Althouse: "In the US, reality TV is replete with spoiled teenagers, extreme eating challenges, and arguing roommates."

December 27, 2013

"In the US, reality TV is replete with spoiled teenagers, extreme eating challenges, and arguing roommates."

"Here in Kenya, though, an innovative show is putting aside ratings-grabbing petty squabbling and trying to do good: helping small farmers back from the brink of poverty."

6 comments:

Uncle Pavian said...: It's funny how in the US, so many of the people you see on television work for the government.; 12/27/13, 9:11 AM
Wince said...: This is the media narrative flip-side of "American Exceptionalism".

America is exceptionally bad.

And notice the cant:

an innovative show is putting aside ratings-grabbing petty squabbling and trying to do good: helping small farmers back from the brink of poverty.

Now in its fourth season, the show, "Shamba Shape Up,” has become hugely popular in East Africa. Think “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” – but with chicken coops and composting.

It's like they never heard of "This Old House" or, for that matter, "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition".; 12/27/13, 9:12 AM
MadisonMan said...: I like watching Gordon Ramsey in both Hotel Hell and the one where he goes into a restaurant and whips them into shape.

Sad that I can't recall its name!

I learn something from each of those shows, namely (1) Never open a Bed and Breakfast and (2) Don't run a restaurant with your family.; 12/27/13, 9:35 AM
Known Unknown said...: It's like they never heard of "This Old House" or, for that matter, "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition".

Or Duck Dynasty.; 12/27/13, 10:47 AM
ALP said...: Madison Man: "Kitchen Nightmares" is the Gordon Ramsay show you are thinking of. A real eye-opener, its a great way to begin to understand why so many small businesses fail (Hint: the owners don't have a grip on reality and fear math and calculators).; 12/27/13, 2:23 PM
n.n said...: Many Americans are spoiled. Their self-esteem exceeds their achievement. They are Pajama Boys or Girls who are incapable of accepting responsibility for themselves or their actions. Life is good.; 12/27/13, 3:25 PM