Pat's Blog

Final Post!!!

2007-05-02T09:45:00.001-07:00

When I first started watching Family Guy it was during the time when it was no longer airing new episodes on FOX. I saw it on DVD at my friend’s house and immediately fell in love. Not only was the show hilarious, it referenced everything from Star Wars to Christianity. I think I first liked the show so much because it used a unique type of humor not as commonly used in other popular television shows. The random interchangeable jokes used during the show made it easy to watch and kept me wanting more.
The show displays many social norms that I think may have had something to do with my initial interest in the show. Because the Griffin family seems to represent the typical American family it could have helped to interest me in the show. Other social norms that are prevelant in the show are the suburban housewife, the socially awkward daughter, and the obese young male. The show’s minor characters also help to sell the show because they poke fun at many of the negative things in our society. Such characters include the old man who likes little boys (Herbert), the sex crazed male (Quagmire), and the controversial politician (Mayor West).
When I first decided to do Family Guy for my blog I didn’t think that my opinion of the show would change much. However over the course of the semester I realized why Family Guy was rated one of the top 3 worst family shows by the Parents Television Council. While I don’t necessarily agree that the show is a bad show for people to watch I do understand why it can be considered that. They poke fun at everything from AIDS to Christians and offend theses groups in doing so.
My opinion is that Family Guy rarely goes to far and people need to lighten up and take more responsibility for what they and their familys watch. In fact, in the most recent episode of Family Guy, the family is sitting at the table and Lois says “Values come from inside, from your own beliefs” and Peter responds, “I agree Lois, like for instance if your watching a TV show and you decide to take your values from that, you’re and idiot. Maybe you should take responsibility for what values your kids are getting. Maybe you shouldn’t be letting your kids watch shows in the first place if you have such a big problem with them, instead of blaming the shows themselves……. Yeah.” As he stares into the camera as if to tell the country to relax and stop blaming television shows for its problems.

2007-04-25T10:29:00.001-07:00

Jess B said...

Blog Buddy Work

1. Where has your Blog buddy shown strong analytical work (be specific—is it a particular post, a type of analysis, a site for analysis that seemed to click more so than others, etc)? I liked the post about Family Guy: Blatantly Misogynist or Just Not Funny? i think there was a lot of analytical comments in that. I liked that the post showed that their was no real focus on women and that the whole idea of family guy was satirical to everyone.

2. How could your Blog buddy use this strength for the final Blog post and presentation?
Show the way different audiences that look at this topic. How different audiences can interpret the same show many different ways.

3. Think about the following statements in relation to your Blog buddy’s Blog and then provide feedback on each area (constructive praise/criticism): I think you did I really good job addressing the assignments however you might want to use more literary evidence to support your posts.

The Blog is on a topic that has been clearly evident in the Blog posts throughout the semester
yes

The Blog is on a topic that seems to interest my Blog buddy
yes

My Blog buddy’s topic is one that has produced a good set of posts that were analytical used gender as a primary category of analysis
yes

The posts make analytical arguments. The posts are understandable and each post logically outlines and supports the argument presented. The posts were clear, provided insight, evidence, and analysis to connect the topic with the assignment for each of the posts
yes

The sources cited in each post are relevant to the topic and help to aid the understanding of the argument and/or assisted in proving the argument.
I didn't see too many citations, but the ones that were used were relevant and clear, maybe I just missed them.

The quotes used illustrate a broad range of course readings throughout the semester.
yes

The quotes were clear and succinct; additionally, the material was presented so that I could differentiate the Blog buddy’s ideas from that of the author cited.
yes

4. Finally, complete the following:

I thought it was great when you...
kept the layout clean and easy to use. I like the format of your blog. The posts are a good length and there isn't too much "stuff" that doesn't need to be there

I found it confusing when you…
I think there were no confusing aspects

You’re really great at…
Using the detail of the show to analyze the topic at hand

I wish you could focus (more) on/alter/edit/explain/expand on/etc these three things…
(Basically, when you read the Blog posts, what do you wish your buddy had done differently, more of, etc?) a little more of the literature, but I think it is really good

Blog Buddy work

2007-04-24T16:57:00.000-07:00

Blog Buddy Work

1. Where has your Blog buddy shown strong analytical work (be specific—is it a particular post, a type of analysis, a site for analysis that seemed to click more so than others, etc)?

2. How could your Blog buddy use this strength for the final Blog post and presentation?

3. Think about the following statements in relation to your Blog buddy’s Blog and then provide feedback on each area (constructive praise/criticism):

The Blog is on a topic that has been clearly evident in the Blog posts throughout the semester

The Blog is on a topic that seems to interest my Blog buddy

My Blog buddy’s topic is one that has produced a good set of posts that were analytical used gender as a primary category of analysis

The posts make analytical arguments. The posts are understandable and each post logically outlines and supports the argument presented. The posts were clear, provided insight, evidence, and analysis to connect the topic with the assignment for each of the posts

The sources cited in each post are relevant to the topic and help to aid the understanding of the argument and/or assisted in proving the argument.

The quotes used illustrate a broad range of course readings throughout the semester.

The quotes were clear and succinct; additionally, the material was presented so that I could differentiate the Blog buddy’s ideas from that of the author cited.

4. Finally, complete the following:

I thought it was great when you...

I found it confusing when you…

You’re really great at…

I wish you could focus (more) on/alter/edit/explain/expand on/etc these three things…
(Basically, when you read the Blog posts, what do you wish your buddy had done differently, more of, etc?)

Family Guy in the news

2007-04-15T21:36:00.001-07:00

Ever since the show aired in 1999, Family Guy has been stirring up controversy. While most of it was not ground breaking or headline news, they had their fair share of complaints about the shows content. From jokes about disabled people to alcoholics, the show left no controversial stone unturned. It finally made a big no-no during season 3 when an episode was refused airtime from the FOX network. The episode was deemed especially controversial not just because of it made jokes about the Jewish religion, but because the entire episode was focused around these jokes.

The writers of Family Guy are always stirring up some sort of controversy with different groups, but this episode went over the top because its entire plot was centered on making fun of a religion. This was the main reason why it created a stir in the television world. While the episode did not air when it was originally scheduled to it still made news and when it was finally broadcast in a toned down version it still excited some controversy.

While the episode did not create headlines across the country, it was relatively big news in the eyes of many. According to allexperts.com the episode was not aired was because it was “deemed inappropriate under accusations of anti-Semitism” by the executives at FOX. The script of the show was read by two rabbis and actually written by a Jewish writer but that was not enough to get the show broadcast.
What people need to understand about this show is that no area goes untouched. The
Family Guy writers do not single out any specific groups to joke about; they make fun of almost everyone at one point or another. This episode does seem to go a little far, but in the end a lesson is learned, unlike in many other episodes.

http://en.allexperts.com/e/c/cr/criticism_of_family_guy.htm

2007-04-04T18:02:00.001-07:00

Blog Post 4 - Collage

2007-03-31T11:01:00.000-07:00

My collage includes some of the funniest images found in the show Family Guy. The pictures include guys on a raft of blow up sex dolls, a nudist pumping up a super soaker, and a man bending over in front of Pinnoccio. These images represent just part of the reason why Family Guy is such a popular show. At the same time, these images show why there are many people who cant stand the show because of its crude and controversial sense of humor.

Blog Post 3

2007-03-31T11:00:00.001-07:00

Family Guy is one of, if not the most, controversial shows on television. Its constant wise cracks about women, religion, politics, sex, and other issues bring it ridicule and scolding on an almost daily basis. But no matter how edgy or controversial the show gets it still is a great way to analyze gender in popular culture because of those very same “hot” topics. I started watching Family Guy about 2 years ago and never thought too much of any of the jokes. They weren’t shaping the person I was nor were they making me hate women or changing my religious beliefs. To me it’s a television show. It’s a show that makes me crack up every time I watch it because of its ridiculous characters and outrageous jokes. But unfortunately not everyone agrees with me and looks to pick on Family Guy and its jokes.

Here is a list of the shows characters so when I talk about them in my other posts you know who I am talking about if you are not a view of the show.

Peter Griffin – Main character

Lois – Peter’s wife

Chris – Peter’s son

Meg – Peter’s daughter

Stewie – Peter’s son

Brian – Family Dog (who can talk)

Family Guy is constantly under fire from all sorts of different people because of its content. One reason for this is the fact that the writers are constantly promoting existing stereotypes and making fun of controversial issues. Because of their constant reaffirmation of common stereotypes and poking fun of other issues, they contribute to many of the social understandings that pop culture provides us with. One such example is in a recent episode entitled “You may now kiss the… uh… guy who receives.” The episode centers around a gay (talking) dog and the towns recent ban on gay marriage. Throughout the episode, any of the gay characters are not displayed as normal people in society but as blatantly homosexual with the typical “gay voice.”

The main theme of the episode is whether or not gay marriage should be allowed or not. The influence of the heterosexual on homosexuals is extremely relevant throughout the show. Chris burns a petition that was made by Brian to try and convince the mayor to change his mind on a gay marriage ban, Peter asks ridiculous questions about gays (if being in a locker room is “like supermarket sweep” for gay men), and Lois leaves the house to live with her parents in protest of Brian’s gay cousin Jasper wanting to get married in the Griffin house.

While Family Guy does poke fun at all sorts of controversial issues including gay marriage, it is for this reason that the show has not only gained popularity but power as well. The reason the Family Guy writers are able to continue to push the envelope with their content is because they have done it so frequently and so much.

Family Guy: Blatantly Misogynist or Just Not Funny?

2007-03-07T17:49:00.000-08:00

http://saucebox.almeidaisgod.com/?p=70

I’ll admit up front that I’ve never liked Family Guy. Now, don’t mistake this for a lack of appreciation for animated comedy series in general or for not having a sense of humour. I enjoy the cultural relevance of “The Simpsons”. I get off on a good “Futurama” geek joke. And anyone who doesn’t think “Weeds” is the funniest fuckin’ show to go on the air since … well, since I can’t even remember because I’m not sure at this moment if there ever has been a funnier show … ok, let’s not go any further on that!

I just never appreciated the way “Family Guy” always plays for the easy laugh at the expense of its female characters, (sexist) stereotypes of women, stereotypes of gender relations and violence against women. It always left this bad taste in my mouth, like it was trying to front as a satire of misogyny, when really the joke was on us (girls) who were laughing along.

MY POST

I happen to be a huge fan of Family Guy and I watch the show religiously because I think it is hands down the funniest show on television. While I agree with some of the things you had to say on its portrayal of women in certain jokes you need to remember that these jokes do not make up any sort of majority of the shows jokes. The most common type of joke on the show is celebrity bashing and other little random tidbits. The reason people love the show so much is for these random jokes and references to other television shows and current events.

It is true that they do go overboard with many jokes and many times these jokes are in reference to women but you are forgetting the most popular part of the shows humor. This would be its main character, Peter. I find myself laughing the most at his stupidity and hilarious mannerisms. In every single episode of family guy I have ever seen (which is all of them), the sex that is getting bashed on the most is the males. Peter’s character is an idiot and is constantly saying and doing stupid things and making himself look as such. Furthermore, when he gets into a pickle or does something retarded, his smart, independent and caring wife is there to rectify his mistakes. Even though there are plenty of jokes directed toward women, this theme of the stupid male and the intelligent female is prominent in just about every episode of Family Guy. One such example that makes men look stupid is when Peter accidentally dumps a bucket of hot cooking oil on Lois and hospitalizes her for a few months. From there they show what life is like when a man is left in charge. The house becomes a wreck and Peter has no idea how to do anything to keep the family in tact.

It is true that the Family Guy writers do degrade women at times, but women certainly are not singled out anymore than other groups, and they certainly are not the most popular joke victims in the show.

Blog Post 1 - The Girls Next Door

2007-02-28T21:10:00.000-08:00

I chose to watch an alternate episode of The Girls Next Door than the one we viewed in class. In this episode each of the three girls was to plan a photo shoot for the playboy magazine and Hugh Heffner was going to decide if they would be the primary focus of the new issue or if they would use something else. This show strongly displays the concept of femininity and some stereotypes of masculinity as well.

In this particular episode, one of the most obvious feminine traits portrayed is the “dumb blonde” stereotype. All three of the girls had some pretty dumb lines throughout the show. At one point Kendra says, “I think I’m less nervous about this because it’s my idea [for the photo shoot]. Oh wait, no, I’m more nervous.” Holly, when talking about Bridget’s photo shoot idea, refers to it as Indiana Jones themed when in reality it is King Kong, hence the picture of her in the hand of a giant gorilla.

Another example of femininity displayed in this episode is when Bridget begins to cry after being corrected on how to pose for a picture. During the shoot the photographers and shoot directors keep on correcting her poses and eventually she walks away and starts weeping only to be happy again five minutes later. This portrays the typical emotional girl stereotype.

In this particular episode there are not many examples of masculinity, but one of the main ones is how they portray Hugh Heffner. He is shown as hardworking and not very emotional. He is shown working hard critiquing the photos that were just taken and when he makes his decision he remains very serious while the three girls jump for joy.

This show displays many examples of stereotypical gender identity and unfortunately helps to convey these identities further.

Family Guy Links

2007-02-18T22:08:00.000-08:00

http://blog.familyguy.com/

http://zvbxrpl.blogspot.com/2004/09/why-i-hate-family-guy.html