"There is difference and there is power. And who holds the power decides the meaning of the difference." --June Jordan

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Simpsons deemed unfit for Venezuelan television

But know what show is apparently A-OK?

Baywatch.

That's right. Baywatch.

CARACAS (Reuters) - Venezuela has forced U.S. cartoon "The Simpsons" off its airwaves, calling the show a potentially bad influence on children, and filled its morning slot with reruns of the beach-and-bikini show "Baywatch."

Since when is a show known for its female characters running on the beach in skimpy swimsuits less offensive than a satire-filled comedy containing one of the few feminist characters on television?

4 comments:

Clayton said...

It seems kind of obvious to me actually. Think about it. You're running a third world country. You don't want the peasants getting any ideas. What's more subversive? Simpsons or Baywatch?

Tracey said...

The substitution isn't unexpected, but that doesn't stop it from being nauseating.

Clayton said...

I can buy that, although I find it more ironic.

Nina said...

Hi... I just came across your blog. My name is Andreína Rancel and I´m a Venezuelan blogger.

Indeed, blame it on Chavez. Clayton hit the jackpot with that answer. "Our" president controls pretty much every institution and three years ago passed a bill that, through CONATEL, which is the organisation that regulates (censors) all TV and radio programming, would allow him to make that kind of changes.

The Simpsons is perceived as subversive while Baywatch poses no threat whatsoever to our minds... according to him.

Right now, what you have to understand is that we are fighting for liberty for ALL. Men and women alike. Equal rights for men and women have taken a second place because we now debate on equal rights for the supporters of Chavez´ regime vrs. those of us against him.

Thanks! I´ll keep reading your blog, for sure!

PS: it is nauseating.