President's Perspective
Today’s television lineup features a raft of so-called reality shows, some of which glamorize risk taking behaviour.
Dangerous copycat stunts forced the cancellation of MTV’s Jackass in August 2004 despite high ratings. A Connecticut teen suffered serious burns when trying to copy a stunt. Another boy broke his leg when he was hit by a car driven by friends in an attempt to create a video for the show. These incidents should have served as a warning that thrill seekers may try to recreate what they see in the media.
Nevertheless, a January 2005 episode of Fear Factor required contestants to receive electric shocks against the backdrop of a utility substation. The program created the impression that contact with electricity may not have serious consequences and that it’s okay to play around utility substations and electrical equipment. In reality, electricity can be fatal even at low levels of current; a fraction of an amp can stop the heart.
This winter, the Discovery Channel asked Canadians to nominate “bad” drivers for a planned reality show called Canada’s Worst Driver. The chosen drivers would be re-educated by driving professionals. The winner would be the one who was still the worst after all remedial efforts. Supposedly, rewarding the worst driver would help teach Canadian how to drive safer.
The producer claimed Canada’s traffic safety record is among the worst in the world, far behind even China. His statements showed a profound ignorance of traffic safety. The Canada Safety Council publicly challenged him, noting that Canada’s official goal is to have the safest roads in the world and that our country is well on the way to achieving this goal.
Responsible television programming should reinforce the reality that much hard work has been and is being done to improve safety.
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