For Activity number nine, we were to watch a TV show we normally watch and discuss the show. This activity was particularly enjoyable for me, since on my days off, I like to sit around and be lazy! Today was also a perfect day because it has rained all day and there really wasn’t much else to do. So, the show I chose to watch was Gilmore Girls. I know that sometimes people think this show is kind of annoying and made up, but I think its really funny and lighthearted and I can watch it without thinking too hard.
This show is set in a small town in Connecticut. They are all very neighborly and every body gets along with everybody. They show that being “American” is being friendly and visiting your neighbors and eating at a diner and having close friends you can always talk to. What I found interesting about this episode is that they did two very stereotypical American things.
The first involved the mother, Lorelai, and her relationship with her boyfriend. She had been dating this man for a while and their relationship was getting much closer. They would spend time together in one another’s houses/apartments, and her boyfriend decided it was time to give her a key. This is a very American thing. A major step in a relationship is giving one another a key, because it is a symbol that they are comfortable with one another being in their houses. I don’t think this happens in very many countries besides America.
The next thing “American” thing that they did involved the daughter, Rory. Rory is a college student that goes to school at Yale University. She wants to be the “typical” college student, so her and her friends decide to go on a “typical” college spring break. They drive down to Florida and spend a couple days there doing the “typical” college spring break things: drinking, partying, beach, etc. These things are all very much American. Not every country spends their spring break in a tropical state and getting drunk, but ours sure does!
I think these two examples of American things really show how our country is portrayed. Lorelai's experience with her boyfriend is very typical of an older woman dating an older man. Once the reached a certain point in their relationship, they realized they wanted to take it a step further and give one another their house keys. This was a difficult process and was not accepted at first, but it really showed the American way. Rory’s experience with Spring Break could not have happened at a better time. When most students go to college, this is what they think happens in the spring. It is not always true (especially in Wisconsin), but it does happen and it is the way other countries probably view America.
What do these things show about America? Is it positive or negative?
I think our television shows portray American ideality accurately, at least parts of the American identity accurately. Because of that, I think every show offers a positive and negative image of Americans. After all, what one might consider a positive trait, another person might consider a negative trait. So, in my opinion, I don't mind so much if a person(s) base some opinions of our American ideality from some television shows.
ReplyDeleteI think the way they show a spring break scenario as a very negative thing for Americans. Not all Americans take fabulous "typical college spring breaks" and road trip it somewhere, or go to somewhere tropical and warm- like Mexico. A lot of college students seem to, but not all so this is showing what some do, but showing everyone else very negative things about college spring breaks when we don't all go on them, especially not myself. Even though I've always wanted to go somewhere tropical, it's never about getting what seems like every other college kid gets from a typical spring break trip!
ReplyDeleteI think the Gilmore Girls portray American culture accurately. I am a big fan of the show and have very season. I think what the show portrayed is correct but also very stereotypical. I think it is not a question of positive or negative but it is just the way our culture is. To another culture it could very well be thought of as a negative thing but it doesn't have to be.
ReplyDeleteThe spring break part might cause people to say that Americans can’t use self control so would cause a negative view toward Americans. The relationship gives a positive view towards Americans because it shows that America is accepting of single parents dating and developing serious relationships. I think the second scenario is more typical than the spring break scenario.
ReplyDeleteThese things show American in a positive light to an extent, but to others it could also show it in a different light: wasteful, immature, what have you. It really pertains to the viewers personal values.
ReplyDeleteI also think the spring break part is a negative thing. It just makes us all seem irresponsible and that we don't take our college career seriously, which many people don't. But on the other hand, many people do take it very seriously, but there aren't many television shows about the really smart guy who studies for hours every night. The part of the mother's relationship I see as a good thing. It makes us seem trustworthy, enough so that we can trust another person in our own home. It also portrays relationships as advancing slowly and thoughtfully instead of just the usual one night stand situation that is often shown on television.
ReplyDeleteI would say that the spring break scene definitely depicts America as all about excess. This is also reflected in our obesity rates, or rampant materialism, and how we treat debt as a natural part of consumerism. I don't know too much about Gilmore Girls, but from what you have described, I bet it is fairly accurate at showing how much emphasis is placed on the wrong values and goals in American culture.
ReplyDeleteI think that they both can be looked at in different ways some may say they are both positive things. One being that Americans are trustworthy with relationships. Giving another person a key to your house shows that you trust them and you want them to be a part of your life, and that you are very open. Also spring break partying can show that even though college students work very hard throughout the year they still make time for themselves to have some fun. It could also be looked at negatively showing that maybe Americans move too quickly in relationships, reflecting on divorce rates. Or it could be showing that college students are more concerned about partying in college than learning.
ReplyDelete