The Critic Within
According to www.csun.edu, 99% of American households have at least one television set at their disposal. Of that 99%, 66% of American households have three or more televisions in their homes. The average amount of time that the television is on in the household is 6 hours and 47 minutes. That is 6 hours and 47 minutes of being bombarded with multiple messages, various points of views, and entertainment. With so many Americans being exposed to television, each with their own unique point of view and perspective, why should mine be any different? In no way do I find myself to be an elitist nor do I find my point of view to be any better than the next. However, I do find my stance and opinion on things to be eye opening, well rounded, and educational. My hope is to aid readers in considering other perspectives different from their own and ultimately expand their awareness of what they are watching. In this post I will share my goals for doing TV criticism, express my view on television, and share my viewing pleasures and habits in hopes of gaining a relation to you- my readers.
When the word “criticism” comes to mind, most of us have a negative connotation applied towards the word. A goal of mine is to not only rid myself of thinking of criticism as a negative thing, but to also show you criticism can be extremely beneficial. In the words of O’Donnell (2007), “television criticism is about the evaluation of content, its context, organization, story and characterization, style, genre, and audience desire”. Furthermore, O’Donnell (2007) says that a goal as a television critic is to understand the various elements of a television program, analyze through critical methodology, interpret meanings, make a judgment, and most importantly communicate your thoughts with an audience. Similarly, Corner (1999) believes that criticism is more concerned with the multiplicity of meaning, expanding the meaning, and the construction of meaning. Both O’Donnell (2007) and Corner (1999) point out a crucial goal for criticism in that we must recognize the multiplicity in meaning in all that we watch. This means that as we watch certain programs and read certain texts, we must recognize that there are multiple interpretations that can be taken away other than just our own.
My personal view on television is very much in accordance with that of O’Donnell (2007) and Butler (2002). I agree with O’Donnell (2007) in that “television criticism is subjective in that it subjects a program to interpretation through the critic’s perceptual filters. Television criticism can also be persuasive in that it can alter the perceptions of recipients” (p. 19). For example, a few months ago, the movie “The Hangover” came out in theaters all over America. There was much hype that surrounded this movie long before it was released in theaters. I went online and read movie critics’ reviews to help me decide whether or not it would be worth paying for. I realized the critiques were subjective in that every critique was different from the next since the interpretations through the critic’s perceptual filters were different. I also realized that the critics were persuasive as well. Reading about how fantastically funny the movie was persuaded me to want to go to the movie.
Along with O’Donnell (2007), Butler (2002) points out that there is a certain hierarchical arrangement in that “the television text does not present all meanings equally, positively, or strongly” (p. 10). Although cliché, my example of this is a feminist one; today we live in a world where both men and women were born equal. I use the word equal loosely -for how men and women are portrayed on television is anything but. Although this portrayal has improved from when I was a child, the shows I remember actively watching as child were ones that embraced the idea of male dominance. Shows like Superman and Power Rangers constantly portrayed the image of the superior male doing the saving with the inferior female needing the saving. Even when Catwoman was introduced in the Batman series, what appeared to be a strong female character was in fact just another victim falling short to the strength and appearance of Batman. Looking forward, I realize my criticisms are subjective in that my own experiences and views will differ how I see certain things. This is why I always keep an open mind and am greatly intrigued by other opinions and views on the subject matter.
Despite the hierarchical arrangement found in television, Sillars and Gronbeck (2001) make an excellent point in that “analyzing even what appears to be the simplest of works requires textualization to suggest what’s “really” being said” (p.10). There are always important messages found in television shows that work towards bettering society. Growing up, watching shows like Barney, Sesame Street, and The Wonder Years, taught me that there are consequences to stealing, lying, cheating, etc… Seeing the true meaning behind subliminal messages and negative undertones are vitally important sometimes in seeing the importance and positive aspects of television. Corner (1999) points out that television research and criticism was rooted from people’s fears that television was a negative aspect to society and it was plaguing the minds of adolescents. I grew up around television, watching television, and am now taking an active critical stance studying television. I believe those to come after me as well are going to be even more accustomed with television. In that sense, instead of viewing television as a negative form of entertainment, I prefer to take Sillars and Gronbeck’s stance by looking into what’s really being said and O’Donnell’s perspective that we can use criticism as a tool to deepen and enrich our understandings of human nature and society as a whole.
I understand that my critiques are subjective since I am different from you. That is why I am interested to hear what you think about my opinions and stance on certain issues; do you agree, disagree, why? Not only am I interested in hearing that, but I too am interested in learning what shows you grew up with that you look back on now and have a completely different opinion about it. What shows interest you now? Any guilty pleasures? As for me, I am a sucker for FRIENDS, the Office, and of course my guilty pleasure is the Road Rules Real World challenges. All feedback is welcome
References
Brunsdon, C. (1993). Identity in feminist television criticism. Media, Culture and Society, 15: 309-320.
Butler, J. (2002). Television: Critical Methods and Applications (2nd ed). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
Corner, J. (1999). Critical Ideas in Television Studies. New York: Oxford University Press.
O’Donnell, V. (2007). Television Criticism. New York: Sage.
Sillars, M. O. and Gronbeck, B. E. (2001). Communication Criticism: Rhetoric, Social Codes, Cultural Studies. Prospect Heights, IL: Waveland Press.
