How much does TV influence us?
By Tara King
Hello, my name is Tara and I am addicted to "Grey's Anatomy."
I know that I am not the only one out there who shares my addiction. "Grey's" has become such a hit that it has been moved from Sunday night to a prime-time slot on Thursday.
For those of you who have never seen the show, it's about Meredith Grey, a young surgical intern, who unknowingly sleeps with her very sexy boss (Mr. McDreamy) who turns out to be married. McDreamy's wife later appears in the series and the audience finds out she cheated on McDreamy with Mr. McSteamy (McDreamy's best friend). This summary, while over-simplified, serves to illustrate a point.
In a world that is fascinated by unrequited love, one-night stands and affairs, a question begs to be asked. Why? Why are we fascinated by that which undoubtedly leaves someone crushed? Our society appears to be rather masochistic.
"Our society is going down-hill today because all of our shows are based on sex, love and/or money," said junior Jordan Ruiz. Whether or not television reflects our society or influences it, there does appear to be some correlation. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, in 2005 81,346 divorces (including annulments) were reported in Florida alone (California data was unavailable).
So why does a nation which is touted for its high divorce rate find satisfaction in watching the history of twisted relationships unfold on TV? I don't claim to know the answer to that question, but the popularity of shows like "Grey's" is undeniable. According to MSNBC, the 2006 premier of "Grey's" pulled in a total of 25.4 million viewers.
Viewers fluctuated between cursing McDreamy for being the scum of the earth, and loving him for the sweet man he appears to be.
"In the beginning [McDreamy], was so sweet and noble because he stayed with his wife and didn't take the easy way out. Now, he has become like every other guy. But I still like him," said junior Krista Frankovic. McDreamy was brought down to average-guy level when he cheated on his wife after re-committing to her post-affair.
"He gave into his impulses, and put his marriage aside and cheated. He thought of himself before he thought of what it would do to his wife," Frankovic said. This comment illustrates the prevalent dichotomy of the female view of men.
TV also stereotypes women. "Shows like "Grey's" cater to and propagate the stereotypical girl in modern American society," said sophomore Kyle Brady. Girls on these show are "supposed to be full of drama, boy-crazy, beautiful and sexually charged. Girls who watch these shows feel that they have to adapt to that," Brady said.
It appears as if many women's views of men boil down to this. We love them, expect them to be horrible, but hate it when they are. This makes no sense.
Has the expectation that all women have of men become a self-fulfilling prophecy? Do women seek out those men that fulfill their expectations?
Maybe it is safer to date a jerk, thinking he's a jerk, than to date someone that may disappoint you by making mistakes.
Perhaps women need to trust themselves to deal with disappointment in a flawed partner rather than live life dating men who will always be exactly what they expected.
Tara King is a senior political science major.