Ideology and American Television: Analysis of Nip/Tuck Essay Example
Anything Goes as Long as the System Never Changes
Introduction
The best form of fantasy is a depiction of what we covet and cannot attain, as mere viewers. As a result, most television series will depict fantasy as a form of entertainment, and it is usually labeled the “American Dream.” Achieving the American Dream without sacrifice, however, is unrealistic and suggests an ideal in itself. There is always a price to pay to become self-made and successful, and this type of sacrifice becomes be the grounds for a familiar subtext, much like the subtext in the series Nip/Tuck.
Incorporating satirical comedic content and ethical dilemmas, the two surgeons around whom the series revolves, each represent their own ideological delivery systems. The two characters often collide, and question the values and importance of the American dream, and of success. Dr.’s Troy and McNamara each represent polar opposites who use questionable means to an end, and end up representing both a modern approach to television, which involves nihilism and disloyalty to only one ideology, and justifying flexible values as a representation of modern life. Additionally, the Dr.’s question what the viewer may see as positive, or negative, by corrupting values and ideologies otherwise commonly accepted, such as family, ethical practice, greed and fidelity. Ultimately, however, the plot does not stray far from the norm, no matter how much superficial distraction is incorporated.
Blood and gore equal success – the satirical content behind the thirst for glamour and success
One of the most shocking, yet consistent themes in Nip/Tuck is the unforgiving visuals of surgical procedures. Although it is plastic surgery, the depth in which Nip/Tuck creators go to depict every aspect of these procedures seems to have an impact both on the meaning, and the ideological views the show portrays. Vanity being the most common motivation for plastic surgery, the question posed to the audience is–does this
Introduction
The best form of fantasy is a depiction of what we covet and cannot attain, as mere viewers. As a result, most television series will depict fantasy as a form of entertainment, and it is usually labeled the “American Dream.” Achieving the American Dream without sacrifice, however, is unrealistic and suggests an ideal in itself. There is always a price to pay to become self-made and successful, and this type of sacrifice becomes be the grounds for a familiar subtext, much like the subtext in the series Nip/Tuck.
Incorporating satirical comedic content and ethical dilemmas, the two surgeons around whom the series revolves, each represent their own ideological delivery systems. The two characters often collide, and question the values and importance of the American dream, and of success. Dr.’s Troy and McNamara each represent polar opposites who use questionable means to an end, and end up representing both a modern approach to television, which involves nihilism and disloyalty to only one ideology, and justifying flexible values as a representation of modern life. Additionally, the Dr.’s question what the viewer may see as positive, or negative, by corrupting values and ideologies otherwise commonly accepted, such as family, ethical practice, greed and fidelity. Ultimately, however, the plot does not stray far from the norm, no matter how much superficial distraction is incorporated.
Blood and gore equal success – the satirical content behind the thirst for glamour and success
One of the most shocking, yet consistent themes in Nip/Tuck is the unforgiving visuals of surgical procedures. Although it is plastic surgery, the depth in which Nip/Tuck creators go to depict every aspect of these procedures seems to have an impact both on the meaning, and the ideological views the show portrays. Vanity being the most common motivation for plastic surgery, the question posed to the audience is–does this