.
I found myself dizzy watching show after show fixated on wealth
and luxury. In a country of diverse socioeconomic construction,
American entertainment media fails to cover the entire spectrum,
succeeding in full coverage of only the top tier.
So why is Hollywood using this particular formula? What’s
the deal with the bombardment of extreme wealth?
The formula works primarily because it’s popular with
viewers. According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, “The
O.C.” is viewed by 6.5 million people weekly, the majority of
them under 35. The show’s popularity since its debut in 2003
has even caused the county itself to often be referred to as
“The O.C.,” much to many residents’ chagrin.
True, television and fascination with the wealthy have always
coexisted (think “Beverly Hills, 90210″ and
“Dynasty”). However, shows are increasingly targeting
younger audiences, with MTV pitching shows such as “Laguna
Beach,” “Cribs” and “My Super Sweet
16.”
“In Hollywood, there’s been a surge of orienting
towards youth. … (Today’s) youth have more spending power
now,” said sociology graduate student Nancy Yuen.
“There are more media sources telling us what to buy.
There’s so much cross-promotion everywhere.”
Thus, the entertainment business is aiming for our pockets.
Glamorous lifestyles portrayed on television can boost the economy,
therefore creating more business and furthering the production of
these shows.
As I watched Marissa from “The O.C.” relax by the
pool with her house (or rather, a museum) reflecting in the water,
and later a 16-year-old drive a $75,000 Beemer away from her lavish
birthday party, I couldn’t help but think: Is this really how
some people live? Do such lifestyles exist?
This is more mind-blowing than The Discovery Channel, folks.
It’s frightening that young viewers receive such a heavy
dosage of the rich, because we’re put out of touch with
reality.
Of course, TV can never be a reflection of reality, but it
wouldn’t hurt to incorporate some elements of the existing
diverse socioeconomic structure, especially since the rift between
the rich and the poor is growing larger.
While it is true that this country offers more social mobility
than most, according to The Los Angeles Times, the disappearing
middle class is a growing pattern nationwide, “where rich and
poor live in separate neighborhoods, surrounded by others like
themselves,” particularly in Los Angeles .
And exposure to the upper class through media inspires emulation
from those who can’t afford it. According to Newsweek, a
growing number of enterprises rent out luxury cars, designer
jewelry and purses for a fraction of the item’s original
steep price.
Perpetuating the economy is good, but it would be even better
for the media to expose true American society. While I doubt that
television will ever be socially enlightening, the media’s
restricted coverage stalls creativity, further averts our eyes from
the rest of society, and fixates upon petty materialism.
Who knows ”“ maybe a teen soap based on the slums in
L.A. could be the next big hit. After all, who would have ever
thought that a bunch of super-rich teens spending their days at the
beach and moaning about boy/girl drama could be so entertaining as
to sweep the youth generation?
It certainly would be refreshing to watch the change. And
perhaps, maybe for once, we’d be able to learn something real
from watching TV.
If you own a $75,000 car but don’t have a license,
e-mail Yoo at lyoo@media.ucla.edu. Send general comments
to
viewpoint@media.ucla.edu.