For this assignment I chose to watch "My Buried Life" on MTV. I chose this one after a little bit of research on Wikipedia. I chose this one because it seemed a little more family friendly than some of the other shows (my TV is in the middle of my living room and I have younger kids) Wikipedia describes the show as a "flagship reality program that will usher in MTV's shift away from the superficial content currently dominating the network's programming." I totally agree that this is needed, so after reading this, I prepared myself for a enjoyable viewing experience. What I got was a surprise. The basic premise of the show is that 4 guys in their 20's are trying to cross items off a 100 item list of things they want to do before they die. Along with crossing an item off their list, they also try to do sometihing meaningful for someone else on each episode. The show features Canadian content, as the boys are from Victoria, BC. The episode I watched ("Escape From a Deserted Island") featured the boys being dropped off on a tiny deserted island in the South Pacific Ocean. To cross the item off their list they had to survive, and get off the island within 5 days. Each boy was allowed to bring only 1 item from home (they chose a machete, a pot, flippers, and a head lamp) and the clothes they were wearing. I quickly realized at the beginning of the show that my family friendly idea was about to take a hit. There were too many beeped out F-bombs to count, and one of the guys spends most of his time on the island wearing nothing but skimpy white briefs.
The premise of the show implies some really great values for middle school kids. Themes of doing things for others, being true to yourself and trying new things are all messages that some kids really need to hear in our self-absorbed society. The show appears to be geared towards 14-20 year olds, of both genders. Guys would be attracted to the list, which features some pretty crazy things (Go down a mountain on a long board anyone?) The girls would probably like the guys themselves; they are attractive and funny. The show is easily accessible to kids, it airs weekly on MTV. I think it would appeal to the "bad boy/girl in kids....they are doing things that people talk about but people rarely do in real life. Despite being touted as a move away from the superficial, many of the items on their list are just that. Things like making a million dollars and throwing the "most badass party ever" are hardly things that will change the world. There are some moments that are good, however. The boys do try to help others, from building a skateboard ramp for a local skate park to helping to rebuild a church that was destroyed by a hurricane. Unfortunately these moments on the show are tacked to a 1-2 minute spot at the end, almost as an afterthought.
All in all this show was marginally enjoyable to watch. Given the synopsis I had read prior to viewing, I was disappointed. I think the show is a great idea that falls short of its intentions and ends up not much different than most of MTV's reality fare.
The Buried Life: Official Website
I found this very interesting to hear about. I have never had an opportunity to view this show, but had heard about it before. I feel let down that it is still a superficial show, it seems that MTV will never be able to get away from that type of show. Perhaps because of the audience MTV has already established, they do not want to change the nature of thier programs all together. By creating a new show such as The Buried Life they will be able to draw in a new audience, younger kids and their families perhaps, but by not making a truly wholesome show are still able to keep their original audience. This is unfortunate for middle school students because they are still recieving the generally unethical messages MTV often offers.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Deanna! The show is still full of showbiz stuff, that isn’t full of sentimentality even though it was supposed to be a family show that changed MTV. I haven’t got a chance to watch a full episode yet, but I don’t think that I particularly want to. I’m sure that some of the events that they do would inspire me to do as well for my own bucket list, but the sweet things are not emphasized enough.
ReplyDeleteYeah, the description of the show on the MTV website and Wikipedia make it sound like one of those "warm and fuzzy" shows... but that is definitely not the case. In some situations, they are putting themselves and other in danger so that they can have a few laughs! I don't think my parents would have wanted to sit down with me and watch this show if it aired 10 years ago!... So no, it's not a family show that all the reviews seem to be calling it!
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