Dumbing Down

How successful do you think that dumbing down has been been over the past 20 years or so?

Do you find yourself watching a TV programme -and from the content or style of presentation- thinking that this could not possibly be aimed at anyone over the age of ten?

I could make a list - but I fear that I would run out of space.

Kevin

 

Hard to say, I only usually watch one program a day and I normally skip thru the bits I know.

 

I don't have a TV but I think most programs are angled in such a way as to be understood by everyone aren't they?

 

Dumbing down has been VERY successful!!!!!!!!!!!!! which is why I pick and choose what programmes I watch!!!! most of the stuff is too stupid to be tolerated!!!

Val

 

Not quite sure which programmes/genre (or provider/s) you are alluding to Could you be a little more specific?

@Lea makes a valid point that programmes need to be aimed at their target market and understood by those who choose (or not!) to watch them.

I recall watching a certain "comedy" programme, aired early evening, (enormously popular/successful, if the ratings were meant to be an indication - back in the days of only 3 channels to choose from ) and cringing at the utter stupidity of the main character! And I was a child! I couldn't believe anyone, *anyone* could be *that* naïve/stupid/thick and worse, that people actually found that condition (if there was one!) in the slightest *amusing* ! And before anyone says it: I do not lack a sense of humour

At that same time though, there were programmes which really captured my interest and I found genuinely absorbing.

As I've aged, I'm far more selective in my viewing: why else would I be here

 

Could not agree more, with both statements.

IF and when I watch anything on TV, it is not usually on the main channels. Various 'aunties' and some cable channels are much better than the 1 channels, (including 'aunties'1).

If anything, apart from the odd comedy or occasional documentary I mostly watch factual programing.

 

Auntie did recently give us a treat with "What Remains" though ... I really enjoyed that! Such a play on words, I *got* it from the start (My lads thought I'd lost the plot when I was repeating the title with differing expressions/emphasis ... until ... the final episode )

Mr "M" has never forgiven me for seeing through "Sixth Sense" within the first few minutes (sans reviews!)

"Factual" programmes (on face value alone) are so subjective though, you still have to be on your guard

 

Watch kids programs on Cbeebies. Some of them are excellent. Look out for Nina and the Neurons, and her spin-off, Brilliant Bodies. All the Mr Bloom programs are excellent too (not the other Mr Bloom from UKIP). Katie is lovely excellently informative to watch too in her cooking programs.

Bob the Builder is good too, but forget Postman Pat SDS (Special Delivery Service). He is a bungling idiot, not the kind of character you want to inspire your kids.

 

Aren't those aimed at the "under 10's" age group though?

I got the impression that the OP was an adult concerned about certain programmes being designed with the mental capacity of an average 10yr old?

With the deepest respect to Bob The Builder ... I'm a bit beyond his ken? (and to be fair to your posting, your judgement of "Katie" is a bit beyond a 10yr olds "thinking" Note: not feeling, just, thinking!) Just saying:

 

Admittedly, although the factual programs I refer to are usually Natural History, sorry should have made that clearer.

 

I was approximately 47.3% joking, although I was serious about Katie, the presenter of "I Can Cook" being lovely.

 

Most programmes on television now are devised for those that aren't capable of putting their brains to better use, which is why mine was shown the door nearly three years ago!