8.11.2008
Reality Television Hits New Low (If That's Possible)
A wise man once said that there is a sucker born every minute. How else to describe the phenomenon of people eagerly lining up to be demeaned on reality television shows? I guess the promise of easy money and a fleeting amount of infamy is too much for some people to deny. Doubly saddening for me is those who place their faith up for mockery, abuse, and exploitation. It seems like madness. How else to describe the new UK television show "Make Me A Christian"?
"The Reverend George Hargreaves thinks Britain is in a state of moral decline and that a return to a more 'Christian' way of life would stop the rot. He and his team of mentors aim to show how by convincing a group of non-Christian volunteers to live by the teachings of the Bible for three weeks. In this three-part series, a group of volunteers from around Leeds in West Yorkshire give up their normal lives and attempt to live like Christians for three weeks."
If you guessed they found a Witch (or at least a reasonable facsimile thereof) to be involved in this farce, you would be correct.
Take Fay, the occult lapdancer. George takes one look at her lifestyle (spangly bras and tarot cards) and announces she's "on a trajectory to hell". Sobbing, Fay slinks away to her boyfriend's house for a few days of comforting. When she emerges later, George bollocks her for having sex outside marriage. "While the world might call it 'making love'," he says, "the Bible calls it fornication."
No prizes for guessing what George "founder of The Christian Party" Hargreaves does with her "occult" possessions.
"The lap-dancing manager is discovered to have more than a passing interest in witchcraft and magic - her books and ceremonial paraphernalia are taken away."
Shocking, of course, but I try to remember that Fay willingly signed up for this indoctrination boot-camp. One wonders how far Witches and Pagans have to go down this road before we collectively realize how toxic these programs are and refuse to be the playthings of television producers. As for the "Christians" involved, it seems that their savior isn't Jesus Christ, but Mammon. Their pride and vanity ensures that this is the only reward they shall receive.
Speaking of Witches and reality television, Australian show "The One: The Search for Australia's Most Gifted Psychic" has picked a "winner".
"Charmaine Wilson edged out Ezio De Angelis and Amanda Rousetty to take out the prize which was decided by audience vote. She promised to represent the spirit world and the psychic community as best she can."
The Witch contestant, Shé D’Montford, didn't make it to the final round. Perhaps the gods were sending a message? You can listen to interviews with all the contestants, and the judges, at the Ghost Radio site.
Labels: Australia, Christianity, occult, Paganism, Reality Television, Television, UK, Witch
Comments:
There's nothing "real" about this kind of television. It's put-on, overdone and they always pick extremes in their representations - I mean a lapdancing occultist? Whilst I don't have an issue with her profession, it's hardly a mainstream representation of any Pagan denomination.
And I'm pretty certain this kinda show won't be flipped for an episode entitled "Make me a Witch", 'cos that would cause outrage.
People just never learn and reality TV needs to be laid to rest - it's waaay past its useby date!
I agree with Genexs and Kenn; of all the level-headed Pagans they could have chosen, pick one who's easier to degrade and break down. It's bullshit and so is most "reality tv" - it should be renamed to "tweaked tv" or better yet, "garbage". ;)
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There's nothing "real" about this kind of television. It's put-on, overdone and they always pick extremes in their representations - I mean a lapdancing occultist? Whilst I don't have an issue with her profession, it's hardly a mainstream representation of any Pagan denomination.
And I'm pretty certain this kinda show won't be flipped for an episode entitled "Make me a Witch", 'cos that would cause outrage.
People just never learn and reality TV needs to be laid to rest - it's waaay past its useby date!
I agree with Genexs and Kenn; of all the level-headed Pagans they could have chosen, pick one who's easier to degrade and break down. It's bullshit and so is most "reality tv" - it should be renamed to "tweaked tv" or better yet, "garbage". ;)
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