Next time on…Survivor!
It’s the merge and the Gen-Xers know they need to do something to stay alive. However, Hannah is anxious to exact some revenge on Jay, so I guess that means she’s going to do something stupid next week. Big move or panic attack approaching, Flash Gordon. Tune in next week to see her voted out…I hope.
That’ll have to do for this week as I wanna dive straight in to my little piece on the topic of Social Media. Not sure if you’re interested in what I have to say about it, but maybe I’ll touch a nerve about this phenomenon. Enjoy…
Social Media
This is a conversation that’s been brewing in my head for quite some time now. Not sure there’s ever a “right” time to voice my opinions on anything other than Survivor, but what the hell, I’m not getting paid… Here goes.
Most of us can agree that Social Media has produced some contribution to society – be it exposure to your favorite stars, the ability to publish your personal videos, or simply to have your voice heard – and that’s thanks in large part to the internet. For many of us, it’s taken over our lives, with ridiculous amounts of time wasted on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Vine (oops, not that one!), and others, and the list will keep growing.
But what people may be not realizing is that social media may not be the boon that some people think it is. S**thead Kardashian – and her entire family – may feel their entire success is due to social media, but I feel their use of it is just an exercise in what’s available. Kim may be disillusioned into thinking her social media savvy speaks louder than her sex tape, but we all know the truth what brought her to the public eye. And if us non-celebrities, and the media, can’t get on board by ostracizing anyone who capitalizes THAT MUCH off social media, then it’s our fault to begin with.
But what’s wrong with social media? Let me tell ya. And it’s not how every chick or dude who’s ever been on Survivor has tried to parlay their 15 minutes into something more than it is. It’s how ANYONE who owns a camera, or an iPhone, or who figured out how to use iMovie (or a million other programs) thinks they’re creativity is worth more than it is.
You see, there used to be a time where film, video, or music, used to be done by people with talent, with the resources or connections to produce something great. And now, we’re stuck with a million variations of Rebecca Black, or the Jersey Shore squad, or anyone who’s been on the Bachelor. Anyone with 60 seconds of airtime on a reality show thinks they’re deserving of public consumption and acceptance.
Well, my dears, I have some news for you. You’re not special. You’re one of us. And to every Rob Cesternino, Stephen Fishbach, Corinne Kaplan, Russell Hantz, or any other ex-Survivor contestant who thinks they know more than the rest of us because they were “in-country,” I got news for you. You’re still just one of us…trying to get your voices heard.
I’ve always compared Twitter to being at a college football stadium where 100,000 people are screaming at the top of their lungs, and maybe a few select fans seated around you can hear what you’re screaming. And for many of you/us, I’m sure you feel like Twitter is a complete waste of time for your voice, when you find it hard to get more than a dozen followers who aren’t friends/family.
Believe me, I feel for anyone who ventures into the social media world without professional help and without “buying” followers. Sure, we can all spend $39 and gather a few thousand fake followers, but is that the point? Maybe for some of those trying to make a buck on social media it is, but as a guy who’s never been paid one dime for anything he’s written, I’m proud of the fact that I earned my followers by simply being present. And if something else is going on, I’m totally unaware…
But getting back to the heart of social media, and the creativity behind it, I have a lot to say. Mind you, I’m coming from a 25-year career in Hollywood, where the development, production and post-production processes have been ingrained in my head. And what we “professionals” never had to worry about, is what those “amateurs” were doing on YouTube, or MySpace, or whatever format they chose.
Sure, there were independent directors like Robert Rodriguez, Spike Lee, Jim Jarmusch, and Richard Linklater who defined a new era of filmmakers who steamrolled their way into the mainstream, but they did it before the social media craze took over, meaning they had real talent.
Now, you’ve got guys like the Smosh Brothers, that AfterEffects/Vine dude who went on Amazing Race, and a ton of other YouTube “celebrities” who suddenly think they’re “the s**t.” All you got to do is look at a guy like Nick Viall, who clearly has nothing productive to offer society, and wonder why the f**k he’s landed 4 reality shows/paychecks?! Just makes you hate the process, or the producers, or the executives who are greenlighting these decisions.
What I’ve been saying for a while now, is stop with the casting of “characters” on reality TV, and just try to find real interesting people that America can identify with. Don’t cast “villains,” or every ex-football player/beauty queen/cheerleader/model whose resume can be instantly glorified.
Start giving us insurance brokers, cooks, high school coaches, students, and (dare I say) strippers (got to have some eye candy) that America can rally behind and root for. Because we want to see people that we can identify with, that remind us of ourselves, or maybe who might change their lives for the better if they win.
But getting back to social media, I hope the ability to make/create art/videos/comedy is still being tested. I just wish that everyone took a little more time before they post something. The principle thing we were taught in film school is to constantly ask yourself “does it work?” And I think too many users fail to ask themselves that question. So, to anyone who posts a funny video, an epic fail, or a sh**ty prank video…just make it good. Because there’s nothing worse than creating bad art. And bad art is not art at all. It’s just a crappy video…
Not sure if you agree or disagree, but let me know what you think either way. I’m anxious to hear from all of you.
Have a wonderful week. Go out and vote, but like Mike Rowe was saying, “go out and read.” Because just because we have the right to vote, that doesn’t mean we should vote. There’s nothing worse than an electorate who’s voting merely for the “man,” “the white guy,” or “the one who’s name doesn’t look foreign.”
We’re a country of immigrants, and that should always be embraced.
So, go hug a Muslim, or a WOC, or a stripper this week. We could all use a little more loving…
May The Force Be With all of us next week…
Fish
Email: bryan.fish.fischer@gmail.com
Twitter: @BF_TheFish
AIM: bryan.fish.fischer@gmail.com or Bryan Fischer
Oh wow, I did such a huge happy dance to see Bleck-kay-lah gone. She was so full of herself, so rude, ugh she was just outright annoying. Go sell someone a timeshare and get off the TV Felicia! Anyway, what happened to the big rumor that she was one of the final 3? Do you think that was a red herring? I was sure she wouldn’t be voted out bc I thought there had been some spoiler that leaked basically saying she was one of the last finalists? What do you think Fish? 2nd, this really bugged me and you mentioned it but didn’t discuss. Bret and Sunday-WHY DO YOU HAVE TO WRITE EACH OTHER’S NAMES DOWN????? To me, that is the stupidest strategy every. Here’s why…yes, you both thought you were on the bottom. So its not like if one of you suddenly was voted out, that the other one would be safe just bc you put down your ally’s name. You would still be on the bottom and would have possibly F’d up a chance to get someone else out. It seemed so dumb, I almost wondered if they were sort of “acting” upon the directive of a meddling producer to throw us-the audience-off from the surprise of Mikey-a-la going? Am I being totally paranoid? That just seemed like the worst thing ever. To me, if you are on the bottom 2, show some guts and make a smart vote. Bugged me SO MUCH!!!! Hanna has big boobs BTW Fish. I’m surprised you haven’t noticed but may be too distracted by the pile of hair and giant glasses she has. She kind of reminds me of Rocky the Squirrel or maybe the squirrel on Sponge Bob-Sandy Cheeks? Definitely some type of rodent. I loved how you said in the recap that you fell in love with Jay when he said to Michela, “yeah, I voted you out.” I felt exactly the same way. Jay went way up on my list of favorites. And here’s another question….do you really think Hanna is that astute that she could just figure out Bret is a cop simply bc of his Boston accent. My son Jack, who is 12, is convinced the producers leaked a hint to her. See, he’s paranoid now too. (or just cynical like mom) What do you think? Yes, I also agree with you about the “types” that all of these shows feel they must cast, like its a sitcom which has to have the straight man, the wacky neighbor, the slutty sister in law and the kid who is smarter than every one else. So annoying. That’s why I like the weird, annoying people sometimes, but I guess one could argue they are a type too? Big Brother has been totally ruined the past few seasons by doing that. They are all about 20 years old, very attractive and all wanting to be famous. Its no fun. At least Survivor has tried a bit to still have some people who are a mix of ages, races and not all in perfect shape. Anyway, great recap as always and sorry I’m going on and on, but I had a lot to say. I too am worried about Tuesday. You probably wouldn’t like my vote since I think I’m a much more conservative person than you. Its weird though, some of the people I like the most are ones who are TOTAL political opposites of me. I’d never agree with you about it, but I still like you anyway. Have a great week Fishy! Luv your biggest fan.
Great episode !!! Great recap !!! Hannah actually had the nerve to tell everyone to stay honest ? 6 episodes or 387 anxiety attacks ago you stabbed the only person who opened up to you in the back ! For people you knew didn’t respect you . Hannah you are a clueless human being . Get your s&^t together kid . Jay has ice water in his veins . He was so cool and calm . Yes I did that ! Simple and accurate good move sir ! Well played !
I mostly liked Michaela in the same sense that one can be mostly dead or mostly pregnant, it doesn’t seem possible but it happens. Also, I’m mostly glad your back Fish!
Hola, amigos! Thank you for writing in, I know it’s kind of a pain to register and comment but I want you to know how much I appreciate your effort. Now let’s dish some dirt…!
kinb: Hey, my #1 reader! Missed ya! I’m so glad we’re on the same page about Belch-kay-la. Just a snapdragon, that one… I never heard she was going to be final 3, but since they’ve revealed the cast of S34 — of which she’s included — it was assumed she would do some damage this season. I guess a) going topless in that challenge, b) being an outright bitch every week, c) being available, and d) on a boring season, it wasn’t hard for her to make herself seen. Seriously, the only other people who could have been considered are:
Ken – probably not gonna be away from his daughter for that long, or he wins
Jessica – same can be said for her, or she wins…
Jay – the only one who could’ve taken Michaela’s spot, maybe this mean he wins…?
Figgy – Seriously, why isn’t she on S34? She would have been perfect. This is a perfect example of the show opting for high drama beeyotches than sexy players…
Taylor – couldn’t be away from baby mama…
David, Bret, Chris – couldn’t be away from work for that long
Paul, Rachel, Mari – left the game too early to make a connection with viewers.
Sunday, Adam, Hannah, Will, Lucy, CeCe and Michelle – boring af…
Zeke – is on S34…
Yeah, the Bret/Sunday thing could’ve been just a seed planted by a producer. I think if you’re in that situation, you say to the other, “Let’s both vote for Hannah,” and then you vote for Sunday. Doesn’t make sense…
You’re right about me not noticing Hannah’s boobs. She just doesn’t register on my boob-dar… I think it’s that whole Larry from the Three Stooges thing. He was never sexy to me. Now, Shemp, that dude was a goer…
Yeah, I also wanna believe the producers get more involved than they let on, but who knows? Coach made it seem like producers are merely there to observe, but I can’t believe the whole “reality show producer pool” is so vast that the same mistakes (or methods) used by Bachelor/ette producers are not used on Survivor. Let’s hope not…
No comment on Big Brother, I’ve never watched it. I hate Julie Chen, and the format just seems like everything I hate about reality TV. I hate that it’s in the same discussion as Survivor… But I do like your point about Survivor casting different types. I just wish they found more interesting/savvy/sexy people.
I’ll refrain from discussing anything political tonight. It’s the last night of America’s youth, tomorrow is our Bat Mitzvah. We’ll finally become a grownup. But I’ll say this, the more conservative candidate may have some good ideas, but the way those ideas are presented ruins it for me. I need a smooth operator. A good communicator. We’ll see what happens. It wouldn’t surprise me who gets elected because this country has a lot of stupid people in it.
Thanks for all your support. I love your passion!!!
Rick: Why do you still hate BBQs!? I don’t get it… Seriously, dude, thank you for continuing to write in. Sorry I didn’t get back to you last week. I was moping over the lack of comments coming in. However, I appreciate your dedication to the column. I agree with your thoughts on Hannah and Jay, but I really wished Jay would’ve spoken up a bit more and threw it back at Michaela. If someone stared me down like that, I’d be sure to slap him/her down
a little. Or definitely yell out some funny/nasty shit as she walks away from Tribal. Gotta give the folks at home something to remember too. And you can’t let bullies get away with that shizz. Make ’em look stupid. Thanks for writing in!
Susie: I’m glad you’re back! Missed ya! I think you just complimented me, but I’m mostly confused… 😉 Let me just say I’m glad to be back, and hope it continues for a long time. I truly missed it/all of you. Keep reading, and — despite what I wrote — use that social media to spread the word! Good luck this week!
And I really hope we can put this whole election behind us so I can stop talking about it. It’s hard to be an adult and NOT have a strong opinion on what’s going on, but I know none of you came here for that. I hope I’m not losing any readers based on what I’ve written.
Remember, everyone, nothing I say means anything. Half the shit I write is the equivalent to drunk tweets. I’m just trying to get a laugh… Please keep that in mind…
Now, offer to buy me a drink and I’ll meet anyone, anywhere, in Southern California to take them up on it! Bartender, make it double!
Mazel tov!