Thursday, March 3, 2011

It Just Ain't True

I think we all know our culture is a wee bit skewed. We see things all the time on t.v. and in magazines that try to convince us it's 'the norm'. And, most of us know, it's not. But there are still things that get under my skin and I feel the need to vent. So, I present to you my first edition of...

It Just Ain't True

1. The Biggest Loser - While many people find this show inspiring and motivational, I find it annoying. Most of us will never have the opportunity to take 3 months away from our lives to focus solely on weight loss. We will not have famous personal trainers at our disposal, the time to work out 8 hours a day, or healthy foods specifically designed and prepared for us. Most of us (unless we have been violently ill) will not lose between 4-15 pounds a week. It just ain't true.

2. Rachael Ray via Marie Claire magazine - I don't normally watch television during the day, but I switched it on the other afternoon when the boys were napping and I had a mountain of laundry to fold. Rachael Ray was talking about her favorite magazine features, one of which was 'Splurge or Steal' as seen in Marie Claire magazine. They take current fashion trends and show where you can buy pieces that are a 'splurge' and pieces that are 'more affordable or a 'steal'. She did a segment on her show that was an offshoot of this where models came out in outfits that were almost identical but one costs significantly less. However, when an outfit that still costs $377 is labeled as a 'steal', I'm sorry, but it just ain't true. Most of us would still consider that an incredibly large splurge. As a matter of fact, I can't recall that I spent that much on clothing in the last year.

3. The Bachelor - Sorry guys (or girls if we also take The Bachelorette into consideration), but you will not ever in your life have 20-30 gorgeous women vying for your attention and affections. And, you can not fall in love (not true love) while 'dating' multiple women at one time. Doing it in front of a television camera makes it all the less about 'reality'. It just ain't true. And, while we're venting who is the guy posing as Brad's psychologist/therapist. If you like listening to mumbo jumbo, he's the guy to listen to.

4. House Hunters - I almost hate to include you in this list HH, because you know I enjoy watching you. I really do. But, here's the truth of the matter. Most of us don't have the same budget as the people on the show. And most of us are truly annoyed when the people touring homes turn up their noses at perfectly good and beautiful kitchens or bathrooms and declare that it HAS to be updated. It just ain't true. Unless there is a plumbing or electrical issue, it doesn't HAVE to be updated. It may be a personal preference, but definitely not necessary.

I have more. But, I'll leave it with these for today. Are there any cultural messages out there that really get under your skin?

12 comments:

  1. I am right there with you! I don't watch the other shows but I watch House Hunters maybe twice a week. you're so right about the high standards of the people on the show and how disgusting it is that they can't buy that house because the fridge is "white". ugh!

    Anywho, love this post you hit the nail on the head! Might I also add most of the chef shows on Food Network. there are some realistic ones but most recipes contain ingredients i've never heard of. The meals are things you would eat at a fancy restaurant not make for a family. Its just plain discouraging. : )

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  2. I hear you! I love the Biggest Loser but it's not real. I just like the tips and tricks they share. It's so frustrating though when you're trying to lose 20 pounds and they shed that in 2 weeks. If I could take a month off I might be able to do it all at once but it's just not going to happen.

    I also have issues with the Bachelor. I just don't understand why a women would put herself in this situation. I would never want to compete with 20 other women to get a guys attention. This just isn't me. Never was.

    I agree with Melodie regarding Food Network. When you tell me to go out and buy a 30$ cheese to finish a dish, it's probably not going to happen. That's the reason I love Chef At Home with Chef Michael Smith. He creates meals that are healthy, normal and anyone can do it.

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  3. Preach it, sister! You're on a roll:-).

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  4. Love this post, there are many many shows on TV that we could do tis for. Awesome.

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  5. Oh I am climbing right up on the soap box with you!!! And doesn't it really get old!!! Give me a break!!! Sound the trumpet...the Bachelor one gets to me the most..which I will not watch, especially since I am a mom of young men in their 20's....who would want a wife that would do that to begin with and who would want a husband who has done all that with strangers...it by far is the worse...clothes bargains...oh my...now lets get back to life!!

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  6. So very true, especially with the Bachelor! I used to love that show until I got older and realized how silly it truly is.

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  7. I don't have a tv but I still love this post! I would add just about any show where they organize/decorate. They either have 1) no kids or 2) at least 2000sqft so they can just move stuff somewhere else.

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  8. hahahaha! I love this post, Karen - so funny and so true what you say about these shows - ridiculous!! I'm sorry to see you guys have been so sick - hopefully everyone's on the mend by now!

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  9. loved this!!! (typing one handed as baby sleeps in other arm) so no soapbox reply today ... just awesome!!

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  10. WOW....I appreciate your perspective on all the points you brought up! The fourth (House Hunters) was the one that really grabbed me however. Just last night, was I sitting with my husband watching HH and making the very SAME comments! I commented how ridiculous these "buyers" sound running down homes that look quite satisfactory, if not very nice. Is this what HGTV has done to society...placed expectations of perfection before a home can be sold/purchased?? We may be selling our 10 year old home....will it measure up or need to be "updated" before somebody would even look at it?? Funny me, I still think my home is brand NEW!

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  11. Reality tv is so unreal ....when you think about it..it is annoying for sure.

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