Quote of The Day

Friday, May 17, 2013

Affected, Paint Party Friday

I often get ideas for blog posts by answering my comments! Someone will post their sentiments and it prompts a new idea! That and other influences provoked this post.

I found myself painting this gloomy cartoon last week after listening to  way too much of an American news station. I'm a curious Canadian who likes to stay in the loop, so that's why I watch it!! However it can be so much negativity. Even though I'm a News buff,  I  banned myself from news for a few years... I didn't miss it! A few big events and  I got sucked back in again!
Done in scribbler, the rest is digitally collaged
After these few ugly pieces of art came to roost I decided I might need to step away from the  News for a bit. It's obviously affecting me!! Although I also don't like to stick my head in the sand I may need to limit myself.  But News is not the only negativity on Television. Sometimes even family shows express the evolution of  negativity in our culture.

We used to watch  that popular talent show "Idol", but this year  I only watched a couple of episodes, the kids watched none of it! I've read a  rumor they are letting the judges go, rightfully so, they have terrible chemistry as a panel!  Idol is a talent show that  consists of some tone deaf contestants being publicly ridiculed during the weeding out process until they find their stars!


In past years it seemed trendy to be bluntly  mean and sarcastic on that show. Many of   the recent judges are a little less ruthless and mean.   When we first got hooked in it was the only talent show of it's kind.  We love music so we  succumbed. But I always refused to watch the result  show (where they'd painstakingly eliminate the contestant voted off by the TV. audience). Forced to sing right after hearing of their demise I found it  so difficult to watch. Especially when they'd already painfully  extend the elimination  process.  I'd feel so angry watching!! Trust me, it takes a lot for me to get angry!!   They  purposely made those kids, and  the audience,  wait too long  to hear the results. I just couldn't stand it. All for the mighty buck!!  And that is why I switched off!! A handful go on to be big stars... yes it gives them an opportunity for exposure not otherwise afforded,  but boy, it's a grueling process.

How the heck is one to gain composure to sing after being told you were voted off!!  It's  asinine to put people through that!!  Seriously why not just throw darts at them....  The worst part is that we actively watch this and don't see it as a form of bullying.   

When a contestant signs a contract to give their soul away to the tv show I'm sure they never expect how humiliating it might be!!  How they could be used and abused!  They have a dream....and hope they win... they probably never imagine people are going to publicly ridicule  them on tv because they sing a wrong note! I imagine many very  talented souls are dissuaded from trying out for  those shows because they fear the humiliation!   Yes a handful of people go on to be big stars...but what of the others?

Now the Voice (the newer talent show) is a different story! It's still painful to get the boot, however there is more empathy for the contestants! They have a more compassionate way of weeding out the best.. Instead of ridiculing the contestant the judges throw verbal punches at each other all in fun! A much more humane show! They pull the bandaid off quickly, it's a lot less painful to watch, as they  show the   the judges milling over their decision with angst! A much kinder process!! They always assure the contestant the show is their debut, a stepping stone to more!!

I  love romantic comedies and joyful endings in movies! The world can sometimes be a bitter pill to swallow, so I need a good ending once in a while.  I want to laugh and have a positive feeling that things can and  will end well .....  maybe to counteract the News!

How about you, do you ever see acts of negativity/meanness that are so blatantly obvious to you yet others seem to readily accept as okay?

I apologize for the ugly art, I'm hoping for something much better to share next week! It's okay if I publicly humiliate myself, right? lol

This is my contribution for Paint Party Friday!

54 comments:

Valerie-Jael said...

Lovely post! I am often astonished that most people don't even notice all these negative things! Valerie

Tracey FK said...

I am not a fan of any of these shows for that very reason, they are crazy negative and I just get kind of tired of how mean they are... even the voice over here drives me a bit nuts.... but I watch a cooking show called the Great British bake off with Phantom every week and Matt watches it with us so he can laugh at us... he said we watch it like he watches sport... we get very into it... but it is all positive and great fun even if they are daft enough to use too much sugar... or worse still don't let something rest sufficiently... Phantom and I are howling at the screen like you wouldn't believe it... maybe we need to take it down a notch... xx

www.dorissdaughter.com said...

Some of these shows take advantage of peoples desperation to become "famous". The contestants put themselves out there and take all the criticism as long as they can stay one more week on the show. Is it worth the effort? and is being "famous" really all its made up to be? I doubt it. but show biz is a dog eat dog business where there isn't any middle ground. No wonder they all end up in rehab! I'll take the Romanic Comedy any day!:) HPPF

Nancy McCarroll said...

When the tv just keeps on with all that awfulness, I just go outside while the husband keeps listening to it.

Actually, the girls are pretty, if somber. And I like the other ones with the big teeth!

denthe said...

I love your first painting of the 3 women, and I even like your ugly cartoon ;-) You managed to make him look really mean ....
I don't even remember when was the last time I watched television.... there's just very little on there that interests me. I read the news on the internet, and you're right, it can be very depressing. That's why I only read snippets, so that I know what's going on, but I really don't need to know the details. I have a vivid imagination, and even only reading about something horrible makes my mind conjuring up images that haunt me in my sleep. And I don't want that. And watching shows where they humiliate people, or where people humiliate themselves, naah, not for me .... The only show I like to watch is "so you think you can dance", and only the Belgian-Dutch version, because I really like the jurors, and they give honest and fair opinions, without humiliating anybody....

Unknown said...

Mostly I have stopped watching or reading negative news. One of my yoga teachers has said that if you're not going to get up and do something about it, wallowing in bad news is like rubber necking at an accident on the highway. There is so much good in the world - why not focus on that. Love the emotion in that first piece. Have a wonderful weekend and Happy PPF!

Jez said...

Now I really love that toothy fellow of yours, he's not ugly or weird. There he is, showing off his brightest smile and he'll get upset if he knows what you think about him. I love off the wall images like that. Your first painting is somehow very sad, but very well done.
As for TV - we watch just very occasionally if there is an art programme or history program that we fancy. Yesterday was the 70th anniversary of the Dam Busters in WW2, which made us get out our DVD of The Dam Busters. Mostly we watch gentle films, and avoid the news lately because as you say it is just unpleasantness, and all the channels for news have become nothing but magazine programs, with items about books, films ..... an never-ending football.
A good job we have our art to fall back on. I enjoyed your thought-provoking post, as always.

GlorV1 said...

I didn't watch AI this year. I too get tired of the comments the judges make. I actually don't watch much TV except for the History Channel, PBS, and darn...of all things General Hospital. Tee hee. Your paintings are not ugly, they are wonderful in that they express how they are feeling. Nice job! Have a great weekend.

Faye said...

Great post, Sherrie. You are so right about the negativity on TV . There really is no reason for the judges to be so uncivil on those talent-type shows. I don't watch much of that any more. I am amazed that you could "fast" news shows for so long. I have noticed that when there is no real news, the announcers ramp up their voices so it sounds like they have real news. Even beloved Diane Sawyer. With the outside world so negative, it really points out that we need to be positive and affirming in our families.

Christine said...

I did watch Idol last night as I'm an Adam Lambert fan. Yes, the news is depressing mostly. I do prefer kinder shows, no point being mean to people. Nice art, it was influenced by the news at first then got happier!

Linda Kunsman said...

I don't think your art is ugly-your character this week has this sneaky sinister but fun look about him-really makes me wonder what he's up to :):) Generally I only watch the later Idol episodes like when they're down to 12. My fave show tho is So You Think You Can Dance-and it does make me feel like I can dance (when no one's watching that is :) I tend to watch mostly movies and things with happy stories because it's good for the soul.Wishing you a Happy PPF and great weekend.

Netty said...

great new crazy paintings Giggles.
Happy PPF, Annette x

http://nettysartadventures.blogspot.co.uk/

PaintingWrite said...

another great post! I used to watch X-Factor (another Simon Cowell cash cow) but stopped after they changed the format and had live auditions and it all basically became so same-y. The voice is on over here too and I like that they don't see what the singer looks like before they decide so it's purely on their voice (the clue's in the title!) But to be honest, I don't watch many reality shows because to me it's just a cheap way of making television - take real folk and add a bit of drama - people love car crash tv - it makes them feel better about their own lives when they see these folk's sad/outrageous/lonely/whatever lives portrayed on national tv. I much prefer my wild life programmes to be about animals and not humans!! Like you I like a happy ending to my movies - there is enough doom and gloom in the world that's why movies should be escapism!

Erika said...

Thank your, Dear, for this true words. My emotion is the same and I agree many of your words. It is a fact, bad news, gruelty and other things have an input to our Soul and our art. So we have to be careful to us and have to protect our souls and kids.
Hugs and love
Erika

Paper rainbow said...

We have these shows in the UK too and I agree that they do take advantage of those seeking five minutes of fame. Children watch these shows and learn it is right to judge others on such a superficial level. Lets hope it is a short lived fad that will soon be last weeks news. Thought provoking post as always.

Anonymous said...

I agree with you about the negative news and it's effects, although I do watch it in the morning over coffee...but skipping it does lighten one's mood. Where is the 24 hour good news station, that's what we need to hear about wonderful things folks do. Most of the reality TV seems mean spirited to me and we have skipped it entirely. Happy PPF, enjoy your news free time.

Ivy said...

Fabulous art and alot to think about. HPPF!

Ginny said...

Your three women immediately captured my attention. They were so sad and I was concerned for them. I agree that the news is awful. They want to tell us every tiny detail of every awful event and that is not helpful to anyone.

I have to admit to loving Survivor and the Amazing Race. Although there are some really crazy people on both shows there is always someone I can root for. My dream was to be on either one but I think that ship has passed. It is still fun to think about.

Debbie said...

i couldn't agree more which is why i quit watching idol years ago! i enjoyed your art and your post today! happy ppf!

My Vegan Life said...

Your paintings are wonderful!I love the vibrant colors!
I decided long ago that I just don't like much of what is on television.I rarely watch anything,not even the news!They say ignorance is bliss...it may not be good, but it works for me!;) I would rather read,do crafting or be online!
I've been a follower of yours for some time ,but just now getting back to the blog scene!look forward to visiting your blog often!
Carly

carol l mckenna said...

See you 'cleansing' the negativity with this post ~ we all have the 'dark' side that needs love too ~ It is all a process ~ You create wonderful art ~ ^_^

Tam Hess said...

I always love reading your posts giggles! I have an all boy and me house so we don't watch the talent show type shows. I am subjected to VERY manly shows. Makes me suffer from testosterone overload syndrome. Is there such a thing? I do love zombies, but I had a bad bad dream about them and now I have to detox from zombies and read the bible for awhile to balance the negative vibes. Hugs, LOVE your art this week. As always, Thanks for sharing. :) Happy PPF!

Arnoldo L. Romero, MLA said...

I liked Idol when Jennifer Lopez, Randy Jackson, and Steven Tyler were on, because they weren't mean and had great chemistry. i didn't watch the seasons before or the latest one. I like comedies too, and enjoy watching Modern Family and the Big Bang Theory. Laughter is the best medicine in my mind. Blessings!

Meihsia Liu said...

Love your point about the negativity on TV. Your painting of "ugly" is so real (for me)... thank you so much for sharing. ^_^

AM Zafaran said...

Hi Giggles, I love all your creations and these three faces with their upward looking eyes (with lovely eyelashes) are just apt for the post you have written.
Hope our words go in to change the way in which competitions are conducted! The stress will ensure that these contestants hate what they love by the end of the show! Maybe the people behind the conceptualization and the conducting of these shows should learn from the happy artistic challenges we in blogosphere participate in!
Thank you for writing about it!
The toothy grinning portrait clearly brings out your irritation with these shows!

Elisa said...

A thought provoking post again, sherrie. I usually choose what I watch because they days the shows are negative. I've been seeing a lot of it.. the humiliation, the bad words. Some people are just so used to it but then it's difficult to watch for me. If that's in real life I would have ask that someone to stop or something. Take care!

Lorraine said...

I am not keen on the talent shows too..although the latest one in the UK has less nasty comments on it that previous shows. We watch the show as my teenager wants us to watch it together as family time while eating mcdonalds which is what the kids have for a treat on a saturday! It means that I can talk about differences and we all have different talents to share and that fame isnt immediate but needs to be learnt the hard way..lots of vital life lessons really. Happy ppf and always like your thought provoking posts.

kat said...

Your three girls painting is great, your art is always full of whack and character! I really don't watch much T.V, the Voice is quite fun to see and quite a good concept. But yeah there are too many other rubbish shows... When my pack are asleep it's arty time and reading....I love the peace and time for me!!

Anne Manda said...

I totally agree with you about those shows, negative and cruel. I watched Idols in the beginning, but no more... I used to love Project Runway because lots of the contestants were so amazingly talented, but it hasn't been on in Finland for a while. Of course, even that show was pretty cruel to the contestants... Now I like Modern Family and Parks and parks and Recreation - love to laugh! House of Lies is my guilty pleasure. ;) Great art, very expressive! <3

Gloria j Zucaro said...

I am always so amazed at how your art and your social commentary combine into a complete picture. That is a real talent. Keep them coming, as they give me food for thought each week. Thank you for your comment on my blog. Happy PPF.

Karen Smithey said...

I love your guy--such a big toothy grin!

I am with you about the reality tv shows. I don't watch much tv, but my kids do, and I'm amazed at how mean people can be--makes me very sad--probably why I don't watch much!

Janet said...

Thank you for writing this post! It seems that it's "cool" to be mean these days. It's everywhere from commercials to comedies to news and movies. Mean is "in" and I don't like it. I refuse to watch mean shows on TV and that's just about every sit-com they have. We profess to be against bullying and yet almost every sit-com makes fun of someone. Comedy used to be funny and not so mean spirited. Heck, the world used to be less mean-spirited. What has happened to us! Where is our compassion for others?

Joy Murray said...

I like both the gloomy and more sinister one you did in so many different manifestations. Sometimes we need to see our negative emotions portrayed and you did so well! When I moved into a 614 sq ft apartment with my husband, we didn't have room for a t.v. Life has been much less complicated. I still can watch dvds on my computer and catch up with the news, but I have to consciously choose to do it. More often, I find myself drawing, reading, writing or listening to the stories of the kids in the neighborhood.

aimee said...

exactly the reason why I don't watch those shows... no fun to watch others being torn down! I love how you draw inspirations from the goings on in the world and the conversations here. Your space is such a fun, inspiring, joyful, thoughtful place to visit. xo

soulbrush said...

Every time I open your site, I relish the header. Fantabulous. For me, I hate reality shows or competitions where people are made to feel stupid, but I do enjoy 'Britian's got Talent' as I am a Simon Cowell fan, you either love or hate him. Happy PPF.

Unknown said...

Hi Giggles - I love your gloomy cartoon. I feel like they are asking me for something (not sure what though!) I used to love idol too, this season I caught the last ten minutes of the season final - that was all - it was just so boring I would turn off!!

PiaRom said...

I also try to avoid seeing the news, because of its negativity it dispense...you hear and see things you can´t change and it affects you to see it, even if you are not experience it by yourself...your cartoon is adorable ♥ Conny
http://piaromsartjournaling.blogspot.de

J C said...

Girl, turn OFF that silly tv and go outside and look at the beautiful sky and the fantastic trees and the wonderful things Mother Nature gives us because I want you to feel happy and peaceful inside, and get away from those syndicated, money hungry shows that don't really present the truth. Your mean dude is scary looking, and I know you are not a scary person so turn OFF that tv!! xoxoxo Love to you!

SAMARA said...

Baby doll I'm with ya all the way this year about Idol! With Nicki M. I watched one show and boom! She is such a meany pants I turned it off and this is rare. I always watch it. My favs now (haven't missed a season yet) are The Voice - this season is the best for me - great chemistry with Usher and Shakira and the rest and So you Think You Can Dance. I never miss these Two. As for Len on The Stars, he too is a meany pants so I boycotted that one! And the news, forget US news, I don't even know our news (Canadian) until someone tells me. There is a news station called "the good news" and it is exactly that. All the stuff that doesn't make money to report. The uglies...this is about the 10th blog with this theme. Is it a full moon? We all seem to be going through something about the inner demons or rebelling about something in society etc. I think it is a really good thing... it is time people spoke up everywhere without fear, don't you think so? Not just we few. Great post! Love it...and the uglies! Lovies, Samara

DVArtist said...

I live in the US and stopped watching the news 13 years ago. I read headlines and keep up through the Internet on things that are important. I too stopped watching Idol a few years ago. You are so right about people in general. Manners are lost to most and acceptance of being and saying mean and negative things is the norm. I keep people in my circle of friends both in real time and the internet that have integrity. Thanks for being in my circle.
Nicole/Beadwright

bellefrogworks said...

I rarely watch TV - only watched the last Idol the winner comes from my town. I also think it's horrible what they make the contestants go through and that's why I don't watch it any more. It definitely is bullying. I actually love your gloomy girls. Your guy looks like what I feel as i watch all the horrible things happening - if I happen to watch. Reading the news is much less invasive to the soul. Hope you are having a nice spring in Canada - nothing like spring weather to lift your spirits. HPPF

sharon said...

Hi Sherrie!, Love your post, The guy make me think of Simon Cowell. I love the voice, been watching the Aussie version that is on here at the moment. NZ doesnt have many reality shows, too small, and everyone knows everyone else so it is difficult to be mean without causing a real ruckus! I hardly ever watch the news and sometimes dont hear what has been happening for ages. Thanks for your kind comment on my blog. Lots better now, had a bad infection after op. that really laid me low, but on mend. Great to get back to blogging well looking anyway. Tried some left hand painting today, was fun. Might post about it on Friday. Totally different from my usual, food for thought. Start physio this week, so soon will be able to use arm a bit better. Lots of hugs Sharon

Ayala Art said...

I don't think at all you ridiculed yourself! lol I think you made a great representation of those mean judges and their terrible attitude.
I do not watch TV for that reason. I do not have the stomach to go through it, specially the news :oP
Thanks for sharing!

Annabelle said...

Hi Sherrie,

A post that resonates with me ....the world is over stocked in ----- thoughts. Not a fan of reality shows , I find these days it's all about the element of shock no matter how devastating it is to all.Even the news is something I rarely watch and I'm overwhelmed with the causes I'm sent on Facebook as well.Sometimes the switch must be turned off to keep the sanity; )


Love your soulful creatures ; )

Thanks for sharing.
Annabelle O,O

Unknown said...

I like happy endings too and hurt feelings don't feel good to anyone.
I think your art is very interesting and fun too look at
-KAT-

Tameko said...

Hi There,

Your art is beautiful, and I can so relate to this post.

HPPF,

Tameko

Ariel said...

I hate reality shows and talent contests for the very reasons you have mentioned here. It is so stressful for the contestants, especially this being done to little kids. Unfortunately, part of the pressure for them come from the parents.Your art doesn't look ugly, it is an apt reflection of what you feel about this topic.
Susan

Kristin said...

Hi there!
Yes I agree - this is the FIRST year in 12 that we just stopped watching Idol. I am not a fan of the judges and the bickering! I hope they remedy for it next year.
As always, I love your art and the humor that always shine through, xoxo

Lisabella Russo said...

Wonderful post! I tried to watch Idol once, but the meanness, well, that was it for me. Your creation is very interesting, I think it's different but a great expression of what you were feeling. I try not to watch to much news myself...

Å olanje na domu-Waldorf said...

Great scary guy! I'm the same way! I can't watch the result unless it's a surprising one when they don't expect the person to be that awesome. :) Voice is my favorite show now. But I don't watch when the judges have to persuade the candidates. I find it silly at times. :)

Cris, Oregon Artist said...

The trouble with news shows is the show the same thing over and over and over again. Its depressing and of no help to anyone. Once is enough. As for those shows with Judges.. it does bring out the meanness and I do not find that very up building one bit. People are so happy to tear one another down these days for entertainment. Very sad. Your Art work depicts your feelings.

Katie Jeanne Wood said...

Oh, I totally get what you're saying. I have to make myself turn the news off, too. I go for long periods of time not knowing what's going on, and I don't feel like I actually miss anything.

Maria Medeiros said...

Wonderful post! Thank you for your visit to my blog. I appreciate it.
Maria

K J D said...

I agree.... we are very alike!

I love romantic stuff and happy endings. Sometimes I don't read a paper or watch the news for weeks.... I feel bad about it a bit but often it just makes me sad or mad so I don't bother.

Karenx

Your ugly art is full of menace!

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