Module 06 Course Project - Critical Analysis

Popular Television Program

Name: Rodney Wheeler

Institution: Rasmussen College

Course: G380/AMH3304 Section 01 Visions of America Since 1945

Date: 01/19/18

Titles of television shows are placed in italics.

Your assignment prompt asks you to discuss how a television show from this era was socialy, politically, and culturally relevant to the time in which it was created. I would start with an introduction that contains your thesis statement (--name the show and state that it was relevant to the time in which it was created).

The Bob Cummings Show is an American television show starring Robert Cummings. The program was also known as "Love That Bob," and it was aired on January 2, 1955, and September 15, 1959 (in-text citation needed). The show made history by becoming the first television series to start as a midseason replacement (in-text citation needed). The program first ran on NBC half a season and then continued for other two full seasons on CBS television channel (in-text citation needed). The program later returned to NBC during its two last seasons (in-text citation needed).

The main character of the program was Bob Cummings who was on most occasions portrayed as a spirited young photographer, Air Force reserve officer as well as a womanizer (in-text citation needed). He had a profound desire for aviation and photography. Other characters that stood out included Rosemary DeCamp and his sister Margaret McDonald (in-text citation needed).

At the time the show was being broadcasted, there existed various social issues in the social and historical events. For instance, it was just some years ago that the second world war ended living thousands of people homeless and had nothing to do. For example, Cumming's sister was widowed during the war and therefore he, being the veteran of the war had to indulge in photography to assist her sister (in-text citation needed). The issue highlighted above is just a reflection of how many people suffered during and after the war and therefore raising awareness to the concerned organizations that could have helped the needy in the society. The issues that happened at that time had a significant impact on the television show as various human right organizations and the government supported the program's quest to voice the plight of the people who suffered after the occurrences. This made the program even much famous than it was before.

The Bob Cummings Show is very impactful in the popular culture. Events presented in the tv show influence the people's way of life. World War II led to the loss of lives of many soldiers. This implies that some women were widowed in the process. For instance, Bob's sister was widowed and left with a son, Chuck. Bob, a veteran of the World War to engages in photography to support her sister and nephew. This shows that members of the society should be ready to help those in need. Moreover, another cultural issue of the community at the time of the broadcast is immorality. The society detests sexual immorality and expects everyone to uphold excellent moral standards. However, the TV portrays several instances of sexual immorality. Bob Collins is a shameless womanizer. This shows that despite the fact that the immorality is vice in the society, some people still practice it.

Television has grown to be one of the most popular tools of entertainment since its introduction. This mode of entertainment addresses social, cultural and political events. In the recent past, most television shows reflect the present cultural, political and social events. For instance, representing political issues on tv shows can be done by producing shows with similar political. For example, a corrupt government can be represented by a tv show with similar events. However, this may not be possible when government media policies are not flexible enough. For cultural and social issues, the first step is identifying the current social and cultural issues. Afterwards, appropriate tv shows are produced to reflect the society. Television is a useful tool in giving insights on current topics.

References

IMDb, (2002). The Bob Cummings Show (TV Series 1955–1959) – Retrieved from www.imdb.com/title/tt0047752/

Assignment Rubric:

Thesis and related discussion explains the cultural relevance of the show. (Details from the show are used to tie into themes or historical events) (24/30%)

--Show specifics, I would encourage at least one episode level specific, need to be added to complete your analysis.

Describe the details and related background of the chosen television show.(What is the background of this show? Explain what years it was on TV, describe the channel it aired on, the main characters, setting, etc..) (30/30%)

--This is done in your essay.

Discuss the television medium as a reflection of current social, political and cultural events.(What social issues and historical events were taking place at the time the show was being broadcast? Did these issues affect the television show in any way?) (14/20%)

--Historical specifics are needed to connect to content in the show.

Research, documentation of research, and grammar (6/20%)

I have some notes in the main body of the essay on the need for a solid introduction to frame your essay and some grammar things. Also, you essay is missing all documentation of research (in-text citations) and could use additional research. Remember, our course guideline of 3 sources for an academic paper of this size.