Why is society...

bnt · 04-06-2012 08:25PM

"Society" doesn't support them: people support them, for various fatuous reasons. There is no such thing as "society".

cranks · 04-06-2012 08:35PM

It's bread and circuses don't ya know?

Scioch · 04-06-2012 08:41PM

Dudess wrote: »

I don't know that there is a growing culture of the above, I think it's simply a case of people not liking this shyte and saying it, that's all.
If anything I've noticed a trend in reverse music snobbery - from people wanting to let it be known how "unpretentious" they are, claiming they like JLS or One Direction or whatever sh1t.

As for the OP, there's nothing new about this. Despite my hatred of the reverse music snobbery thing though, I find the full-on looking down on fans of The X Factor etc (and all the "The average person is stupid" stuff) a bit smug. Are there really all that many stupid people?

People dont like a lot of stuff though but there seems to be a really need for people to distance themselves from and attack those who do like certain things. Snobbery seems to go both ways but I only ever seen actual contempt on one side of it. Its not just not liking something and saying it.

Such as the popular hatred of The Jonas Brothers and Justin Bieber and what have ya. The argument always seems to be raging on youtube videos but not really between two different sets of fans. Its always put forward as if Bieber fans or whatever hate or look down on other fans. But I never see it, its 99.9% of the time some weird complex that people have where they feel the need to constantly be on the attack to defend their chosen music against non-existent abuse.

Seems to be the same in relation to xfactor and the like. There's some accepted view that fans of those hate those who arent. But I never see it, I only see people looking down on those people calling them stupid sheep who cant think for themselves.

Dangerous Man · 04-06-2012 08:48PM

They're not all stupid. I know Phds who watch American Idol. I know artists who watch Maury. I also know really intelligent people who hate this stuff and I'd consider myself in that category (well, not so much 'really intelligent' but definitely a bargain basement, popular culture hater.)

I relate to where the OP is coming from and my recommendation is to turn the idiot lantern off and do something else. I don't mean that in a nasty way, or a condescending way. I mean that in life, there are so many other things you can do rather than watching TV. It's actually a huge waste of time and not just because it's mostly drivel. Watch your sports team, catch the news - that should be about it really. I've said it before that turning the TV off is one of the single best ways you can improve your quality of life.

Agricola · 04-06-2012 08:49PM

Came across a show on some strange Sky channel recently in which Parkinson did a retrospective on people he interviewed over the years. When you look at the caliber of guest he had on, it really shows up the modern day "celebrity" scene for the terrible pile of shíte it is. Back then it was people with a genuine skill or talent that got on tv. Now every tool is on it. Could you see an act like Jedward on Parkinson back in the 70's, not a hope.

Its also very much linked into this social media fever which all broadcasters and sectors of media HAVE to be up to speed on. Every show is asking for viewers emails, tweets, texts etc etc. Theres whole sections for reading them out. Its fúcking imperative that Theresa in Tubbercurry has a voice at all times. Drives me up the wall. I suppose its a nice idea to bring the famous and the great unwashed onto a level playing field and actually interact with each other, but if the offshoot of that is having to put up with these unwashed getting up on stage and commiting crimes against music, I'd rather go back to the old days, thanks.

eth0 · 04-06-2012 08:51PM

Agricola wrote: »

Its fúcking imperative that Theresa in Tubbercurry has a voice at all times.

Definitely is, she can tell us all how the food is in Yeats County Inn these days.

04-06-2012 08:51PM

People are not stupid because they like certain entertainers or genres etc. The whole reality tv is a passing phase and it will be out of style in no time.
Well done to all those that make the most of it such as Jedward, Bieber, Price etc.
Stop begrudging and belittling these people and their supporters. You always have the right to turn off or not read or listen to them.

Pottler · 04-06-2012 08:52PM

I've no idea why. Next thing you know, people will be wasting their time typing inane crap to each other on the internet, whinging about rubbish, discussing sh1te and generally wasting good time that could be spent doing somthing productive. I've no idea why.:) But it's kinda fun.

The Jammy dodger · 04-06-2012 08:58PM

TeddyTedson wrote: »

...in recent years absolutely obsessed with stupid, untalented and one dimensional people?
The entire cast of Big Brother but specifically Jade Goody, Jedward, Frankie Cocozza, Justin Bieber perhaps (in fairness though people like him being marketed to teenage girls is nothing new, so he might fit into another category) and so on.
There are some amazing talents out there that people just don't seem interested in, in comparison to these.
Are people now not sick to death of it all.
Is it all just one big joke? It seems to be.
But it's boring now, can we get back to watching good entertainment.
Even the dominance of shows like Xfactor is astounding. It's like watching paint dry.
So much crap out there!

You forgot to mention Chrystal swing.

These people are well known for their ''entertainment'' value and the ''talent'' does not have to be amazing. Louis walsh himself said this when he saw Jedward first all those years ago.

So thats what it is, it's entertainment minus talent. If people are ''entertained'' by them then those higher powers will push it because its marketable and makes money. It makes perfect business sense and thats what it's all about I'm afraid.

Scioch · 04-06-2012 08:59PM

Pottler wrote: »

I've no idea why. Next thing you know, people will be wasting their time typing inane crap to each other on the internet, whinging about rubbish, discussing sh1te and generally wasting good time that could be spent doing somthing productive. I've no idea why.:) But it's kinda fun.

Thats interaction though, cant beat a bit of interaction. I dont mind people discussing it and their dislike of it but to have such contempt for people just because they like something is a bit weird.

I'd understand it if there was nothing else on and your pissed off that because everyone likes the xfactor there is literally nothing else you can see. But you can change the channel, open a book, read a magazine, rent a movie or get any amount of stuff for free on the internet. There is an unbelievable amount of choice for people that I dont understand why someone would hate someone else for having different preferences. They cant be putting you out to any great extent.

Pantsface · 04-06-2012 09:03PM

Lionel Messy wrote: »

I really don't know. Take Jedward for example, Lucan boys, I know Lucan, it's a great area, neither posh nor rough. NO ONE in Lucan talks like them. This wannabe American crap irks me. Those boys will end up depressed in years to come.

Its going to be very interesting alright, seeing them, hell, even 5 years down the line. They can't keep up the muppertry!!!

04-06-2012 09:13PM

Pantsface wrote: »

Lionel Messy wrote: »

I really don't know. Take Jedward for example, Lucan boys, I know Lucan, it's a great area, neither posh nor rough. NO ONE in Lucan talks like them. This wannabe American crap irks me. Those boys will end up depressed in years to come.

Its going to be very interesting alright, seeing them, hell, even 5 years down the line. They can't keep up the muppertry!!!

Just to spite all the begrudgerers out there, i hope they keep re-inventing themselves and remain entertaining for decades

Greentopia · 04-06-2012 09:18PM

Dangerous Man wrote: »

. I've said it before that turning the TV off is one of the single best ways you can improve your quality of life.

I haven't had a TV in years. One of the best decisions I ever made. I still watch some programmes on RTE player and 4OD like news, current affairs, docs., but I get to choose what I want to see more than just passively looking at any old crap on a TV screen, and it's freed up a lot more time to do other more productive and interesting stuff like my work and hobbies.
And no ads. any more to sit through either. And no Sky bill or TV licence to pay. I call that a win :cool:

charlemont · 04-06-2012 09:25PM

TeddyTedson wrote: »

...in recent years absolutely obsessed with stupid, untalented and one dimensional people?
The entire cast of Big Brother but specifically Jade Goody, Jedward, Frankie Cocozza, Justin Bieber perhaps (in fairness though people like him being marketed to teenage girls is nothing new, so he might fit into another category) and so on.
There are some amazing talents out there that people just don't seem interested in, in comparison to these.
Are people now not sick to death of it all.
Is it all just one big joke? It seems to be.
But it's boring now, can we get back to watching good entertainment.
Even the dominance of shows like Xfactor is astounding. It's like watching paint dry.
So much crap out there!

C'mon now Teddy, I'm sure your an educated man, Its all about dumbing people down, Most of these famous people you mentioned wouldn't have much between the ears so they won't be a threat to anyone.
All of the above junk only distracts us all from real issues...

Pantsface · 04-06-2012 09:35PM

Deleted User wrote: »

Just to spite all the begrudgerers out there, i hope they keep re-inventing themselves and remain entertaining for decades

Its the way they go on, the way they talk, jump around & roar. When they hit their mid 20's they can't be at that, nor their 30s.

I'm not a begruder of Jedward, more power to them, they've made a rake load of cash out of very little talent. Going to be interesting seeing them down the line in a few years!!

Greentopia · 04-06-2012 09:50PM

I wouldn't call people stupid for watching x-factor, reality shows and so on. I just think people are being duped.
I think there's an agenda going on whereby it suits those in authority to keep the masses distracted by what's going on over there (x-factor, vacuous celebrity culture) to keep us calm, passive and submissive so we won't be so inclined to ask uncomfortable questions of our masters in power and hold them accountable or make awkward demands for things that really matter like our rights, or demanding real root and branch change and reform in how our country is run.

The people's "rage and trampelling" must be prevented, so we must be kept marginalised and distracted, as Chomsky says.

Dudess · 04-06-2012 10:08PM

Deleted User wrote: »

Just to spite all the begrudgerers out there, i hope they keep re-inventing themselves and remain entertaining for decades

What acts do you dislike? Because by your definition, you begrudge them.

guitarzero · 04-06-2012 10:14PM

I've often wanted to make a post similar to this but didnt bother as I'd probably have been cut down.

I think 90 percent of people I have met are cosy within the box - whatever film/song/match/team/show/clothes/conversation style/liberal-conservative attitude/countries visited/even thoughts/drinks/food/music is all the rage, they'll soak it up regardless how dumb and rehashed it is. Very few people have a unique discernment process. The fact people become so uncomfortable and uneasy with others who have a different stance on many of the tags above shows how lame people in general truly are.

Then theres about 9 percent who actually have something interesting to say or do and theres the other percent who are in the halls of fame.

We have been dumbed down for a long time because introspection is seen as something odd and shameful. Schools do not encourage thought but instead inhibit it through function itself, nor does tv so we are depending on folks who have a disposition for thought.

I didnt really care about the Eurovision but when we threw Jedward up there it kinda mirrored a people who are willing to be seen as infantile idiots, a trend that seems to be fairly on course today among my generation. Its very much the same with a lot of tv and film, its target would have been seen as something for kiddies 30 years ago but now folks in there 30's and 40's are going around talking like teens.

The reality is we have been mammy'd from the git go - school, secondary, college, work, politicians, parents, all of which abdicate a sense of responsibility and a broadening of ones perspective.

Rant over.

Dudess · 04-06-2012 10:44PM

Yeah Jedward belong on CBeebies or whatever, but they're somehow infiltrating adult TV.
Women in their 30s are swooning over One Direction (babyfaced teen boys) - it seems like a bandwagon tbh.

Shryke · 04-06-2012 10:46PM

Dudess wrote: »

Yeah Jedward belong on CBeebies or whatever, but they're somehow infiltrating adult TV.
Women in their 30s are swooning over One Direction (babyfaced teen boys) - it seems like a bandwagon tbh.

The same thing over twilight and the like. It's more than a band wagon, it's plain wrong.

del88 · 04-06-2012 11:09PM

Well as i see it ,if you don't want to see the sh!t, don't look in the toilet....stop looking/reading/listening to mainstream media and go see some live bands or plays or art house films...learn to dance..go swim in your closest river ...hike up your nearest hill....YE GET THE IDEA....STOP BEING LAZY

Agricola · 04-06-2012 11:12PM

del88 wrote: »

Well as i see it ,if you don't want to see at sh!t don't look in the toilet....stop looking/reading/listening to mainstream media and go see some live bands or plays or art house films...learn to dance..go swim in your closest river ...hike up your nearest hill....YE GET THE IDEA....STOP BEING LAZY

We the people, reserve the right to be lazy as fúck and STILL not have to be subjected to the moronic drivel that is reality tv every night of the week on our TV screens.

del88 · 04-06-2012 11:15PM

Agricola wrote: »

We the people, reserve the right to be lazy as fúck and STILL not have to be subjected to the moronic drivel that is reality tv every night of the week on our TV screens.

Change the £ecking channel

Capt'n Midnight · 04-06-2012 11:32PM

Abi wrote: »

Money is only made out of it because there are people stupid enough to watch it.

Money is a huge part

the stuff is just so quick and cheap to make

who needs script and actors and quality when the advertisers will pay you just as much for pointing a camera at muppets in a box

guitarzero · 04-06-2012 11:42PM

del88 wrote: »

Change the £ecking channel

NO! NO! F*CKING NO BRO! ITS A F*CKING WAR ON STUPIDITY BEFORE IT INFILTRATES AND SEEPS INTO EVER FACET OF THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE! TIME TO WEED OUT THE WEAK MINDED AND THE INANE AND SPEED THIS SLOW TRAIN UP! YOUR APATHY AND MEEKNESS IS A STAIN IN THE FACE OF PROGRESS! ITS A WAR THAT NO ONE DARES SPEAK OUT AT FOR BEING TAGGED CYNICAL AND CRITICAL AND OTHER TERMS THAT MOCK INTELLIGENT DISCERNMENT!

*fixes tie

TeddyTedson · 04-06-2012 11:51PM

guitarzero wrote: »

I've often wanted to make a post similar to this but didnt bother as I'd probably have been cut down.

I think 90 percent of people I have met are cosy within the box - whatever film/song/match/team/show/clothes/conversation style/liberal-conservative attitude/countries visited/even thoughts/drinks/food/music is all the rage, they'll soak it up regardless how dumb and rehashed it is. Very few people have a unique discernment process. The fact people become so uncomfortable and uneasy with others who have a different stance on many of the tags above shows how lame people in general truly are.

Then theres about 9 percent who actually have something interesting to say or do and theres the other percent who are in the halls of fame.

We have been dumbed down for a long time because introspection is seen as something odd and shameful. Schools do not encourage thought but instead inhibit it through function itself, nor does tv so we are depending on folks who have a disposition for thought.

I didnt really care about the Eurovision but when we threw Jedward up there it kinda mirrored a people who are willing to be seen as infantile idiots, a trend that seems to be fairly on course today among my generation. Its very much the same with a lot of tv and film, its target would have been seen as something for kiddies 30 years ago but now folks in there 30's and 40's are going around talking like teens.

The reality is we have been mammy'd from the git go - school, secondary, college, work, politicians, parents, all of which abdicate a sense of responsibility and a broadening of ones perspective.

Rant over.

Well said

The Eurovision is an idiot fest of the highest order though so I wouldn't offend anyone decent by asking them to enter.

Fussy Eater · 04-06-2012 11:56PM

Cool stuff wouldn't be cool if most people liked it....

05-06-2012 12:27AM

Dudess wrote: »

Deleted User wrote: »

Just to spite all the begrudgerers out there, i hope they keep re-inventing themselves and remain entertaining for decades

What acts do you dislike? Because by your definition, you begrudge them.

There are plenty of acts out there that i dislike. I respect the rights of others to be entertained by them though.
I would never begrudge anyone the right to be famous - we all have our right to that 15mins lol.
I am a jedward fan though. They can't sing, their dancing is sh1te but they are hugely entertaining and funny guys.

Stacey. · 05-06-2012 12:33AM

Excuse you, Jedward are flawless.

dark crystal · 05-06-2012 12:50AM

I've never gotten this whole 'people who watch x, y or z are stupid' argument at all.

Surely the same people who slag off other people's intelligence for watching certain shows watch dumb shows themselves sometimes... I mean, I know a guy who takes great pleasure in insulting others for watching 'fake' reality shows, who likes nothing better than watching wrestling of a weekend. Talk about the pot calling the kettle black!

Variety shows have been around as long as television has - it's nothing new. Whereas before people watched Opportunity Knocks, New Faces or Star Search, now it's Britain's Got Talent, The Voice and X-Factor.

If you don't like watching it, turn over to something you do enjoy watching. Or read a book instead.....

Why is society...

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