I can't help but think of shows like Extreme Makeover: Home Addition as game shows where who ever can show that they are suffering the most wins.
People cry. Sears sells fridges. Ford to the rescue. Disney is a wonderland. Can I get a close-up of that lady crying? More tears please, cut. Can you try sobbing more like this. That's it. Ok Ty its a wrap.
Why do we cry when we watch this?
1.) We think everybody deserves a house that can be featured on better home and garden? - Do they? What if they just gave away plain houses? Ones that were safe and well build and warm? Without all the decor...would you still watch? Would it be less of a gift?
2.) We want our own suffering recognized with a prize?
3.) It makes us feel like we helped someone without ever getting off the couch?
I have also heard it makes me feel good that the human spirit of helping each other is still alive...it is the only altruistic show on TV.
Do you think Sears's, FORD, Building Crews, Disney etc. would still do the show if there was no product placement?
They are using the suffering of a family to show how their products can make you feel better. But hey there is a house in it for you if you are a single mom who has at least one autistic child who's husband is over seas or dying...
8 comments:
I think it is a natural response, when we see human emotion pouring out, it triggers the smae in us, whther sorrow or contentment.
I cry when I see that stuff because my house is so shitty.
Well, of course it would be better if they saved money and gave away more normal houses than one big honkin' pretty one.
But I think that it is an emotional show, regardless, because they do pick families that are in need of help. They just go a little above and beyond...
I actually knew someone who's parents were on this show-they knocked down their old house and put up a new one. It was weird.
I cry when I watch it mainly because I find it excrutiating. Who's the lead presenter, that guy? He needs therapy. No one is that happy and still normal. Period.
I think it's a good thing, even though they are benefitting in some way. And yes, I always cry watching that show!
holy shit, speaking of crying at the TV... who else watched oprah when she did the puppy mills show?
i hate oprah, and i am well-aware of the dark secrets behind pet store puppies, but holy hell did i sob my eyes out. yikes.
Ty Pennington will be exposed for abusing coke someday, I'm convinced of that.
I really hate these shows. (Yes, I am THAT person.) Something about them seems manipulative and contrived. I just imagine these houses falling apart as soon as the crew drives away.
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