Spring Break
Bring back shows like "Roseanne"
JT Shroyer
Issue date: 11/18/08 Section: Forum
The middle class may still be around, even if some are only hanging on by a thread. But on TV, shows portraying the middle class have virtually disappeared. Today, we are bombarded by reality shows about the rich and famous showcasing people who are nothing like the typical American family.
For instance, take Paris Hilton's new reality show "My New BFF" or shows like "Desperate Housewives," "The Hills," "Laguna Beach," "My Super Sweet Sixteen" or "Cribs." All of these shows are typically filled with ultra-rich, attractive people who don't have a care in the world.
Unlike Roseanne, Archie Bunker or Al Bundy, they don't worry about making ends meet, clipping coupons or checking every price tag. They seem to have an endless supply of cash, and "spend, baby, spend" is their motto.
As a society, we have become obsessed with those who have an abundance of wealth and privilege to the point of wanting that same life - even if we can't afford it. Maybe the desire to have a little piece of that lifestyle has contributed to many Americans biting off more than they can chew by using credit irresponsibly, as well as buying homes, cars and things they can't afford by adopting a "buy now, pay later" mentality.
At least Roseanne gave us a weekly dose of reality mixed with humor, and I think we were better off for it. Her show grounded us and, for many, made our lives actually look pretty good compared to hers.
For instance, in the show's pilot, the oldest daughter Becky is taking cans of food to school for a food drive and says it's for "poor people," and Roseanne quips back, "Well tell 'em to drive some of that food over here!" Unfortunately, this show probably has more relevance and "realism" in today's economy than back when the show first aired. Roseanne was recently quoted in Entertainment Weekly saying, "I'm very proud of it's timelessness and, you know, the fact that it has a political edge; that it is even more relevant now than it was then."
For instance, take Paris Hilton's new reality show "My New BFF" or shows like "Desperate Housewives," "The Hills," "Laguna Beach," "My Super Sweet Sixteen" or "Cribs." All of these shows are typically filled with ultra-rich, attractive people who don't have a care in the world.
Unlike Roseanne, Archie Bunker or Al Bundy, they don't worry about making ends meet, clipping coupons or checking every price tag. They seem to have an endless supply of cash, and "spend, baby, spend" is their motto.
As a society, we have become obsessed with those who have an abundance of wealth and privilege to the point of wanting that same life - even if we can't afford it. Maybe the desire to have a little piece of that lifestyle has contributed to many Americans biting off more than they can chew by using credit irresponsibly, as well as buying homes, cars and things they can't afford by adopting a "buy now, pay later" mentality.
At least Roseanne gave us a weekly dose of reality mixed with humor, and I think we were better off for it. Her show grounded us and, for many, made our lives actually look pretty good compared to hers.
For instance, in the show's pilot, the oldest daughter Becky is taking cans of food to school for a food drive and says it's for "poor people," and Roseanne quips back, "Well tell 'em to drive some of that food over here!" Unfortunately, this show probably has more relevance and "realism" in today's economy than back when the show first aired. Roseanne was recently quoted in Entertainment Weekly saying, "I'm very proud of it's timelessness and, you know, the fact that it has a political edge; that it is even more relevant now than it was then."
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