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Spot the stereotype

So, Channel 5 have got a new TV show (originally a Japanese game show, and then an MTV show) called Silent Library.

Can you guess what elements are involved?


  • Sexy-but-prim female Librarian: glasses, hair in a bun, in both human and cartoon form?
Check


  • Librarian standing behind an issue desk, piles of books around her?

Check

  • Irritated librarian shhhh-ing people in the library when they make noise?
Check

  • Large "Silence Please" sign?
Check

  • Librarian aggressively using stamp and ink pad?

Check


My, what an exciting and novel idea they have here...not.

The Production team had a similarly inspired approach to asking for contestants

"Do you think libraries are dull? Can you suppress your laughter and hold your nerve whilst all those around you are losing theirs? Do you want to win up to £2000 in cash? We are currently producing a new TV series for Channel 5 based on a cult Japanese game show. We are looking for fearless, game for a laugh, up-for-it teams of six mates for a TV challenge like no other... Do you think you can avoid cracking up in the face of physically challenging, irresistibly silly pranks in the one place where the universal rule of SILENCE applies - a library?"

The one place with a universal rule of silence, eh?  They've obviously not set foot in a library for a long time then!
I can think of other silent places, with a similar response of "official disapproval" when too much noise is made...why aren't they trying this format in a monastery? A church? A temple?
Oh wait: no chance to show an obviously-must-be-a-bit-repressed-but-she's-still-sexy female librarian for those places, eh?

I can understand this show being acceptable in Japan (gameshows there are notoriously sexist), or even on MTV (not exactly known for its highbrow programming), but what made Channel 5 think this'd be a wonderful show here?

Perhaps we should campaign to Channel Five for some equally patronising programme for other stereotypes... anyone want to make any suggestions?
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Comments

Anonymous said…
Given who owns Channel 5 and the type of programming already run, I can't say I am remarkably surprised.... sadly.
20 July 2011 at 12:28
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