Sorry fans, but I hate "The Office." And it's not that it's not funny. It's true that if it were funny enough, I could probably overlook the things that I hate about it, but my major argument doesn't lie in it's humor value. I hate the mediocrity. I recognize that from the outset, the appeal of the entire show lies in its mediocrity. None of the characters are overwhelmingly successful or attractive. We can identify with them and match them up with people we know in real life. We appreciate their quirks and bad tastes and experience their flawed humanity.
But as the popularity of the series has increased, the mediocrity of the characters has become praised and glamorized. I've heard it said that "not every boy can be as perfect as Jim" and that "I need to find a girl like Pam."
Yes, they may appeal to us as friends, but, do we really want to emulate them? Yes, we all want to marry someone we can laugh with, but what about the substance of a relationship that enjoys undisclosed honesty, hard work, chastity, and sobriety? What has happened to the celebration of really romantic couples who did great things like Marie and Pierre Curie or Abigail and John Adams? What has happened to the admiration of the passion between lovers like Romeo and Juliet?
I think as a society, we've become cynical; the success of "The Office" illustrates how well-accepted this cynicism has become.
10 comments:
well said!!! it is funny, but I hate it.
hear hear!
I have only watched a couple of episodes. I just like how they put desk things in Jell-O molds. Hah!
AMEN.
I now understand your opinion Of The Office! Very articulate! I am impressed. Laura, thanks for the clarity.
Hmmm. I've never been able to put my finger on it quite like that ... and it extends to most every show on television these days.
Hooray for laura and jared being together!!
wow! i thought everyone would be angry! thanks andrea! it is so wonderful to have him here.
yeah I hate the office too. I used to watch the English version back when I was living in England and I enjoyed that one but I hate the office here. It makes me cringe to watch it. My husband likes it but I make him watch it on his own time!
I think it's had some wonderful writing moments. It's too bad it took the prime-time spot of "The Curies." I loved episodes of those crazy French scientists and their quirky experiments. Of course, I refer to the French version of the show and not the knock-off American one because I was cool before cool was cool.
mike, you're never gonna see this, but i just died rereading your comment.
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