Take The Doctors. The producers masterfully stage the show with a medical team donning scrubs and lab coats. The four board-certified physicians range in expertise from pediatrician, OB-GYN, ER, and plastic surgery. Wait...what was that last one? Oh yeah, plastic surgeon, because THAT is a practitioner from whom Americans must listen. But, I digress. These four doctors are not only professionally, and impeccably, dressed, but they are attractive. Most ER physicians are so harried and sleep-deprived that there's no possibility of them appearing that put-together. Dr. Lisa looks as though she is a patient of Dr. Drew Ordon, with her perfectly rhinoplastied-nose and Botoxed face. Anyway, the producers need the public to trust and like these people, so we will watch and then purchase the products of the show's sponsors and advertisers. Advertise beauty, sell beauty, make health contingent on beauty and the bait will effectively lure and capture the prey, I mean, audience.
If the show was truly concerned with the health of the nation, wouldn't the inclusion of an oncologist, rather than a pediatrician make more sense, especially given the rapid rise of cancer within the United States? If the show cared about health, wouldn't it accurately discuss weight as only one small snapshot of health? How is looking younger even related to one's health?
But, see for yourself. Here is a recap of The Doctors episodes for this week:
Shocking Germ Traps in Your Home & on Your Body!
August 27, 2012
Protect your family from harmful germs with help from The Doctors! Learn why you should think twice before watching a DVD, renting a car and using a yoga mat. Plus, the four waxing and shaving mistakes every woman makes.
Look Thinner, Younger & Sexier in Minutes!
August 28, 2012
Hate all the workouts and treatments it takes to stay sexy? The Doctors show you how to get the look you’re after without the work. Learn quick tricks to lift your face, get six-pack abs, fuller hair and more.
How to Know When Surgery Is REQUIRED!
August 29, 2012
Whether you’re suffering from serious issues or contemplating cosmetic surgery, The Doctors help you decide if you should go under the knife. Plus, actress Jessica Alba reveals her secrets for staying in shape.
Look Thinner & Sexier Than You Did in High School!
August 30, 2012
Reclaim your youth with The Doctors’ tips to turning back the clock. Get the sparkle back in your smile, the spring back in your step and more. Plus, how to increase your energy levels and stay active at any age.
Small Changes for Big Health Results!
August 31, 2012
The Doctors shows you how little changes can lead to big health results! Plus, 30-second solutions for a brighter smile and sexier skin, the surprising drink for a better night’s sleep and tips to curb your sweet tooth.
And, there you have it! A week's worth of "health" information. Why turn back the clock at all? Shouldn't we learn how to love ourselves at every age and stage? Doesn't self-acceptance equate to a calmer, more self-fulfilled life, which in turn, relaxes the body and keeps hormones in check? Do the doctors know the hazards of over-whitening, or that teeth that naturally aren't neon-white are stronger? Do the doctors know that as a 16-year-old (because the average high schooler is between 14-18), one isn't really "sexy (gross)," but still a child and that people get sexy upon adulthood? Do they know that weight gain is a natural part of aging? Do I know when plastic surgery is required? Yes, I do--NEVER! And, what if, just what if, I'm sexy as I am, without working out to death and undergoing facial/body treatments?
What bothers me about these shows is that the average viewer trusts these doctors and their messages. The average viewer believes the lies these "professionals" spout about dieting, appearance, and aging, and then follow this advice, which only leads a person toward an unattainable quest--perfection. Even when these "doctors" actually do discuss real health issues, I struggle to trust this information. I struggle because if a professional is willing to sell out and tout misinformation about one topic, how am I to believe all the other information? What is true? What isn't? These shows are so disingenuous, so completely immoral. These shows attempt to balance health with consumerism and marketing. It doesn't work. But, so many people believe it does work because they want so badly to fit in with society and to be accepted. It all just pisses me off.
So, thank you, my fellow blog viewers, for allow me to vent. Please remember to question all things that look so good on television.
Cheers!
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