Adherence to Reality in Television Shows: Occupations
As a continuation of this post, I thought I’d continue with different aspects of life and whether these are dealt with realistically on TV. Today’s topic deals with occupations and education.
“Oh, sure, like lawyers work in big skyscrapers and have secretaries.
Look at him - he's wearing a belt! That's Hollywood for you.” – Lionel Hutz, The Simpsons (Marge on the Lam)
Does TV show a fairly accurate representation of work, or does it glamourise certain vocations? My feeling leads towards the latter, but since my experience in the workforce is limited I don’t think I can make an informed judgement.
I do know that the depiction of high schools tends to bear little resemblance to the one that I attended. They seem to fall into one of two categories – the lavish campus with facilities akin to that of an upmarket shopping centre, or the dilapidated campus that invokes images of Dante’s Seventh Circle of Hell. Add to the fact that the students very rarely attend any classes, or do any work outside of organising the latest school dance. Then again, most classes do tend towards being mind-numbingly dull – if they did represent a regular high school with normal students and classes, would anyone care?
As for university, or college as it is called in the US, I can’t say I’ve watched many shows where this was depicted – generally by that stage the programme has jumped the shark and I have tuned out.
One occupation that I am certain is more attractive on television than in real life is that of Forensic Science. CSI and its spawn have created a legion of people who now wish to follow this career path. Most envision a fast-paced life in the field putting criminals behind bars; few seem to fathom the large amount of lab work and slow-pace at which the work must be done (not that there is anything inherently wrong with lab work, it’s just that it not what many expect). Apparently, in many areas, there is now a glut of people with Forensic Science qualifications – perhaps TV should make Economists sexy so more people can learn about supply and demand.
So, does television accurately represent your chosen profession? Or do they exclude your occupation altogether? Do you think there should be more realism in the depiction, or would that be tedious viewing?
“Oh, sure, like lawyers work in big skyscrapers and have secretaries.
Look at him - he's wearing a belt! That's Hollywood for you.” – Lionel Hutz, The Simpsons (Marge on the Lam)
Does TV show a fairly accurate representation of work, or does it glamourise certain vocations? My feeling leads towards the latter, but since my experience in the workforce is limited I don’t think I can make an informed judgement.
I do know that the depiction of high schools tends to bear little resemblance to the one that I attended. They seem to fall into one of two categories – the lavish campus with facilities akin to that of an upmarket shopping centre, or the dilapidated campus that invokes images of Dante’s Seventh Circle of Hell. Add to the fact that the students very rarely attend any classes, or do any work outside of organising the latest school dance. Then again, most classes do tend towards being mind-numbingly dull – if they did represent a regular high school with normal students and classes, would anyone care?
As for university, or college as it is called in the US, I can’t say I’ve watched many shows where this was depicted – generally by that stage the programme has jumped the shark and I have tuned out.
One occupation that I am certain is more attractive on television than in real life is that of Forensic Science. CSI and its spawn have created a legion of people who now wish to follow this career path. Most envision a fast-paced life in the field putting criminals behind bars; few seem to fathom the large amount of lab work and slow-pace at which the work must be done (not that there is anything inherently wrong with lab work, it’s just that it not what many expect). Apparently, in many areas, there is now a glut of people with Forensic Science qualifications – perhaps TV should make Economists sexy so more people can learn about supply and demand.
So, does television accurately represent your chosen profession? Or do they exclude your occupation altogether? Do you think there should be more realism in the depiction, or would that be tedious viewing?
Film & TV on DVD
The First show that jumped to mind for me too was CSI. I dont even think the writers have even picked up a book on forensics.
24 is another that is just ridiculous, there is not even a silhoutte of realism in the show. Not just in depicting the job but also in the way that it tells its stories.
Personally I need at least a believable fiction for me to be entertained.
I think Oz shows life in prison quite believabley from what Ive read and ex cons I have met. Then again being a prisoner is not an occupation, right?
Mum's Word
If I wanted realism I'd watch a documentary. I watch tv shows for entertainment not to make an "informed" decision about my career choice
Seriously though, I saw a news story about how student numbers in forensic science had swelled since CSI but the students were soon disappointed that their chosen profession wasn't as "sexy" as it appeared on tv. That can't be a good thing.
Admittedly, after seeing Superman 2 when I was a kid, I wanted to be a journalist. I didn't want to be like Lois Lane, I just thought she had an exciting job. She lied. But I still love to write - so that's something.
Did I just contradict myself? Not much of a writer then am I?
Love & stuff
Mrs M
Film & TV on DVD
Film & TV on DVD
Rugby World Cup 2007
Hello my pretty TV babble-ina...
Excellent post and excellent questions...for me too CSI is what came to mind when I saw the title of this. I do have a forensic scientist friend and Grissom he is not! Although he does do the Horatio sunglasses thing...
I'm trying to think of TV/movie character journalists... well, you know how we both feel about Lois Lame (that's not a typo people) and I never quite understood how she could write a 2 page piece after asking only 3 questions, 1 involving pink underwear....
I'm stumped.
I wonder if medical interns everywhere are swearing at MacSkinny and MacDreary...
Will be back Nina.
DuskDevi
I like that... 'CSI: Economy'...
Joe Blogg's Blog
manchesterunited
collingwoodfootballclub
You aint suggesting those fresh faced corn fed ham & egg teenagers who work at McDonald's and own a brand new 4WD HAVEN'T really had a gutful of their mates bagging Ronnie's ingredients.
Say it isn't so!!!
Curse you television.
You've lied to me once too often this time!!!!!!
V8 Supercar Pitstop
As a professional mother and home maker, I honestly can't see much connection between myself and Desperate Housewives.
Does that count?
A.H.
The only journalists that spring to my mind at the moment are Kent Brockman from the Simpsons and Will Tippin from Alias, but there are probably others. As always, I look forward to your return!
Celebrity Obsession
I love Boston Legal, but I'm beginning to think that they may glamourise the law profession (weird huh?). I've noticed that James Spade's character Alan Shore is always free to spontaneously assist on cases with almost no notice. I only know a couple lawyers, but they're busy billing clients in 6 min intervals for up to 14 hours a day. But maybe his is just a great job (of course, it doesn't matter to me, because I love the character anyway!).
And I'm not sure that being an intern is as much fun as Scrubs makes it out to be.
As long as it's a good story, you don't mind them straying too far from reality (cos lets face it, we're watching tv to escape that reality).
And I think you're right - provided the story is strong, it's not too worrying if the character's occupation isn't quite as it should be.
Passionate Apathy
As far as the educational stereotypes, I think they just pick one or the other so the audience can immediately identify it and know what sort of setting this is. I've worked in a public school, and it is true that the demons and Hellmouth monsters on Buffy are a lot better behaved than many high school students.
Movies and Life
Come to think of it, my high school days were nothing like Degrassi High....I wonder why as that was soooo realistic....but I mustn't be too glib, I was addicted to it in my younger days and even sang the song with my dually-dedicated best friend.
It's scary that English people love Neighbours and Home and Away and think that Aussie life is as colourful and glossy as those progs. I certainly enlightened a few people when I was back there..Not that I'm saying Aussie life is rotten, but it's just not that perfect as in Ramsey St.
Byee
Movies and Life
Joe Blogg's Blog
manchesterunited
collingwoodfootballclub
When I saw that ad alarm bells started ringing. I thought to meself, "Hang about, those kids are driving in the countryside without a map! I smell shenanigans!"
But thankfully you've allayed my fears.
Joe Blogg: It's always my aim to be a beacon of wisdom, and I'm glad that I alleviated your fears on that important issue