TV

Usually, I don’t have that much time to watch TV but sometimes I try to watch some programs and series to get to know how the American society functions.

I don’t have a cable service. So all the channels I can get through the antenna on my TV are the main local channels like 6abc, CBS3, NBC10, Fox 29, MyPhl17, CW-Philly and some other religious and commercial TV stations.

The kinds of programs I see here are almost 100 percent different than the ones I used to watch in the Arab World.

Unlike some of the famous programs like Oprah and Dr. Phil which are also broadcasted on Arab channels, there are some programs that are far from being mentioned. I like watching some of them while I feel disgusted when I see the others.

My favorite channel that I always switch on the TV at is MyPhl17. It’s the kind of channel that mainly presents entertainment. Friends, Will & Grace, and According to Jim are my most favorite TV shows ever. I used to watch them on the Saudi-funded and Dubai-based MBC4, except for “Will & Grace” which contains “gay” stories that are completely forbidden on most-if not all- of the Arab channels.

One of the programs that drew my attention lately is called “Cheaters.com”. From CHEATERS^® surveillance cameras, people are able to view actual true stories, filmed live, documenting the pain of a spouse or lover caused by infidelity. This show revolves around spouses, boyfriends, girlfriends and fiancées who have sought the help of "Cheaters" private investigation services to find out if their partners are really cheating or not.

The program is hosted by Joey Greico and each week features a new tormented male or female who waits for the results of surveillance done on his/her partner by the "Cheaters" secret cameras. As expected, the act of infidelity is proven and, after showing the betrayed guy or gal with grainy, poor quality footage of their sweetheart's unfaithfulness, Greico and the betrayed lover go to confront the person in question.

I liked this show because it makes a change! It helps reveal secrets.

However, there are other programs on the same channel that I really don’t like. One of them is called “Jerry Springer”.

Before I go to work or school every morning, I turn on the TV as I have my little breakfast hoping I could see something that may make my day. It strikes me to see this “Jerry Springer” is broadcasted at 8 or 9 a.m. every morning showing all these men and women fighting each other like animals.

Unlike Cheaters.com, Oprah or Dr. Phil, Jerry Spring’s show reveal problems of cheaters, spouses, relatives and others in a very disgusting way which is by letting the two parts fight each other on the stage while a dozens-people audience shout and scream as if they are watching a kickboxing game.

In one scene, I remember Spring presenting a man who cheated on his wife five times. This man came to the studio to apologize to his wife. The wife and the mistress met up there as well. They were indulged in a sever fight that is even worse than the ones I saw in a cockfight. They tore the clothes of each other in front of the audience making people jump out of happiness to see the boobs and the nipples of these two women whose man was standing at the corner proud of what he has created.

In another scene, a woman challenged a man that she could show her boobs live in front of the camera and she did it. She kept her T-shirt up for few minutes letting people enjoy looking at them as they whistled and clapped.

I really don’t know what to make of that image. It was supposed to be sexy. I found it disgusting instead of sexy. What kind of woman does that on air? I think it’s better to get some porn magazines or websites to enjoy cool sex images. At least women there know what they are doing!

In the middle of all of these disgusting footages, Jerry Springer moves happily joking and laughing at the absurdity of the stories he brought to his show. I maybe the only one who feels that this show is so frustrating and disgusting despite the fact that women tear clothes and fight in a very sexy way. For me, women should be more respected that being shown in such a cheap way. Thanks to Oprah and Dr. Phil who present real problems in a very respectful ways.

baghdadtreausre@gmail.com