Read the following article. Please respond with the answer to this question:
What does the creation of a show like this one say about our country and the class system?
Remember for full credit, you must PRINT OUT THE ARTICLE AND BRING IT TO CLASS!
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/11/weekinreview/11stanleywir.html?ref=weekinreview
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It demonstrates that our country is obsessed with the media, celebrities, and others' private lives. It also demonstrates people's urge to watch something that seems realistic and honest. But, the example of hooters deonstrates our obsession with sexual behavior and all things "sexy." These reality television shows are exposing and humiliating some of the members on the show in the process.
ReplyDeleteBut, I do agree that Undercover Boss is a reminder of peoples' hesitation to provoke authority in tough times, because that happens in daily society with economic crisis.
-Lorina Kegler
We are a profit-seeking society. As the economic status of our country has continually depleted, the media has increasingly taken advantage of the emotional instability of Americans. This show taps into the fantasy of everyday working people; the belief that "good work, once noticed, will not go unrewarded." The media knows that in this financial period, their viewers do not want to see innocent people being fired on the Donald Trump show, therefore they conform to the money-making fantasy of society. America is extremely Darwinistic, doing whatever is necessary in order to consistently succeed in this nation.
ReplyDeleteFor the record, I love "Undercover Boss," and yes, I am one of those dedicated viewers that has caused this show to surpass "Desperate Housewives."
This article says that the show "Under Boss" is an exploitation of the class system created by the financial hardships that many working-class Americans are facing as a result of the economic crisis.
ReplyDeleteI strongly disagree. I believe that the show (which I have seen several times) is beautiful. I laugh when big, black-suited, and fancy tie executives are put to shame when they cannot handle the jobs they perceived to be simple. It warms my heart when they climb down the ladder and give to those under them on the chain of command.
I do, however, agree with the assertion that nothing significant seems to change after the executives leave. They appear to have a deeper understanding of the work that their employees do, but they don't seem to make any promises about wages or working conditions. BUT, we do not know what happens after the cameras leave.
With changes of heart and perspective such as those reflected on the show, they may very well take what they have learned back to the board room and makes changes. Furthermore, anything that brings such comfort to the average worker, and makes them feel appreciated at little expense to anyone else, is a beautiful thing in my eyes.
Lastly, this show demonstrates the fact that there is a class system by nature, that some company executives are attempting to defy.
(P.S. Lorina, I do not really think it prods into the people's lives too deeply because the show is meant to reflect the struggle of the average worker)
-Talayne Gardiner
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ReplyDeleteThe creation of a show like “Undercover Boss” says that our country is one based off of making a profit. The media creates shows like this to show what goes on in the working world that we don’t know about. It is easy for American citizens to relate to a show such as this because they may face the same issues these workers face in their own jobs. I don’t feel that the show is an exploitation of the class system at all. I think that it sheds light on an issue that many American citizens face.
ReplyDeleteI also watch this show and feel that it is great for the executives of these companies to spend a day in the workers’ shoes and see how these managers treat their employees.
The creation of shows like "Undercover Boss" shows that our society is one that finds comedy in people's hardships. All reality shows attract people because they are full of arguments, fights, and other types of controversy that people find to be humorous. Since these television shows are reality, or at least claim to be, it is easy for people to relate to them. While watching a show that you can draw parralles to your everyday life, people find humor in situations that are very serious because they are watching from the outside in and it has no effect on their lives. The creation of reality programs shows that executives will promote any show in order to gain profit because reality shows feed of off people's want to see controversy.
ReplyDeleteThe show titled "Undercover Boss" is an interesting one. Its primary purpose is to showcase how the boss's of various companies would feel if they we're put in the same shoes as their employees and vice versa. Although this is a great idea for a show, it draws the world's attention further away from the problems that we're facing in the real world.
ReplyDeleteI believe that this show does indeed exploit one of many flaws that the basic working classes face, which is that lower employees working for certain businesses and corporations are sometimes made to do twice the work for the monthly minimum wage pay check. The bosses saw this and the type of changes they sometimes made really showed their class bias. For the camera they saw the working class. Our country is simply too focused on the media and instead of helping one another find financial stability we instead the medias interpretation on this show of the working class giving us an understanding that is elusive to helping the working class. Whatever their objective was I don't feel that they accomplished it.
-Jay Carter
The creation of shows like "Undercover Boss" allows its views to see the reality of what goes on behind the doors of our working class. I believe the purpose of the show was to raise awareness of whats really taking place within the work field and expose what's not seen and told. However, by this being a reality show the audience is really appealed with the drama that comes along and bypass the overall message of the show.
ReplyDeleteThe show does reach out to a number of Americans because many can relate because they're either dealing or dealt with the same issue but many Americans also watch it for the entertain me and amusement. The show is something positive and says that there are a handful of Americans that do care but for the ones that watch for the enjoyment says that Americans are self-centered.
-Asia
I feel a show like "Undercover Boss" is making a mockery of the working class Americans, and shows that our society finds their hardships humorous. Drama is a main factor that attracts viewers to television shows. Shows like the "Bad Girls Club", "Flavor of Love", and even "The Biggest Loser", are all intended to have a positive purpose but only grow in ratings when the cast is either arguing or fighting.
ReplyDeleteIn regards to "Undercover Boss", what goes on in my mind, even though I have not seen the show, I'm thinking "what is going to happen to the boss?" If the boss gets mistreated or placed with harsh conditions some viewers may find it horrible, and some viewers, unfortunately , find it comical. But television, like books,video games, and music, are all outlets fro actual reality, that viewers watch to escape the real world. I enjoy shows that reveal truths and express comedy, even though the integrity and perception of those portrayed on the screen are being mocked or disowned.
The creation of a show like "Undercover Boss" shows that there is an evident lack of communication between the corporate heads and execs of companies and the 'lowly worker'. This show serves as the startling implication that there are two seperate worlds within one single business: the world of the 'suit and tie' executives, and the world of the workers. What is even more startling is the idea that the corporate heads are so suprised at the labor of some of their employees. How is a business effective when the heads of said businesses are so far (mentally and physically) away from their employees? Where is the communication?.
ReplyDeleteTherefore, it is implied that our country does not care about unimportant aspects of social life, like effective communication, when there are more important things, like making money that need to be placed first.It is also implied that average individuals and thier jobs are worthy of being presented in the media for entertainment purposes.However, I believe that there shouldn't have to be a television show that bridges the communication gap between employees and thier bosses, this gap shouldv'e been bridged before.
A show such as Undercover Boss makes our country seem like a capitalist country only being concerned about money, power and the media. This show says about our country is that we believe that the head boss of the companies such as 1-800-flowers are positive and actually care about their workers when in fact, they probably want to get famous and up their sales for their company by pretending to be nice and generous to their workers. This says about our country that we seem to not care about the salary promotion they may get instead we care of a week vacation that will not pay bills, feed their children for the rest of the year or put clothes on their families back for the rest of the year.
ReplyDeleteThe show "Undercover Boss" says that our country value protecting the higher class using the media to make the higher class such as the CEO's of these companies come off as helpful to the middle and lower class when in need and actually giving a care about the people in the lower class and their needs when before the show, the CEO's most likely didn't care about their workers or their needs.
First, I must say that this show is hilarious to me but at the same time I hate the show. it's entertaining in a way because the undercover boss isnt as qualified as they're portayed to be but its quite sad how decietful or society can be. The undercover boss is usually the head of the corporation being featured in the show and is thought to be the most qulaified, so they say, but when their undercover they go from the top to the bottom, literally. Bosses become employees and are put to work not behind the desk like their used to but to labor work for the corporation. What's funny to me is, not only do they NOT qualify with their 3 piece suits and business degrees but physically and mentally their unable to get the job done. It's rediculous that the people making the greatest profit from corporations, cant even handle the labor work. The executives are above others and because some may not have the "qualifications" of an executive, their forced to work long hours for low pay. This show sheds the light on what really takes place behind the scenes.
ReplyDeleteThe creation of this show is an implication of how shady our country and class system can be. Greed is the image that our country reflects, due to the fact that we are as my fellow classmate mentioned, a profit-seeking society. By any means necessary, there is an obligation to Americans to get money some kind of way, no matter what circumstances. As a result of our economic state as a country, the media feeds off of the fact that people are in an emotional state because of the plunge into instability. Media portrayal has such an affect on people because of its manipulative content. The media advertises "reality" television series to draw in its audience to believe it is real, when really it isnt. Although I find the show funny,I dont see the point of it because nothing changes after the executives leave. There is no change in the wages or anything of that nature, all the show does is manipulate the viewers into believing that executives are concerned about the laber workers of these corporations when really their not. Their only focus is to make sure that these people continue doing their jobs so the company wont fall. Sure they show footage of the executives doing the work and they act as if they care and mirror an image of gratitude but at the end nothing changes. Executives will continue to get recognition and hardworkers that are the legs of these large corporations will remain unknown.
Television shows like "Undercover Boss" shows the public what goes on behind closed doors. This tells that our country is based on profiting, that's all they're worried about. They bring out shows like this to catch viewers attentions, they bring out stuff that they know will attract people, because some probably have faced the same experience as those on that tv show.
ReplyDeleteWhen shows like that come out, they do it because they want to make money, they know that if they bring out something interesting that others can relate to, they will get a lot of views. The whole purpose of shows like this is to show how people are easily distracted by others lives This demonstrates that our country is not focused and that they will do whatever it is to promote and air programs such as "undercover boss". They do this to only profit and not focus on the main problem because they know that the people will continue to watch it for personal benefit because it grabs their attention, and not because it explains hardship, or difficulty that some face in doing their job.
- Tara Harris....♥
The creation of a show like "Undercover Boss" really shows the extreme lack of connection between the everyday working class citizen, and the white collar corporate leaders. The blatant class difference results in a lack of communication between the boss's and the actual workers.This results in many workers feeling that their needs aren't met, because they are working in harsh and often strenuous positions.
ReplyDeleteThe disconnect between the "top and bottom" in this show serves as eye opening evidence to the problems with major corporations. The heads are not even aware of their workers working conditions and situations.Nothing can be run effectively (especially a business) that doesn't have effective communication on all levels. America I feel sadly is based off of survival of the fittest, and those who prospere sometimes don't understand the struggle of those who aren't. I think the humility and exposure that this show generates is great.
The creation of shows such as "Undercover Boss" shows that people enjoy watching people struggle and face many hardships. This reflects on how our society is based on seperation. People rather laugh at the horrible situations that others are in rather than help them. The show itself demonstrates how the proletariat are the people doing the actual work. The higher class only give orders and profit while we beneath are fed crumbs from their buffet table- which we've prepared! This is made evident by the Bosses having no clue how to handle the labor that they order others to do. This class system is illogical and only benefit few. Pitiful.
ReplyDeleteThe success of the show “Undercover Boss” is a sign of the desperation of the American people. In more prosperous eras it has been a popular belief in America that the good, hardworking citizen will be rewarded. As this comforting concept has been shot through by the current economic upheaval, people are grasping for reassurance that the morals maxims they hold dear still exist. Undercover Boss caters to this need by fostering the illusion of a morally governed world in which your boss actually cares (ha!) and nice guys really do finish first.
ReplyDeleteThe fact that a show so focused on the disparity of working conditions between classes has found such a large receptive audience is also very telling. Americans have always had a notoriously vague sense of class hierarchy, some scholars even proposing that it doesn’t exist in American society. That we are now embracing the idea that a formal class system exists is evidence that our confidence in our standing as socially equal citizens has been degraded.
The Reality show "Undercover Boss" highlights America's class system. We pride ourselves in being a country that affords its citizens an "equal oppurtunity". However, to those of us not resting in the top one percent of America's wealthy, we know that this is not the case.
ReplyDeleteThis show makes a clear distinction between CEO's and their employees. It portrays the CEO's as all powerful men with the power to give rewards to whomever they choose. In contrast, it portrays the employees as being lower, and less fortunate. Although they are not as monetarily endowed as the CEO's, they are making a living just fine.
While there is absolutely nothing wrong with honoring honest, hardwork, I feel that there is something wrong with honoring those who honor such acts. Why should us viewers praise CEO's for doing what they already should have been doing? Taking care of the workers who are the steady lifeline of their corporations. This show proves Ms. Stanley's claim, the author of "Reality TV That Puts the boss in Meek"s, Clothing", that "in bad times, people are less eager to confront or provoke authority", and that inseatd they look for "strokes of luck" instead of making their own luck. -Monique Mitchell
The show "Undercover Boss" is new to me. I've yet to watch an episode. That leaves me wondering what all the fuss is about. Luckily the article informed me and I learned enough to answer the very interesting question: What does the creation of a show like this one say about our country and the class system?
ReplyDeleteNow that "Reality" TV is so popular it isn't surprising to find any sort of television show about anything or anyone on the tube's we all watch. This time it happens to allow us to see C.E.O.'s work like the menials. It's important that the C.E.O.'s do get placed in others shoes for a change so they can see what it's like for their lowliest employees.
The creation of the show "Undercover Boss" says this about our country: One, like Sundae mentioned, we're a profit-seeking society. And two, in America both executives and workers aren't even aware of each other. The workers have no clue who's above them. Is this good, or bad? Personally, I think it's bad. But it's also fascinating to be able to see the executive's experience and how the policy they enact affects the workers.
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ReplyDeleteThe creation of a show like "Undercover Boss" reflects upon our society in such a fashion that proves to many average workers working those grudgingly demeaning jobs that the corporate "heads" do, indeed, care about their workers. It proves to everyone watching the show that there are redeemable qualities to working blue-collar jobs, such as your boss wearing a uniform and trudging around in the mud with you.
ReplyDeleteHowever, this widens the gap between our already prominent class system. It sends a message to the average workers that says, "Don't flatter yourself. This is the ONLY time a corporate head will trade his suit in for a worker's uniform, and it's for national television...not you". However, I do applaud the heads' valiant efforts to even appear as if they understand the struggles of the common man. I would just tell them to be happy they HAVE jobs, as there are thousands of unemployed people that we are still trying to figure out what to do with. :-p
The show "Undercover Boss" highlights the lack of communication in big companies between workers and their bosses. It sheds light on the fact that a lot of the companies CEOs and owners do not really have what it takes nor do they fully understand what their employees have to do and endure on an everyday basis. As a viewer, the vacations and gift certificates are a nice gesture to make to an employee as one of the top leaders in a company, but I have yet to see more than that be done in order to really make a difference in the employees lives. So far, I have seen only two episodes in which there has been more than a gift or vacation rewarded. In America we tend to think more about the work that employees can do to bring us money and there isn't a lot of focus on what the working conditions are or how much they get paid. This show gives the public an opportunity to see it all, from what happens in th boardrooms to what happens in the work area. And we also get to see those tender and caring moments in which the employess share their stories with the boss and when they get taken care of after the revealing. And for some companies we can see that the boss isn't so heartless or as we thought, they were just misinformed.
ReplyDeleteCreating shows like "Undercover Boss" sheds light on our working society. It also shows all the measures we would take as a country in order to make a profit and also the lack of communication that occurs between many bosses and their workers. They continue to mke television shows such as "Undercover Boss" because they know that people will continue to watch it for their own enjoyment regardless if it is beneficial to the people that are on there.
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