An alternative way to fight media bias.

[Arianrhod]

I posted this in response to an LBN thread, but I'd like to put it up here, too.

While the network news media praises * to the skies, television shows on the same networks have been blasting the Republicans for decades. From All in the Family in the 70s to Will and Grace and The Family Guy (a Fox show!), tv sitcoms in particular have championed the Progressive cause. They openly show gays as decent, hardworking and well-loved human beings; they mock conservative values, trash institutionalized religion, and even have taunted * himself. ("Did G W Bush give up when he got less than the popular vote? No way!"--Family Guy.)

It is a fact that most people pay little attention to the news. That's why they're so easily duped by Fox and Limbaugh. But their subconscious value foundation comes from the messages they digest most easily--sitcoms and music.

And the Republicans know this. That's why they attack Hollywood so vehemently, why Quayle could get mileage out of his asinine Murphy Brown remarks. They fear depictions of progressivism, because they know that such concepts, presented in a positive and entertaining way, will be the death of them.

I suggest a letter-writing campaign to the network entertainment producers, lauding them for their wonderful Progressive shows and asking for more like them. Heap praise on those shows that promote Progressive values; boycott the sponsors of those that do not. Buy CDs of those artists who support Progressive values, and boycott those who do not.

Let's saturate the airwaves with a social consciousness that works against what O'Reilly is spewing, on a deeper and more meaningful level.

[cavanaghjam]

1. Don't forget the sponsors.

"I saw the advert for your product while watching 'X' and immediately ran out to buy some." It doesn't have to be true. This is TV advertising, after all.

[Arianrhod]

2. Yes, good thought.

The sponsors are important. I believe fervently in boycotts and in "reward purchasing"--buying products from companies whose owners share my values. What I am suggesting is simply taking things a step further than that. I'd like to let the networks know that we are watching certain programs, and not others. Most tv shows are driven by viewership; they depend totally upon ratings for their survival.

It doesn't always work, of course. Joss Whedon's Firefly was dropped before it even finished its first season, simply because the Fox producers never liked the show. A million fans wrote the network and begged them to keep it on the air, and it disappeared regardless. But that doesn't mean our actions will always be met that way.

And, of course, if we just sit and let things be, we'll never change anything. :)

The point of this exercise is to get Progressive values into the public subconscious via the vehicle of entertainment. If Archie Bunker is laughed at as a hopelessly ludicrous caricature, perhaps when one meets a real bigot one would have the same reaction. (If there's anything a morally superior hypocrite hates, it's to be laughed at!) I'm hoping to use a process of operant conditioning, in which people are taught by the shows they watch to be socially progressive, in counterbalance to the conservatism being pressed upon them by the news media.

[Melodybe]

3. So true, keep this kicked!

[DeepModem Mom]

4. kick

[Nordic]

5. most of them only look at ratings

so watch the shows that you think are good.

If you can stand it

[PrisonerLazy8]

6. I despise the term progressive when used to replace liberal

What are we trying to hide? Liberal is not a foul word nor is it poison.

[Arianrhod]

7. I'm not replacing terms.

I'm not a Liberal; I'm a Progressive.

If you wish to pursue a Liberal agenda, I'm in full support of your efforts. But that's not the path I'm following.

Didn't mean to offend.