BRAVO! Proud of CBS and Big Brother 15
|Hey guys,
Of course you know I had to step in here and offer my two cents on the unprecedented events happening in the Big Brother 15 World.
Wow.
First… To all you LIVE FEED viewers:
For years, we have been but a fraction of the massive horde of network-only viewers, who watch the show, and think it nothing but a silly program full of pretty people and fun little games.
This season, I believe CBS is finally giving that viewer a taste of what we loyal LIVE FEEDERS have always known.
Big Brother is no Wipeout.
It is a fishbowl we can peer into at any time of the day or night to witness people at their best and, more commonly, worst.
Over the years, we’ve seen bravery and courage. We’ve stood as silent witnesses when people’s psyches cracked. Yes, we’ve watched treachery and betrayal. But we’ve also cheered when loyalty and decency prevailed.
Often we raged at the fact that the network-only viewer saw only dibs and dabs. Only tiny trickles of the truth.
Of course, that is still true to an extent. Yes, CBS did a brave thing…the right thing… In revealing the racism and bigotry within the BB House this season.
It’s the tip of the iceberg. But for the first time in the history of the show, it is–at least– visible.
And I say Bravo to that.
Big Brother is different from all other reality shows, most of which are scripted to some degree.
But with the 24/7 LIVE FEED coverage, the contestants on Big Brother have no where to hide.
And you must remember, these are REAL people, with real issues.
Two of them–Aaryn and Gina Marie, the worst offenders–have been fired from their REAL jobs. They will likely be ostracized. Shunned. Perhaps lose their homes.
That’s real as it gets, folks.
Now, they went on this show KNOWING they were going to reside in the fishbowl. And yet, they continue to reveal their ugly, despicable nature for all the world to see. I cannot even imagine.
Big Brother was originally created as a scientific experiment. Lock a dozen or so people in a house. Cut them off from all outside communication. Dangle a load of cash in front of them. And see what they would do, how far they will go, to win.
Pretty far as it turns out.
Since its inception, the network show has morphed into a fun, kooky program one can chuckle at after a hard days work.
Up to now, the ugly underbelly has mostly remained hidden.
Not this season.
I’d like to give a big ole KUDOS to CBS and Big Brother for their honesty. For airing truth. I know it shocked a lot of people. Some disagree with showcasing serious issues like prejudice on a gameshow. I suppose I understand that. There are some viewers who tune in simply to watch pretty people wallow in honey.
We long time LIVE FEED viewers have always known different, havent we? We’ve begged CBS to show the un-skewed and unaltered truth. And now they have. I hope they continue to do so.
Personally, I hope Aaryn and Gina Marie stay in the house a while. They provide a very good example you can hold up to your children to say: Look at this girl…She is proof that Just because someone is pretty on the outside, does not mean they aren’t ugly, pathetic and just plain mean within.
Like my mama always taught me…. Pretty is as pretty does.
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I totally agree Janet. Keep them in there and let the world know what the face of racism looks like. It doesn’t always look like you think it would. I truly wish BB would go back to its original intent. As it is now, it doesn’t look anything like the worlds that most of us live in. It has become “How to become a model/actress in 90 days”. I’m also glad CBS stepped up to the plate, and Julie Chen (The Talk) in particular. Her story about being bullied in the 70s is a moving example of why racisms ugly face must be ferreted out and shown for people to realize that it still exists today. Leaving Aaryn and GinaMarie in the house means we can’t deny that fact. Racism is ugly. But sometimes we have to look at things that make us cringe in order to bring about change.
Cat you hit the nail on the head. It seems now a days everyone tries to get on TV to further their “employment” or career. I’m also glad CBS aired the girls bigot comments but also Spence and Jeremy are not off the hook either.
Agree with all of you on this! It is an ugly thing that mostly gets swept under the rug. Nothing will change until these type of things are seen, aknowledged and dealt with. Unfortunately it is everywhere. I live in the northeast (Mass) where most of us are accepting of all regardless of race, religion or sexual preference…but even here it happens. My girls are bi-racial and they have had to deal with some of this in their lives. Not a good thing. Breaks a moms heart that you can’t protect them from ignorant people that are afraid of those that are different than them. But only the really mean and nasty ones say it with venom like A and the vile crew.
But I believe in Karma and it can be a big ole B*&** and they will get theirs in due time. (like A & GM getting fired) God don’t like ugly! 😉
Ok i’m off my soapbox now….
I truly believe it’s a lack of education and closed minds. No one is born a racist they were brought up that way.
Very good point Joie! I’ve actually heard some people comment….well she is from Texas, like that explains it and makes it ok! ughh
JO1 – I was all in agreement with you at first, but you had to show your own prejudice. This TEXAN was raised in the midst of the “racist south”, but it wasn’t until I moved to Ohio that saw my first race riot. Racism is NOT geographical! More than education, racism is fed by those you choose to associate with and what they deem acceptable. Fortunately, my parents raised me not to pre-judge, but they also made sure I understood history and how others are mistreated. Not all Texans are anything like the dregs of society BB chose to put on the show. And surely you understand they were likely chosen for exactly the disgusting traits they are displaying…. all of them.
Taln, you mis read my post. I don’t believe that of Texas or any other state….I was stating what others have said to me and that they try to justify it using the statement “she’s from Texas” like in their minds it makes it ok. I have no prejudice against anyone or anything. I was brought up by parents that believe in equality for all and every being is by the grace of god.
By the way I happen to have family and friends in Texas and I know they are not like Aaryn! To boot I am a HUGE Cowboys fan 😉 Thanks for your reply.
THANK YOU!! ON THAT JEREMY NEEDS TO GOOOOO.
Thank you Janet for your article. I’ll preface that we have never been “live feed” viewers, so we only saw the edited clips of the quirky, funny, and stupid behavior which provided mindless, goofy entertainment after a hard days work; it was funny. We are appalled by the racism and bigotry that has gone on inside the BB House; and just as appalling, the foul-mouthed vulgar language and disrespect of woman that seems to be second-nature to most of the men in the BB House. After viewing a montage on a video of all this disrespect taking place, I felt physically sick to my stomach. I am a 59 year old white female who has had high hopes for the future that some day bigotry and racism will be a thing of the past, because each generation will grow beyond present close-mindedness. Additionally, the young men in BB House (particularly Spencer) are shockingly vulgar and disrespectful, and I am heart-sick that they might even represent a small sampling of today’s young men. It seems Elissa, who most BB residents are trying to get rid of, is among the more upstanding folks. I hope that ultimately Howard or Helen win this season of Big Brother. And may God bless us all, if this is the state of our young people, we are all in trouble and the future is bleak.
If you go on youtube you can see Jeremy and Aaryn laughing about how they cheated and another video clearly shows them cheating. Come on CBS, open your eyes.
I’m going to check that out and if they did cheat why hasn’t TPTB called them out on it. Are they building up the hate factor among the fans against them? Will they call them out right before eviction and start over? This could be a ploy with some interesting side effects.
This may not be a popular entry but as a long time fan of BB and as someone who has watched after dark for a number of years. I admit the new cast is the worst by far. I just want to remind everyone of the stuff that has gone on in the past. Jesse and his mouth, even fan favorites like Rachel, Boogie and Evil Dick had their moments of racism, bigotry and or bullying. Does anyone remember Natalie in BB8, If I remeber corectly she had a few precious moments that summer. This is a social experiment and some in the house this year have failed and failed miserably. They will get theirs upon exit of the house by all who find this stuff offensive like myself. Those that call for the removal of the offenders from the house fail to get the purpose of the game. I am glad CBS aired some of the material (although a milked down version of what is going on). Let’s just remember that the house brings out the real person in every player. Good or bad that is why you watch the show.
Well said.
I am a white middle class woman who was born and raised in Texas. It makes me sick to think that people assume that because Aaryn is from Texas that is why this hate spews from her mouth. My parents/family raised me to respect those around me and those who are different from me. What I have seen take place in the BB house this year is not okay. She does not represent me. I am also a member of the Cherokee Nation (though not enough to claim legally). Jeremy is an embarrassment as well.
People should consider that when you are in a fishbowl, unfortunately you no longer represent just yourself. Others are lumped in with you…that’s just the way society works. I wonder how their families feel about the way they have represented themselves on BB.
“When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice.” – Cherokee quote
jbo, It’s not a Texas thing or southern thing it’s just pure ignorance, that’s all. I’m from NJ and we don’t act like the schmucks you saw on Jersey Shore. You can’t lump everyone together because of their location. Love Texas by the way!!!!
I am from Texas and am truly embarrassed for the parents of these children. Because that is what they are, uneducated children. I am ashamed that these are people representing my state. Texas is full of kind, generous, loving people. We were raised to be respectful to our elders and to treat others as we wanted to be treated. I don’t have the live feed, but have watched BBAD in the past. I was really anger that they took it off ShowTime, bc I don’t get the new channel. However, after this display I can live without After Dark. Janet, I really have missed your insight on all of the shenanigans.
I really like your quote. Beautiful. And rest assured that not all of us think that Aaryn represents the entire population of Texas. You’re living proof that there are good people there also.
Exactly jbo! It is not acceptable behavior and that some people shrug it off like it’s common behavior in any area is NOT okay.
Thank you for sharing the beautiful quote 🙂
When BB first started, I noticed that it was like a microcosm of real life. There are people just like each and every HG walking around in your neighborhood or in your workplace. They may hide the worst parts of them unless they are in the company of people they know feel the same. I certainly would not lump all Texans in the category with Aaryn. That would be as stupid as her points of view. These young people learned to feel that way and talk that way by growing up in a family that feels and talks that way. Unfortunately, even though we would like to believe that racism and bigotry is a thing of the past, it’s still very alive, especially in homes where it has been handed down from generation to generation. Hopefully, someday, some of these people will break away from their family’s views and form their own views based on the way the world should be. As for the treatment of women, I think it has gotten better than it was when I was a young woman, but I always kind of resented the men going to watch football while the women, cooked, served and cleaned up after every Thanksgiving dinner. I don’t think that has changed much either. It sounds like a petty complaint, but it’s just one example of the ideas that are planted in people’s brains from the time their feet hit the floor. I pray that things will change and we can eventually all respect each other and even admire our differences. I don’t want to live with a city of people who are exactly like me. Does anyone?
jbo, Wa do.
There is nothing to be proud of regarding CBS and Big Brother. If the British press didn’t originally print the racism and homophobic comments, then the US outlets wouldn’t have jumped on. CBS/BB only reacted to the situation after the pressure mounted.
As far a Julie Chen, she waits to season 15 to take a stand? As was pointed out earlier, there have been several episodes of bad behavior in the past.
Remember that BB chose these people. They want conflict and drama. Looks like they are getting closer to the more low level individuals that MTV would hire for a “reality” show.
After CBS released the producers comments that they do not condon the statements of these three racial idiots, then stated to some effect, it was a reality show when the unexpected can happen. The Producers and CBS absolutly condon this racial attitude by these idiots. They kick off contestants for fighting, yet accept racism as part of this show. The Producers and CBS Executives are the true idiots by not removing these three from the show. Sure it may affect the ratings, but the moral thing to do is kick them off this show. If CBS does nothing about this racism, next season will be worse. Julie Chen you deserve much better respect by your bosses. BUT WITH COPORATE AMERICA IT IS ALL ABOUT THE MONEY, RIGHT CBS? CBS DO THE MORAL AND RIGHT THING AND GET THESE RACISTS FROM EXPANDING THEIR PERSONAL AGENDA OF RACIAL SUPREMACIY IN AMERICA.
I have always watched BBafterdark and I also agree this is the worst group ever. I have never watch a bunch of slobs like this. They can’t eat without food falling out of their mouths.If they work like they clean up after themselves I don’t want to visit the business they work for.