As someone who watches both "Greek" and "Gossip Girl", I agree that two send pretty awful messages and both are definitely shows that I do not want to model my life around in any way, nor do I think that anyone else should model their lives based upon the lives of the people depicted on these shows.
However, I find those who criticize others for watching these shows to be extremely judgmental and presumptuous. I'm sure there are many who watch these shows because they think that drinking and partying hard and joining the Greek life are great things to do in college, but I also know many who watch these shows in the same spirit that people read dime novels, fashion magazines, or play Runescape. They are a way to unwind from a hectic day. For anyone to turn their nose up at those who just want to relax and step outside their own world and their own problems for an hour or two is rude at the very least.
And of course there is better and more intellectual TV out there. But who's to say that you can't watch shows like "Greek" and also tune into Democracy Now! You shouldn't have to apologize for the TV shows, music, movies, board games, food, online role playing games, etc. that you like. So stop judging people based on a few of their interests. It's just not cool.
As someone who watches both
As someone who watches both "Greek" and "Gossip Girl", I agree that two send pretty awful messages and both are definitely shows that I do not want to model my life around in any way, nor do I think that anyone else should model their lives based upon the lives of the people depicted on these shows.
However, I find those who criticize others for watching these shows to be extremely judgmental and presumptuous. I'm sure there are many who watch these shows because they think that drinking and partying hard and joining the Greek life are great things to do in college, but I also know many who watch these shows in the same spirit that people read dime novels, fashion magazines, or play Runescape. They are a way to unwind from a hectic day. For anyone to turn their nose up at those who just want to relax and step outside their own world and their own problems for an hour or two is rude at the very least.
And of course there is better and more intellectual TV out there. But who's to say that you can't watch shows like "Greek" and also tune into Democracy Now! You shouldn't have to apologize for the TV shows, music, movies, board games, food, online role playing games, etc. that you like. So stop judging people based on a few of their interests. It's just not cool.