Tv's Callous Neglect Of Working Class America Summary

In the article “TV’s Callous Neglect of Working- Class America” written by Noel Murray explains the modern day TV shows un-relatable plots to Americans today. Murray describes how shows in the ‘50s through the ‘90s were relatable to Americans and how they lived their lives. The TV shows then were able to get such great reviews because the jobs the actors had in the shows were average money making jobs. The characters are meticulously when it came to how they used the money they earned. However, as the years have passed, the shows that are on today are not as relatable to Americans. The shows express the fantasy, perfect life that everyone strives to have, but in reality, it is not possible for every family. The programs on today do not convey the difficulties that average Americans face each day, causing the shows to become more and more relatable to average TV viewers.
Murray is arguing in this article that the shows on today are not portraying the real situations that families are forced to deal with in life. Almost all shows on today are scripted. The actors in fake family TV shows try come together to be a real life family, but it does not portray a real family at all. For the most part, all the adults in the shows have jobs,

but it does not show the difficulties they encounter and whether they make enough money at their jobs to function in the society. The TV shows are not displaying the struggle that some families face when they must find a way to put food on the table everyday. As well as pay for the place they are staying in, or how they have to pay for the clothes they have. TV viewers today are having a difficult time watching these fake families on TV living their nearly perfect lives.
When there are real people on shows, they get turned into characters by the shows producers.

TV shows like Survivor and The Amazing Race are just a few game shows that are different than the average sitcom on today. As soon as the people on these game shows begin to mention their beliefs and how they impact their lives, Murray describes the producers as being “afraid to push too far whenever the people in front of the cameras start mentioning God or values.” The producers are careful to not reveal too many of their beliefs, because it “would get in the way of the game.” Real life connections and beliefs should be present because TV viewers can relate. They have meaning, unlike fake, scripted shows that hid the reality of the real

world.
That is why Murray brings up the show The Middle. The show’s plot and real life connections has what Murray argues every show should have. Relatable aspects that makes the show seem like a real life family that could be found here in America. A middle class family with average jobs. A family that has just enough stuff that their money can afford. Murray describes that the reason that this show has been airing for 8 seasons is because it is relatable to the average American viewer. Within the last year, Murray mentions that the show Atlanta is looking to be one of the “most promising new series.” Just like The Middle, this new show portrays that jobs, money, and time and are woven together as one. How hopeful wants and mandatory needs are twisted together.
Murray is correct in believing that TV shows must show what Americans are faced with, not unrealistic, fantasy situations. The more shows show unrealistic living conditions, the less the viewers on TV will be interested in the series. Murray leaves the readers with the idea that if TV shows acknowledge the reality that most Americans are faced with each day, then people from different living conditions could actually connect with one another more. TV views would be able to relate more on are what makes everyone similar than all the differences they have.