Critical Review of Op-Ed Piece by Ellen Goodman
Published in “The Boston Globe” – June 9, 2006
LINK:
Ellen Goodman’s Boston Globe Op-Ed article, “TV does a favor for female politicians,” begins with a rhetorical question, directing the reader to focus on the disparity between the genders specifically in the work force. This disparity and the scrutiny that women face in the top careers, like that of the Commander in Chief, is her main focus as she discusses the possible reasons for the downfall of ABC’s “Commander in Chief” TV series.
She writes of the potential that the TV series possessed, some believing that it could “hurry up history” and for others, it could “hurry Hilary.” For Americans, there is almost a need to “see it in order to believe it” attitude and she mentions this as there was the hope that "Commander in Chief" could do for women in the Oval Office what "Will and Grace" did for gays in the workforce – the idea being that “see her on TV, see her in real life.”
Her words are direct and poignant and it is her descriptions of the reasons why the TV series failed to get a “second term” that are particularly engaging. As she describes, “if there's a woman behind every great man, the men behind this great woman were her undoing.” From not being able to get the shows done on time to not deciding whether this show was about the First Female leader of the First Mom, this show managed to be jerked around by the network heads until approval ratings “sank to the level of George W. Bush’s.”
Despite the closing of this show, the author is still optimistic that the first female president may no longer have to be too good to be true but if she has any hope of winning, she “just has to be better than the guys running against her.” This seems to be a pretty self-explanatory and simple concept, one leading right into her kicker – reducing what could be a very historical election season down to the premise of a reality TV show – just beat your opponent.
With this idea in mind, especially as the current 2008 elections continue to unfold, it may seem as if it could turn into a reality TV show only the prize that they are fighting for is to be the leader of the United States of America.
3 comments:
Very pertinent article, good choice. You portrayed the article's weakness and strength. Good use of quotes. Overall well written critical defense.
ps happy birthday.
it is funny that you bring into the piece an aspect of reality television. In Jane's critical response this week a certain aspect of reality television is portrayed on the bis screen. Is there no limit to the growth of reality television. i find it a little sad that Americans are watching a show about a possible outcome of a future election. Personally I think Americans are easily mislead and I could defiantly see a propaganda usage to portray a female Commander and Chief in a light that the director views as right. It is a sad statement to make but Americans watch must see T.V. yet change the channel for the presidential debates.
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