TV

Humorous jab aside, I recently read an article here about the appeal of Friends to a younger generation of Netflix users. While the platform itself eases the process of binge-watching, what do we think about the notion of diversity which is presented here? This isn't a desire to recast Friends using actresses and actors of colour. Rather, it's a meditation on what exactly these six white characters offer that elicits such interest and intimate connection. Is it because they're the same on the outside but diverse on the inside? Is there a philosophy of entertainment which trumps race to viewers of Friends, or do are the characters themselves constituent to a desire for "emotions" transcending narratives of culture, ethnicity, and race (each of these ideally intersecting, rather than divorced from, class)?

Edit: Munjeera brought up a good point about the diversity of the cast members themselves, and the ways in which some character in the show attempted to maintain an authenticity to themselves (specifically the "Holiday Armadillo" episode). The point about love is something really important to consider too: love of others, love of self, love of life as is, and as it could be.

Musing aside, I what I was hoping to convey is why these individuals in particular seem to transcend Netflix user social borders marked by culture, ethnicity, and race. And, perhaps more importantly, is this the standard which must be met when creating a narrative of love and friendship? What does Friends make self-evident and what does it silence?

Analyze the impact of family channel shows such as Jessie, Victorious, Girl meets World (just to name a few) on the attitude and behaviour of pre-teen girls. For example, "Jessie" shows a young girl Jessie the nanny, who is always dressed impeccably is made fun of by her charges. It always makes me uneasy about the message it sends to young girls. Is her dress not good enough? Why is her clothing a topic of discussion for the children in her care? Is putting down the nanny appropriate? Analyze the way pre-teens and teens idealize the stars of the shows and emulate the way they dress and act.

Analyze the cause and effect of the representation of weed in popular media. Lately, smoking pot has been shown as a normal part of youth's life. Is that normal? Do everyone, at one point in their life, smoke pot? Or the media the cause of that increase? While more countries are trying, or at least talking about, legalizing the usage of medical marijuana, is the media making the distinction difficult? How are people, especially the youth, supposed to learn that pot is bad for them, if the media makes it look normal?
For example, shows such as Weeds and That 70s Show have no qualm in showing young people smoking pot. Other numerous shows (Parenthood, Roseanne, Gilmore Girls, and Friends just to name a few (there are many)) all have an episodes where the adults find/or acquire pot and reminisce about the times they smoked when they were young.

The quest for the Iron Throne is what has brought Westeros into its current mess. What needs to be done in order to bring unity back into Westeros, politically? What about the current governmental structure isn't working? Does there need to be a shift in how Westeros is governed? How did it all work before? Based on how the TV show is going, what type of government is needed and what kind of leader? And who best fits that mold? I always thought it might be better if Westeros was divided and governed by their respective divisions. Ex: The North would be a sovereign nation and governed by the head house of the North, and so on. But would this sort of system work? Could it work, and how so?

The death of popular characters on TV shows often leads to the fandom being outraged by their death and many fans claiming they're going to quit watching the show now that the character has died. But many don't actually leave. Does their behavior, in staying even after characters are killed, encourage the showrunners?

Question for the Millennials: is this TV show a reflection of the Generation X ? As the seasons unfold the girls become awful, selfish, narcissistic and manipulative. Is this a reflection of this generation? How realistic are these characters or are they overtop for dramatic and comic effect?

In “Sex and the City” food and restaurants not only provide a space of community in which to strengthen social, predominantly female, bonds but also come to mirror the ladies own sexual “appetites”. The four main characters gather at restaurants to discuss their problems, heartaches, successes, and their careers etc. At the heart of each episode are these scenes; no matter what the characters are doing, they will always find time to come together over a meal. For all New York divides, in terms of neighbourhoods, space, etc. “Sex and the City” argues that it is through sharing food that female solidarity can be achieved. Finally, the show’s obsession with food and restaurants extends to the main thesis of the show: that women can have sexual desires the same as men – thus, subverting this cultural idea that women have to curb or control their sexual "appetites" to be proper women. The show also subverts the typical discourse the market where women are consumed by men, and instead constructs men as commodities as well.

Maybe a better title, but an article that explores whether or not TV shows give us a false idea of reality and whether or not they are realistic or not. Suggest whether the false reality it presents is a good way to escape or somewhat ordinary lives or if it is giving us false hope. Is the unrealistic plots of shows hindering our views and perception of the world, are they brainwashing us to think that this is what life should be like? or is it just a harmless way to get out of our own heads? maybe use examples from popular shows.