One of the true stars of television’s Golden Age in the
fifties, Steve Allen founded the Tonight Show, wrote music and books and was
one of the best comedians of the era. In more recent decades Allen became
increasingly disturbed by the entertainment industry's declining cultural
standards and "the general ugliness and immorality of much of popular
culture." He acted on that opinion in letters, lectures and articles. In
Vulgarians At The Gate he gives us a
variety of examples and evidence to back up his view. He puts the blame directly on TV writers,
programmers, performers, network executives and corporate giants whose lust for
ratings and money seems to know no bounds This includes their targeting of children.
He shows particular scorn for those "family-friendly" sponsors
responsible for sending prime-time "depravity into the home" and the violence
in children's programming.
The publication of this book shortly followed Steve Allen’s
death at 78 some ten years ago now, so I found it gathering dust on a back
shelf in our public library. While not a big fan of censorship, particularly in
the areas of religion and politics (as the Founding Fathers were determined to
prevent) and as bad as Allen portrays our cultural debasement, I think it’s even far worse today. The book
was a worthwhile read particularly for those like me of a more “liberal”
persuasion. Not that I needed a whole lot of reminding why I rarely watch TV,
despise the misogynistic tenor of rap “music,” and the gratuitous violence in
most media today. And no, in case you’re
wondering, I’m not a prude either…
We are cut from the same cloth, TB. I also feel he was ahead of his time, and I'm glad he's not around to see the seamy side of this that we do today. :-(
ReplyDeleteHe was a brilliant entertainer, and though I am not in favor of some of what is on TV I find it incredibly easy to change the channel or turn it off if I am offended.
ReplyDeleteI am a huge Howard Stern fan and I suspect people who don't really know his work and talent would automatically consider him dirty, misogynistic homophobic and racist. Well he does do potty humor, but then I am a grown up. When kids are around I turn him off. The misogynistic, racist and homophobic tags are as far from reality as is humanly possible. I only mention this as an example of the danger in censorship. If people do not like something turn it off.
Anyway, funny enough the one bit I remember most of Steve Allen was on a late night show (after he did the tonight show and his prime time show) He called the Alhambra Cleaners called "Big A Cleaner" and said he needed his "Big A" cleaned. He went on about having a large Alhambra High "A" for the marching band and it needed cleaning, but the joke was clearly about his big "A" and for the time rather risqué for the early 60's. Oh, and I laughed my big A off at this prank.
Well it was late night
We do not watch much T.V.
ReplyDeleteJust not much of anything good on.
We like to watch some BBC.
I always think about how they wouldn't permit filming of Elvis Presley from the waist down compared to the things they permit now days.
ReplyDeleteCertainly food for thought. I didn't realize he had written a book -- fun part of visiting the library and finding an unknown treasure.
ReplyDeleteI find that British tv is more mature and gives more credit to the viewers' intelligence. Not that I can watch on any sort of regular basis, but the programs that I do watch are superior.
ReplyDeleteI liked Steve Allen --and the Tonight Show. BUT--the one I loved even more was Johnny Carson.. He is my all-time favorite when it comes to comedians (although I also like Bill Cosby)....
ReplyDeleteYES---TV today is nothing like the 'good ole'days'.....ha
Hugs,
Betsy
I always found Steve Allen as a thoughtful spokesman on contemporary issues. He was underrated to some degree because he was known as an entertainer primarily. I have heard many tales about he and his wife being very down to earth and generous people. He is one of those people I wish I had met with his integrity' he was never afraid to ruffle feathers by speaking out on social important issues.
ReplyDeleteI loved Steve Allen and he must be rotating in his grave today.
ReplyDeleteI really miss the innocence of the older shows. Today, it is Thankfully we still have the lovely channel changing option.
Sounds interesting, he wrote a few murder mysteries also
ReplyDeleteI have not read the book, but I feel like things have sure taken a turn for the worse in this country - in more ways than one. I'm a conservative.
ReplyDeleteI always felt that Allen was a genius. Agree with him here. I don't think censorship is the answer as much as self-censorship. Producers need to use a little taste and common sense! And we the audience should not rush to buy products that are advertised on displays of nastiness masquerading as entertainment. It's all about money.
ReplyDeleteAgree with Allen's book. I'm not a TV watchers either. I feel the media has debased our culture to the point of nonsense. The media news and programs along with their senseless ads degrade our culture so why partake I say. -- barbara
ReplyDeleteLoved Steve Allen! Brilliant man. He educated as much as he entertained.
ReplyDeleteOur TV is unplugged 22 hours out of 24. Turn it on to get the weather forecast, mostly, and Jeopardy. I can't believe the trash that is on today and available for our kids to watch! Shame on us.