Long Live Laguna, Bitches
by Brittany Stitch
The previous blogs regarding Laguna Beach bring up two very interesting points: The absurdity of its claim as a reality television show and the lack of intellectual
stimulation of the viewers. However, there is always an opposing viewpoint to any argument.
Mr. Rowland’s beliefs that MTV fails to play music is both grounded and correct. MTV, like any other thriving, money-making business, only seeks one thing: public demand. And Laguna Beach delivers just that: entertainment value. Depicted as “the REAL Orange County”, Laguna Beach encompasses the social aspect of a group of high school students in one of the most affluent, selective, and picturesque areas of California. It is important to note here that the distinguished authors aforementioned are not even California residents. To argue that they know “reality” in So Cal, thousands of miles away from their vast corn-field of a hometown, is preposterous. Reality is an objective term. Welcome to California, where plastic surgery and BMW’s are about as commonplace as In-N-Out Burger (Non-CA residents: this is a popular fast food chain found up and down the California coast). Gasp! Again, here is something all too “real” to us Californian’s, yet all too distant and unreal for non-residents.
Secondly, Laguna Beach deals with very real situations. How many girls have dealt with Jason’s, who account for their despicable behavior with the super-insightful “I don’t know” reasoning. Yet for some reason, no matter how ill-treated we are, we just keep coming back (poor Jessica). Likewise, how prevalent are the vindictive, boy-friend stealing Alexs' in our high schools…or better yet that much too common “love triangle”. Take the O.C. for example (which I equally enjoy), where in one episode a shooting, drug deal, and drunken confession of a middle-aged mother who has just found out her sister is the same age as her son (whew…that was a mouthful.) can all happen. Compared to that drama-filled situation, Laguna Beach is about as close to reality as it comes.
However, I am no idiot. As a normal portrayal of adolescence, Laguna Beach does not come close. I too reside in California but do not travel to the local bowling alley in a limo. Nor have I cried over being stuck with a 4Runner instead of a SL 500. But believe me, I know many who have. However, how unfortunate for them. That’s why I love LB so much. To me, it offers an escape from reality. How refreshing that for 30 minutes a week I can be freed of the pressures of everyday life, completely emerged into the trials and tribulations of those more privileged than myself. I’m entertained. The trivial yet life-altering decisions that plague these beautiful young adults makes me that much more appreciative of what I have. I have dreams, goals, and aspirations. My biggest decision I face everyday is not the debate over the length of my hair extensions. Shame on me for desiring more than Daddy’s handouts, which brings me to my last point.
Laguna Beach is a threat to society, and its viewers are unable to offer anything to society. I highly disagree. The author of that statement is obviously a sufferer of overconfidence and the hindsight bias (look it up in a Psychology book). First of all, if Laguna Beach is able to influence one so dramatically, whether adversely or not, what does that say about the person? As should all other shows, Laguna Beach should be taken for its entertainment value ALONE. Likewise, if there is a link between school violence, shootings etc. and Laguna Beach, please let me know. I will retract all my statements. Lastly, I am standing proof that Laguna Beach viewers are not detrimental or a waste to society. Besides the fact that my ACT score almost doubles the aforementioned scored, my aspirations are not a reflection of my viewing of LB. Yes, I did attend a LB Premiere party clad in an “I love Kristen” t-shirt. However, I don’t spend my free time surfing or charging Daddy’s credit card. I am going to accomplish great things in life and my passion for Laguna will in no way hinder that. Mark my words. Long live Laguna!
The previous blogs regarding Laguna Beach bring up two very interesting points: The absurdity of its claim as a reality television show and the lack of intellectual
stimulation of the viewers. However, there is always an opposing viewpoint to any argument.
Mr. Rowland’s beliefs that MTV fails to play music is both grounded and correct. MTV, like any other thriving, money-making business, only seeks one thing: public demand. And Laguna Beach delivers just that: entertainment value. Depicted as “the REAL Orange County”, Laguna Beach encompasses the social aspect of a group of high school students in one of the most affluent, selective, and picturesque areas of California. It is important to note here that the distinguished authors aforementioned are not even California residents. To argue that they know “reality” in So Cal, thousands of miles away from their vast corn-field of a hometown, is preposterous. Reality is an objective term. Welcome to California, where plastic surgery and BMW’s are about as commonplace as In-N-Out Burger (Non-CA residents: this is a popular fast food chain found up and down the California coast). Gasp! Again, here is something all too “real” to us Californian’s, yet all too distant and unreal for non-residents.
Secondly, Laguna Beach deals with very real situations. How many girls have dealt with Jason’s, who account for their despicable behavior with the super-insightful “I don’t know” reasoning. Yet for some reason, no matter how ill-treated we are, we just keep coming back (poor Jessica). Likewise, how prevalent are the vindictive, boy-friend stealing Alexs' in our high schools…or better yet that much too common “love triangle”. Take the O.C. for example (which I equally enjoy), where in one episode a shooting, drug deal, and drunken confession of a middle-aged mother who has just found out her sister is the same age as her son (whew…that was a mouthful.) can all happen. Compared to that drama-filled situation, Laguna Beach is about as close to reality as it comes.
However, I am no idiot. As a normal portrayal of adolescence, Laguna Beach does not come close. I too reside in California but do not travel to the local bowling alley in a limo. Nor have I cried over being stuck with a 4Runner instead of a SL 500. But believe me, I know many who have. However, how unfortunate for them. That’s why I love LB so much. To me, it offers an escape from reality. How refreshing that for 30 minutes a week I can be freed of the pressures of everyday life, completely emerged into the trials and tribulations of those more privileged than myself. I’m entertained. The trivial yet life-altering decisions that plague these beautiful young adults makes me that much more appreciative of what I have. I have dreams, goals, and aspirations. My biggest decision I face everyday is not the debate over the length of my hair extensions. Shame on me for desiring more than Daddy’s handouts, which brings me to my last point.
Laguna Beach is a threat to society, and its viewers are unable to offer anything to society. I highly disagree. The author of that statement is obviously a sufferer of overconfidence and the hindsight bias (look it up in a Psychology book). First of all, if Laguna Beach is able to influence one so dramatically, whether adversely or not, what does that say about the person? As should all other shows, Laguna Beach should be taken for its entertainment value ALONE. Likewise, if there is a link between school violence, shootings etc. and Laguna Beach, please let me know. I will retract all my statements. Lastly, I am standing proof that Laguna Beach viewers are not detrimental or a waste to society. Besides the fact that my ACT score almost doubles the aforementioned scored, my aspirations are not a reflection of my viewing of LB. Yes, I did attend a LB Premiere party clad in an “I love Kristen” t-shirt. However, I don’t spend my free time surfing or charging Daddy’s credit card. I am going to accomplish great things in life and my passion for Laguna will in no way hinder that. Mark my words. Long live Laguna!
posted by Kyle Rowland at 12:06 PM
0 comments
