Director's cut — October 2005

October 1, 2005 by Tara Brabazon

Greetings to members and lurkers.

Finally, after so much tragedy during the last twelve months, October seemed quiet in comparison. While the news has been haunting, much of television has been dire this year. The ridiculous reality television programmes where overweight 'competitors' are tested and attacked is not only corrosive to the self of participants, but effects how every single one of us thinks about ourselves and the right to judge others.

Throughout 2005, it has seemed not only possible, but popular to say the unsayable, to ridicule those who are already doing it tough. My hope for popular culture as we move through the end of this year and the start of a new one is that civility, respect and compassion will again become part of television. There has almost been a conscious will to see those with dignity and integrity brought down by the loud, the rich and the (over)confident.

Popular culture — at its best — must challenge us to think differently, not reinforce our oppressions and prejudice. Thankfully, through music and documentaries in particular, new spaces are being formed for not only resistance but alternative views, voices and visions. May such spaces expand and flourish.

See you in November.

T XXX

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