Friday Night Lights

Alright, so here goes nothing. 

Not quite sure what exactly should be entailed in these media critiques,

But we are all experimenting right? 

So as of late, my husband and I have been watching Friday Night Lights and pretty much ONLY watching Friday Night Lights.  

He likes the football aspect, 

And I like the drama aspect (naturally). 

Prior to discussing media in the first class lecture, I was definitely the "tuned out" TV watcher.

  

My primary purpose for watching TV was to turn my brain off and unwind from a stressful day. 

Well Not anymore! 

I have since been trying to find potential 'hidden meanings' behind things and subliminal messages behind the things I watch.  

Having a husband studying Advertising, this has been fun for the both of us to do as we are both now very active TV watchers.  

Anywho... Let's get to the real reason for this post.  

Friday Night Lights

Alright so there's love, drama, and football.  Every couple's dream right? 

There's a little bit for everyone! 

Well I have been noticing something.  

All the drama with the men are typically revolved around theft, lying, cheating, and ultimately resulting in issues with the law.  

On the other hand, all the drama seen in the women's lives are all related to their love interests, getting cheated on, cheating themselves, or getting pregnant. 

I mean come on, 3 women in 4 seasons getting pregnant and not one of them intended to... 

This had me thinking of the male and female stereotypes that used to float around during the time this series was especially popular and still being filmed and it pretty much follows those stereotypes perfectly.  

Men always going to prison for this, that and the other thing, fathers leaving their families at home for various reasons, and women are having babies left and right whether intentional or not, with their husbands, or the 'one night stand'.  

I then began thinking of how drastically the stereotypes have changed now. I feel overall, the stereotypes have dissipated quite a bit and there is now more of an equality in men and women.  

Not only in the workforce and entitlement, but also for blame.  Men aren't always seen as the 'bad guy' who leaves their family, but now in TV shows, there are more issues with the law and women at fault and taking the blame for things.  Women are becoming 'equal' in a lot of ways.  

I then also began thinking of my future family and how these stereotypes might even change more in the future, and how they might change.  

Interesting to think about.  

Despite the repetitive methods of drama seen in this series, I don't necessarily consider it bad content to watch, seeing as it is clearly part of history's view on men and women.  

Granted, I am not so sure I would want my future daughters or sons watching it too frequently and thinking that all of the sex and violence and law breaking is 'okay' and how the characters in the series turned out fine.  

So, as a first-timer on analyzing media and how it relates to me, those are my thoughts and feelings.  

Stay tuned for a deep analytical view of the most dramatic series on TV The Bachelor coming later this week ;) 

That's all for now! 

-E.J. Hunt