TV Tuesday: Teri Hatcher and the Political Process

By Joshua Errett

We live in an age of information technology where the influence of television appears quaint; it’s nice to speak of the latest Millionaire show or who is f-ing who on the Bachelor. But if we were to take sides with media critic Neil Postman, these sorts of things would be taken up as political issues. Postman notes that Americans, through political process, rejected new technology of supersonic transport planes (SSTs) in the 70’s because they were unnecessary. Perhaps the same public debate should take place in broadcasting: Do we need reality programming? Are the Idol-type shows becoming too much of a burden on our society? Why does Missy Elliot always have a lollipop in her mouth? These questions might be better answered in political forum, where we can evaluate what effect they will have on society.
Case in point: On Feb. 13, 2005, Teri Hatcher, playing the character Susan Mayer on Desperate Housewives, evoked a tremendously positive response with her low-cut, thigh-high, shiny silver Valentine’s dress. In fact, the uproar over Hatcher’s sultry outfit – almost two weeks after the fact – has not ceased. If a referendum were held on the subject, it’s almost certain that most Canadians would vote in favour of Hatcher wearing the dress again. In order to put a check on the break-neck speed of television production and programming, perhaps this sort of public engagement is necessary. We certainly hold these open discussions when it comes to what is morally appropriate for television, so why can’t we talk about what is intellectually appropriate?
On TV tonight: the Royal Family on CBC and the Raptors in the swamp to see their old buddy Vince Carter.