Several seasons on the air and two hit movies, the popular MTV television show Jackass has undoubtedly attracted a generation of viewers young and old. Overtime the show has not only become a prominent media success, but infamous for its revered personalities and their crazy, foolish antics. Jackass' mass audience has clearly been influenced by some of the ridiculous stunts on the show, often attempting to mimic or recreate the actions of their favorite characters. Much of the targeted juvenile population that has grown up watching the hilarious program have come to view the "celebrity" type figures on it as role models. Essentially, these young Jackass viewers see Johnny Knoxville and Steve-o as fun, outgoing, likable individuals which ultimately causes this sort of copycat behavior. There have been a number of news stories and even YouTube videos depicting teenagers attempting to be like their perceived role models. It seems as if even with the blatant "Don't Try This At Home" warning before the opening credits, the behaviors of Jackass' main audience are powered by the representation of coolness and confidence. The media produce this kind of activity that is known to be well-liked and admired among particularly young males. Yet, many of the outrageous stunts are continuously hyped up with the comedic result overshadowing the dangerousness of the actual exploits. Seeing others do outlandish things and inevitably hurt themselves in the process is seemingly fun to watch. In reality, this outward behavior would attract more negative attention than recognition.
Ok i cannot tell you how much i hate this show. I've tried so many times to "like it" or even sit through it as my friends watch it and i just can't. The same thing with Viva La Bam. OMG i wan't these people to just kill themselves and get it over with. I have no sympathy for them. they are simply loser adult males who refuse to grow up and take on normal responsibilites. Watching a grown man trash his mothers house is in no way amusing to me and seeing someone get hit in the balls or drink urine or whatever they choose to do that day is really just pathetic. You're right they are role models to some and that's really unfortunate that kids these days find themselves looking up to worthless trash like this. What happened to real true role models? The meaing of the word seems to be completely lost. All the time you see people making their own Jackass videos (despite the warning) as you add, and the result is either children seriously injuring themselves, or thinking that this behavior is acceptable. Someone who puts a fake baby on the roof of a car then drives away to see people reaction, or runs over a carriage or whatever they do, should be locked up, not praised. I'm sorry i've had a rough day and im going to stop talking about it now cuz i'm only making myself more upset lol
ReplyDelete