*This is long. So don’t bother reading it if you don’t have 3 minutes, or a listening ear for my personal triumph.
All growing up, I never watched TV for one simple reason: we didn’t have one. Then I went to college, my friend Sara showed me an episode of the Office, I thought it was super funny, I got the 1-month free Netflix trial, and I was hooked. Suddenly, I had instant access to a delightfully relaxing and humorous form of entertainment. So of course I had to get my own Netfix account after the trial ended. …
Michael Scott: World’s Best Boss?
The Office was really funny. Really funny. I’m sure I can’t appreciate it as much as someone like my dad, because I haven’t actually worked in an office, but I know that’s a big part of the humor. The whole “mockumentary” deal is what really got me. I could at least understand that they were making fun of reality TV, and doing it in a very expert sort of way.
Why is Kelly standing on a chair?
As the show went on, and the characters became more developed, and we grew to love Pam and Jim, hate Meredith and Angela, and groan at every single thing Michael and Dwight ever did or said, that became the real draw, because we knew the characters well enough to predict what they would do, and laugh at their occasional/ frequent stupidity/ absurdity. This is an example of how attached to the characters one can become. And that is why I loved the show so much: I knew the characters so well that it was just kind of enjoyable to watch whatever random and ridiculous things they did.
Pam and Jim: one of the greatest couples of all time.
Unfortunately, as may or may not be inevitable at this day in age, the dry humor wasn’t enough to keep a wide enough audience, so drastic measures had to be taken. Of course the obvious answer would be to entertain the crazy viewers of our day, who require humor of a most distasteful range.
Blast.
My inner struggle can only be imagined. Ooh, that’s pretty bad. Dwight! Agh! Don’t be the moron that you are! Ahh! Look away! YES! Pam and Jim! Finally! Whoa. Meredith. Whoa. Andy is the best! I love Kevin! Ohhhh Michael. Oh wow. Hahahahahaha!
That’s the way it went over. Cognitive dissonance in a major way.
And so I’ve come to a new resolve. And this is it:
“I love the Office and I think it’s really funny. However, much of the humor is inappropriate, and it’s gotten wrse as the show has gone on. I remain uncomfortable with that kind of humor, and to prevent further exposure, I deem it wise to entertain myself with alternate shows and/ or (preferably) entirely other forms of entertainment. I also add that the show has lost a huge amount of appeal with the absence of Michael, and also with the significantly less (if not complete loss of) interest with Pam and Jim. For all these reasons, and also for the sake of spending both my time and mental capacity in better ways, I end my consistent viewing of it with the exit of Michael Scott (aka Steve Carrell). I will allow myself to watch the future episode with none other than Josh Groban, and possibly a few of the old classics (Casino Night and Fun Run specifically) but this must happen.”
Are you proud? That feels good.
Wow, Amber. Good for you for making such a decision. You are one of a small number of people willing to turn away as the more negative parts of society creep into the positive things. You are setting a good example for others, including me! I am glad you could have some fun with this show, though!
You’re an inspiration, Amber!
“Leaving your office job” HA! Hyst. And leaving all your “friends” I might add. I’m glad you enjoyed it while it lasted and now are rejecting it at the right time. It’s kind of funny that you posted this on the same day as my current post, which is also about a tv obsession. But then again, half my posts are about tv obsessions it seems 😉
Three things:
1. I am SO proud.
2. I just want you to know that I read every single word of that entire blog. You have my permission to feel proud, and to feel good about yourself that I took the time and mental exertion to do so.
3. LOVE the new pictures/captions on the side of your blog!
Thank you Lug! That means a lot. :)I’m currently taking my blog very personally and seriously… Maybe because it’s pretty much the only interaction I have now that everyone’s in school. haha