Re: Shifting genres in media/"pop culture" and the shifting SSA of Monopoly Capitalism/Imperialism

[joanna bujes <jbujes@xxxxxxxxx>]

Craven, Jim wrote:

> In the case of the "Reality shows", they are relatively cheap to
> produce, focus on trappings of wealth (temporary) like being set in
> exotic locales and big mansions, and of course utilize, celebrate,
> preach, reward and reinforce: rat-race individualism, greed,
> selfishness, intrigue, betrayal, egoism,  narcissism, racism, sexism,
> homophobia, social darwinism, hard-body youth, phony patriotism,
> Machiavellianism, cut-throat competition, situational ethics,
> get-rich-quick, fear, national chauvinism, "civilization" versus
> "primitivism", crass materialism, predatory calculations of
> cost/benefit, etc etc.

There was a novel by Horace McCoy, set in the depression and called
"They Shoot Horses Don't They?" It's set at a dance marathon--where poor
people danced without sleep for weeks ...until they all dropped out but
one couple...who won the money.. They made a pretty good movie, based on
it, by the same title with Michael Sarazzin, Jane Fonda, Red Buttons,
Gig Young, Susanna York....and god knows who else. That's all I can
remember. The movie is available at Amazon in VHS and DVD.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-form/002-1890106-7097628

When the reality shows came out, they really reminded me of that movie.
It would be vrey interesting to compare the two instances of this "genre."

Best,

Joanna