Crazy Like a FOX Network
by Randy Gage
You’ve heard me talk a lot about the negative programming you are subjected to on a daily basis, and the harmful effect it can have on all areas of your life. Of course the three biggest culprits are organized religion, government, and the mass media.
It would be tough to determine who does the most harm. Religion is insidious, because it is so emotionally charged and brainwashed into people at such an early age. Thus by the time people grow up, they are so incapable of rational thought about the subject they often can’t be helped. (Case in point, many of the hopeless, hapless, and helpless fundamentalists that write me every time I suggest they do some critical thinking about whether their core beliefs serve them.)
But of course a strong case could be made that government does the most harm. Governments maintain their power base by making promises to people to take care of them, and stealing resources from the most productive members of society to offer goodies to the much larger voting block of less productive people. (Case in point: the current election here in the States. The candidates are practically falling all over each other to promise more goodies to the masses.) This creates an entitlement mentality, which further erodes self-esteem.
But how can we forget the mass media? It may be the worst offender, because we’ve now reached a stage where the average person in the “herd” is watching five hours of television a day! And spending even more of their waking hours surfing popular culture websites. Almost all of the subliminal programming in these channels is anti-prosperity and negative.
Take the new breakout hit for this season on the FOX network called, “The Moment of Truth.”
Now before I go further, I must admit I am conflicted. Because I have to give FOX credit, because they have probably shown more creative talent and originality in program development than anyone for the last 20 years. When it was just the big three networks, the amount of bland, incestuous copycat stuff was mind-boggling. FOX really went out and took chances, and brought some very fresh programming to the air. Whether you liked them or not, shows like 21 Jump Street, The Simpsons, Married with Children, America’s Most Wanted, and COPS were like nothing that anyone had done before.
Today I must admit that American Idol is one of my favorite guilty pleasures. “House” (filled with negative programming by the way) provides a daring approach to the hero protagonist and sensational acting and writing. And the new “Terminator” show is simply sublime, if you are a Sci-Fi fan as I am. I could never have imagined a TV show capturing the power of the movies, but this show has certainly done that. It actually motivated me to learn how to use my DVR and I didn’t miss an episode all season.
But for every superior show FOX develops, they seem to balance the equation with some of the most crude, vulgar, and vapid shit that has ever been presented on a network. Which brings us back to, “The Moment of Truth”…
I haven’t watched it and certainly never will. But just seeing the clips for it is enough to make my skin crawl. The premise is that they hook people up to a lie-detector test and surround them with friends and family, then ask them questions. If they tell the truth, they can win $500,000. Then they ask questions such as if a wife would leave her husband for her ex-boyfriend, if someone would cheat on their spouse if they knew they wouldn’t get caught, or if they have any secrets that could end their marriage. Then of course they zoom in on the injured party and let people rubber neck at their distress.
A show like this is so demeaning and de-humanizing, that it can’t help but lower your opinion of humankind in general, and your own self-esteem as a result. Of course the show is a huge success. And proved yet again that FOX is crazy like a fox.
It seems there are two markets out there.
One is the thinking person, interested in thought-provoking, fresh new shows. And then there is the larger market: brain-dead morons, who want to salaciously peep into the misfortunes of other people’s train wrecks, take things down to the lowest common denominator, and relinquish their need to think.
FOX has figured out they don’t have to have one or the other. They’re programming to both, and their escalating ratings prove it.
So what about YOU?
Which demographic are you in? Now more than ever, it is critical to be discerning in the programming you allow yourself to be infected with. And to be counter programming yourself with positive stuff every single morning before you go out into the world. You can program your subconscious mind. Or you can let other people do it. But you will get programmed.
Give it some thought and post your comments below.
-RG
Hello! simply super resource
gzu2144e1oe90stn
I agree with the person who said to just shut it all off. I stopped watching T.V years ago
The answer is money.
Ренди, даже когда утебя на душе пасмурно, знай, что ты - яркое солнце для тех, кто держит в руках твою книгу!
I am amused and surprised about people are condemning a program they have not seen. Commercials are excerpts that dont tell the whole story. Randy also has not seen this story (I admit I have never seen it either. I am too busy listening to how to succeed in network marketing these days).
However, it is disturbing that people are just concurring with the sentiments of Randy without critical thought. How can Randy know what he is talking about when he never took the time to actually see a program? This is the very kind of herd mentality that Randy seems to be railing against. Now, it looks like Randy has given birth to his own herd and apparently does not mind if the herd is following him too without thinking. Very soon, if we are not careful, Randy will become a religion too!
I dont like negative programming too but I'll be damned if I will just take Randy's words, or anybody's for that matter, for a show he has not seen and then condemn the show too just on that basis without seeing it. That appears to me like another kind of negative programming. People should decide after carefully considering all the issues for themselves firsthand! The idea is for us to be free and not leave one kind of human programming for another
For the real, real bottomline truth, watch this amazing link:
Oh, I just gotta be me!
Gee, maybe I am not in as bad of shape as I thought. I don't follow any religion, never watch the news or surf news sites, and I rarely watch TV, except for a few movies that I enjoy. Oh and whatever the government does hardly ever affects me, because except for the IRS, they don't know I exist anyway. The current presidential race is a joke. The Dems are telling me that I have to look forward to cutting back and sharing with everyone else. Yikes, I can't remeber when I have heard such debilitating nonsense. I will gladly go about creating more and then sharing as I please. I am grateful that we have a few people who can still think for themselves and help the rest of us see the light. Thanks, Randy. I might not agree with everything you say, but you are refreshing and never dull. I think the last great show I watched was "Leave It To Beaver", since then, TV has gone to the dogs.
Keep the crap off, we do not subscribe to cable for this very reason. We will watch sports on the computer or local stations. We also limit ourselves to watching 1 or 2 movies a month. You can do so much for yourself during TV watching time, like write a book, spend more time with family, go outside, read a self help book, etc.
Bang on Randy,
Does't give one a lot of hope for humanity when you realise the garbage people are watching. One good sign though; Oprah's "A New Earth" class with Eckhart Tolle is rating through the roof online, so we're seeign at least some kind of increase in conciousness. Will it be enough; only time will tell....
Hey Randy - Here's what I know. When the show aired it's commercials in Sydney, many many people made comments on how refreshing the show was - how original it was. Me.. it made me physically sick just to see this crap on TV and just reinforced the stupidity of people and the power of media over our lives. Why do people enjoy this rubbish? 'Cause it's easier than taking charge of their own lives. I'm more appalled that people would actually go on the show. I've renamed it... Jerry Springer 2008...
>A show like this is so demeaning and de-humanizing, that it can’t >help but lower your opinion of humankind in general,...
Speaking of somebody who's expressing her opinion about
human"kind" ( FYI, besides the meaning of "kind" in english, kind means child in dutch ).
And this was in 1992 already...
Severn Suzuki speaking at UN Earth Summit
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5g8cmWZOX8Q
I guess FOX Snotwork doesn't broadcast this kind of "show".
This reminds me of Howard Stern from many years ago (not sure if he still does these shows anymore because I haven't watched his show in years) when he would bring on these women who would let him demean and degrade them. He would do things like make cruel jokes about how ugly they were and he would have them come out in skimpy outfits/ bikinis and make foul and disgusting comments about their body parts. The whole thing was really gross. I only watched one show because I consider myself to be someone who does not offend easily and wanted to know what all the hype was about. Lets see, Jerry Springer was another, Jeraldo, and now especially these reality shows. Am I the only one who hates reality shows? I mean come on, if I wanted to see people getting pissed off at eachother and ranting and raving about how much better they are then everyone else in the world then I would visit a few of my relatives. Oh, those particular relatives whom which I have not seen in years.
I really enjoyed reading these posts and am happy that there are others out there who feel the same. By the way, my T.V. has not worked in months and I'm in no hurry to buy a new one!
'The Moment of Truth' is humiliating, exploitive, and degrading, not only to the contestants, but to us viewers. It is over the top disgusting! Have any of the contestants sued Fox? Well, it's coming. Whomever thought of this shit, should be fired, and as a going away present, along with that prick host, they should be guests on their own show in front of their families,and be asked humiliating questions. Does Fox producers really think Americans believe this crap! Let's see: place a person in front of their families,in front of millions of viewers, ask them degrading,damaging questions while connected to a lie detector test and OMG they didn't pass!
well "she's a whore!"commented a person about one of their earlier shows. Oh, I forgot they're also playing for thousands of dollars, throw that in, no pressure. You guys at Fox are idiots to let this continue. Maybe your trying to compete with Jerry Springer!! How much do you pay the contestants to act on the show?? If nothing, and they aren't the Jerry Springer trash, I think they will sue you after their divorce!! If Fox is going down this path, I won't follow!
Good ridden s.
You couldn't have said it better. I, on the other hand, have never watched The Moment of Truth nor would I ever give it the time of day.
Randy-
I always agree with many aspects of your rants. I believe there is nothing wrong with the Truth, but the platform in which it is presented enables the watchers to be entertainment by the downfalls of others and take on a holier than thou, attitude when the truth is all of us have secrets or things we would not want to share with anyone let alone millions of people in TV land.
As a marketer in the world of entertainment, I have my personal beliefs and do my best to make sure they are in check. I am in the system and only work on those projects that I feel feed the masses and are thought provoking rather than the silly, mind numbing programs. I encourage everyone to get behind new shows that are thought provoking, as the network execs only respond to shows that make money, and its that simple.
Thank goodness, and Randy Gage, for another buzzsaw the media message. Cable TV has been out of my life for almost 2 years now, and I am happy. When the images of Joe Pesci or Robert DeNiro cussing people out for no good reason left my consciousness, I was able to really think and also remember more of the sequences and memories of my own life. There are terriffic investments and business deals that I have been able to make, and I know, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that if I had been watching the boob tube, those opportunities would have slipped by me. Thanks Randy for the good words.
Since we are what we think about most; thoughts are things. Some would ask... Randy what the hell are you thinking? Truthfully, I think I know. You advocate a prosperity mindset and lead the masses who look to follow in similiar footsteps to think about what they are putting into their minds via television. Brilliant approach after all isn't this critical thinking at its most basic point? great way to find out who " GETS IT " and who doesn't. But let me ask, We talk about all the sitcoms that the children, teens and adults are watching and the effect it has on us. But what are these new teach your baby programs teaching peoples babies? The stations sell it as a way to raise your babies I.Q. yet one would have to question what are they really being subjected to on a subconscious level?
On a more personal note how are you feeling lately? Are the sinus issues getting better or did you find a way to cure them? Hope to see you in Indiana again soon the weather is about to break so No snow on the back of your neck.
Yours in health! Shannon
Well as usual you hit the nail right on the head. About the only reality show that i believe is of any use to the public viewing is the biggest loser. These people are great and are really trying to better themselves. As you know in our business we are attempting the same thing. We are a nation of over weight people. It is just our life style. I know i have lost over eighty lbs. in the last year and i feel great. Keep up the great work. Bill
yes Randy.
But the other thing about TV is its a distraction. Somewhere inside all of us we are touched by the people who are on the receiving end of US aggression, whether its in Fallujah, Guantanamo, some secret torture center in Europe. We are horrified, but don't know how to stop what's paid for with the military and illegally extracted taxes.
To placate and pacify, & opiate the masses, channel zero stands by.
Why thank you M'lady ;) I'm glad I'm not alone.
Don't really ever watch regular TV because of the "crap" that is presented to us every night.... including the 24/7 news we are receiving (supposedly unbiased, LOL). The best show on TV is Bill Mahrer... although biased - funny and dead on right! The only other show I loved was "The Sopranos" so sorry it left us forever! As far as the reality shows.... how degrading, illiterate and, like so many have said, demoralizing. Where is the backbone of the people of this country? Where has it gone?
Randy, the best that can be shown on TV would be to have YOU do a nightly Randy's Rants for the first hour, and prosperity thinking and creating for the second hour.
Hey, maybe I'll write in to FOX.... I love ya. My hero!!!!
Entertainment is a wonderful way to unwind and, in our society, we enjoy many freedoms in choosing what type we participate in. We are not free from the consequences of our choices either to ourselves or humanity as a whole.
Orgainzed religion need not be lumped together in such a generic term. I believe the Unity Church has a fair amount of organization and having attended several different congregations around the country, some are healthier than others and some are pushing an economic agenda fairly hard. I beleive there is room for all of us. To me, the problem lies in our trying to convince ourselves and others that "ours" is the only right way.
Only my opinion, take it or leave it.
Good article Randy!
You never dissappoint us, as usual
Best Regards,
Mariano
Buenos Aires, ARG
Curious why you think House is full of negative programming, especially since House is such a maverick, stand alone type individual that you normally promote...
yours,
david_pierson@hotmail.com
There aren't many newsletters I make a point to read, but Randy's is sure one of them. I only wish he wrote more often!
That's nothing comparing to talkshows, paparazzis, and "dancing for a dream" shows that are being watched right now here in Argentina's television.
Media is a perfect reflection of society. Most of people is mentally roaming aimlessly.
I can absolutely tell you that in open channels there is no alternatives for sane, positive thinking people.
News programs seem to compete for who announces the most negative news first!
So if you live in Argentina, you better use your TV as a furniture!
By the way Randy, pleasure to be in touch with you again!
South America completely out of control with MLM! We are waiting for you.
Best regards,
Mariano
Buenos Aires, ARG
This is the best post to your comments that I have ever seen. Most blindly agree with you, which is exactly what you are ranting about with the other media.
I, too, have enjoyed many of your postings because they give me a totally different perspective than I receive from most media. Lately, though, it seems that you have been more interested in letting us know what you have and what you think. Get back to your basics so I can begin enjoying your postings again. I do enjoy them!
Randy, luvs ya! I've been trying to tell folks this for years.
Love the way you always hit the nail on the head.
Blessings
Yes, Please.
Come to speak in London, Capital of UK ---
- The Bigest Network-Marketing Community
outside of U.S.!
CU here!
Checking emails in the morning is far more inspiring then morning TV after all, I get yours. Feel motivated and you make me laugh. Keep up the good work and I hope you can come to England soon and do a talk.
Coming from the UK we don't get them amount of channels that you do in the states. However, the standard of our rubbish that is shown is on a par. I now don't watch the news or any 'soap' programmes. Why should I waste my time watching other people (and not real; people I will add) screwing up their lives. I gasp at some of my friends that have to rush home to watch Emmerdale or Eastenders and I am not allowed to even phone them during these programmes. Give me Jim Rohn or Dr Tom Barratt anytime.
The great thing about TV is you can change channels or turn it off at any given moment. Last April I moved and tried a little experiment: I decided not to hook-up my television until Football Season started in August. I got a lot more accomplished.Conversely, I realized how much I enjoy watching a variety of offerings such as Iconoclasts, The Discovery Channel, sports,etc. For the past seven years I have worked at a televison station and American Idol has been my client since season one. Say whatever you like about it, television is BIG business.
I have never seen "The Moment of Truth." Once I heard the premise, I thought, as I do with several reality shows,
"Who the hell would do this? And why would anyone want to see it?' Simple solution: don't watch it.
Crazy like a fox, is exactly what I thought about you the first time I heard you speak at the 2007 NSA Convention in San Diego. You got moxy, that's for sure. When you started in on organized religion, the clearly audible gasps indicated the fun index was on the rise! Personally, I feel the same way, so the value shifted for me, to absorbing the perfection of what was the most masterful PR clinic I've ever encountered. At least from my perspective, validated over the remainder of the Convention in that, every subsequent speaker, no matter what the topic, brought up your name. It was hilarious! Especially those who so completely found you offensive, every single one brought you right into the room at some point. I joind the Cigar Peg solely for the opportunity to be at the auction on The Midway and was both impressed and dissppaointed by your absence. Congratulations and thank you for the education.
All the best,
Alexis
I'm a strong believer of subliminal programming and the more positive the better. I have just recently started watching the Intellectual warrior which are subliminal programming video's and kickstarts my day with a positive attitude
Hello Randy: I totally agree with you regarding TV! I never watch -- don't have time, because I am very busy building my wealth. TV does not contribute to my goals and where I am going in life! I will admit -- I love to watch the Antiques Road-Show, Hewell Houser's, CA's Gold (travel program) along with American Idol and Dancing with the Stars (only because they truly entertain) when I need some down-time, just to kick back and relax -- most everything else is just a waste of time and trash! As you say, the sit coms are mind-less! Anyway thank you again for your insights and comments about TV programming -- you always entertain me, but most importantly you teach me what I need to learn to grow into prosperity! I plan to meet you and I know that day will come along! Love and Peace to you!
Randy,
I love your blunt no-nonsense style. While I don't share your libertarian views totally, I do need a kick in the behind now and then and gleefully open up your newsletter in order to receive it.
As for the state of the Media, it is the old story of Bread
and Circus, the true opium for the masses.
Ohmigawd, Randy, you zeroed in on the truth once again.
Isn't it just amazing how viewers want to vicariously wallow (from a safe distance) in someone else's misery.
I see rejection (and self-rejection) story lines throughout this kind of programming.
The power of "Survivor' held much the same spellbinding mystique for viewers. But then I'm called "The Queen of Rejection"(TM) so that's the kind of lens I see in everything with!
We made it all very easy three years ago; we got rid of our television. Our lives have never been better.
Except for the occasional nature, science or history documentary I have given up television entirely. I have not watched a program as a regular viewer in over 10 years. The rare times that I do channel flip, I get up and walk away in disgust, and it’s not because I am a prude offended by the sex and violence. It is because the whole TV landscape is filled with people who are emotionally still in high school.
I think the thing that is most frustrating is this programming is all I ever hear about at my workplace. It's kind of isolating when you do not share the interests of your peers. But really, I do not think I want to fit in that badly if I have to watch American Idol (Sorry Randy) and shows like it.
I saw the host being interviewed, according to him the contestant are given a copy of the questions before they go on the show. So they know what they are getting into. People will do anything for money.
I saw enough of the show to never watch it again. It made me think ... hmmmm ... Jerry Springer for the evening crowd, and we all know how long he's been around.
Garth Roberts
Once again you let us know just how asleep at the wheel most people are today. I gave up most tv a few years ago.
Like you I have a few select shows, that teach me things, or make me think.
Like this one, I find unbelievable That there's still people living naked in the jungle. And the food guy's that travel the world. That what I would like to see the Randy Gage Show. As we follow you around the world. Just a thought!
Thanks again for enlightening me on the sad state of the people stuck in the matrix.
Gary McElwain
Randy,
I agree that to take pleasure in others pain is clearly not leading anyone onto the path of enlightenment. But, I do get a kick out of people that are so out there that they do not care what others think of them. Frankly, I wish I had more of that in me. So, in the end I celebrate them.
However, to take you private matters into public when they involve more than yourself is just wrong. I can only say how I felt which was outraged when I heard my ex husband trash me over the radio waves as I drove to the gym one morning.
So in the end you reap what you sow and remember to treat you neighbor and your daughter's mother as you would yourself.
c
There's no other prosperity guru that can
nail us the real and deep root reason why
we are so dumb sick and broke than...
Randy Gage
Organized religion, government, and the
mass media sabotaged our subconcious
to become simpletons and poor.
Randy you are the man!
Randy:
You probably won't remember from the Jan 2007 Tucson conference in which pointed out that "Mr. Ukulele, with his book, has a unique item which will sell on the net if he does it right". I was flabbergasted, but now have my website, and the book is selling, and I have an EZine called "UKE-TIPS", and getting a great reaction from that too. Thanks for the inspiration.
On to your Network TV subject, I'm with you 100% on that.
Network TV offerings, especially FOX's offerings, are for idiots....for lazy, fat people who want a moron like Bill O'Racist or Sean Insanity to do their thinking for them. I don't waste my time watching any of their shows, because Rupert Murdoch is so corrupt, he would sell his daughter to the highest bidder to make another buck. He's made a tabloid out of everything he has touched. Fox should lose it's license to broadcast, along with NBC, CBS, ABC, CNN, and I'm not too happy about PBS anymore.
Keep up the good comments. Yes, TV is killing the country. After all, it gave us George W. Bush.
Randy,
I have found it best to not turn on the Television....sitting and reading provides a more stimulating possibility and allows me to maintan my sanity...or my insanity, whichever one I am choosing in that moment.
Blessings,
Alina
Randy,
As usual, you hit the nail on the head. It's no wonder with shows like these; and the people who watch and create them, that our country is in the mess it's in.
As always, keep up the good work, someone has to point out to the dumb f___s how stupid they really are.
I'm in the U.K. and havent't seen many of the american shows, but what i have seen has not impressed me. I am neither a fan of some of the stuff that comes out of the U.K. . It seems that where religion was once 'the opium of the people' tv and the media are todays opium.
The film I would recommend all to see is 'Zeitgeist' you can find it via google.[the full version] Be warned - its not for the fainthearted.
Dear Randy,
Thank you to challenge us!...to make us look outside the box and to examine our core beliefs.
GREAT JOB!, Great insight.
I believe most people are just going through the motions since we were borned...programed by T.V., the government and our school systems...to not think...to not question...to not do inquiries.
To not seek the truth...for that would only set us free.
NOW no one wants that...
Laughing!
Roger
Trackbacks
Connect With Me!
Stay Connected
Subscribe to Randy's Blog via Email
[...] Crazy Like a FOX Network :: Randy Gage 7 Mar 2008. I could never have imagined a TV show capturing the power of the movies,.. I have not owned a TV for over 24 years however I do rent a comedy video now and then… Network TV offerings, especially FOX's offerings, Crazy Like a FOX Network :: Randy Gage [...]