Portrayals of Driving Behavior on TV
The Negative Portrayals of Driving
Introduction: What It's All About
Everybody watches TV, from children to grandparents. And many, including myself, like to watch destruction, violence, and sex because it's exciting. Yet most of us don't realize the influence it has on ourselves. Negative driving is frequently portrayed on TV, with hardly any positive portrayals. It is these portrayals that influence us even though we may not be aware of it. It can affect a person's thinking and acting, and cloud a person's interpretation of what it right/wrong, safe/unsafe, and appropriate/inappropriate.
I will briefly summarize 3 prior students reports about negative driving portrayal, which will add more beneficial information. Then discuss 10 examples I found myself of bad driving behavior. It seems that when I was spcifically looking for these events on TV, I couldn't find many good examples, but when I didn't have this assignment, I remember seeing a lot of examples. Yet I couldn't use the examples I saw in the past because I couldn't remember all the details. Well, the 10 examples I selected were chosen from 1)commercials, 2)TV series, 3)movies, and 4)cartoons. The observations in each of these 4 sources will have the day, date, time, channel, and name of program. This will then be followed by a specific description of the characters, the situation and what's happening, and how long it is relative to the whole or how prominent as a theme. Next will be my analysis and evaluation of the event. It will then conclude with a rating scale I will give to the driving event. The scale is based on 3 principles, 1)Prominence-how important the driving episode is, 2)Realism-how realistic the episode was, could it be easily imitated, and 3)Dangerousness-how dangerous it is to the driver, others, and objects (vehicles, buildings, people, etc.). Each principle has a possible of 0-3 points, so the rating scale will be a total of the 3 principles and be based on 0-9 points, with a 9 being the worst bad driving.
Kristy Kato: Portrayals of Driving Behavior
Kristy Kato's report was an excellant source for viewing how driving behavior is portrayed on TV. Her introduction is insightful and offer some explanation of possible reasons why people watch TV and how specific characters can influence individuals to do certain things. She the discusses 5 sources of her negative portrayals on TV, which are cartoons, commercials, music videos, TV series, and movies. Her discussion and analysis of the sources explains i great detail how it can influence the individual, in thinking and acting. She also provides personal experiences which enhance the explanations.
Kristen Subia: Portrayals of Drivers on TV--Good or Bad?
Kristen opens her report with an insightful introduction. She explains how TV can influence individuals and how the media/TV show extreme violence because that is what the audience wants to see. She also discusses the possible reasons why we as individuals perform dangerous driving behavior. She uses 4 sources for her portrayals, they are movies, cartoons, commercials, and sports. Her discussion on the influences these sources have are excellant and her input from personal experiences is also very insightful, as is her advice for future generations.
Jennifer Kaneshiro: Portrayals of Driving Behavior onTV--Good or Bad?
Jennifer's report is straight and to the point. She explains what she is doing and uses 4 sources for her discussion, which are cartoons, TV series, commercials, and movies. I didn't like the discussion section where you had to click on the specific episodes to read them. It was sort of a hassle to click back and forth, but her discussions were well thought out. As was her advice to future generations.
Observations: Discussion & Sources
Commercials
Nissan Altima
- Day: Wednesday
- Date: 10/08/97
- Time: 7:00pm
- Channel: 4/ABC
In this commercial, a couple, who give off the impression that they are dull by the way they talk and move, are standing outside their farmhouse looking at their old broken down truck, with the man saying, "it's time to get a new car." So he picks up a suitcase and starts walking. The scene then returns to the woman in the kitchen and the man returning home in a new Altima. He arrives to his home speeding, literally launching the car into the air. He then proceeds to drive the car at a high speed in circles on the dirt with dirt flying all over. He is also singing loudly with his eyes closed as he is driving. As the woman sees this, she comes outside and says, "what's gotten into you?" Surprised, the man then stops the car and says, "I don't know, but I like it." This goes on for a total of about 1 minute.
Analysis and Evaluation
- This commercial gives the driver the impression that getting a new car will change their appearance, make them more exciting. Wrong.
- this also gives the driver the impression that having a new car allows the driver to drive fast and that it's safe. Wrong again.
- this also gives the impression that if they drive fast, they can vault the car into the air. You really can because I did it myself. There was a hump in the road and I accelerated as I approached it and launched all four wheels into the air. It was exciting, yet stupid and I intend to never do it again.
- this als gives the impression that it is okay to sing loudly with your eyes closed and not pay attention and not get into an accident.
- It also tells the driver that driving at high speeds in a circle will give you a wild sensation and they may try to imitate it. It's true you get a sensation, but it might not feel as good when you're crashing.
Rating:
- Prominance -3
- Realism -3
- Dangerousness-2
Total------8
Ford Ranger
- Day: Thursday
- Date: 10/09/97
- Time: 8:00pm
- Channel: 9/CBS
In this commercial, 2 guys in a truck singing loudly and not paying much attention to the road, always looking at each other, are speeding around on dirt roads. They are going fdast around curves, up hills, with dirt flying all over the place. And the commercial ends with them asking what to do tomorrow, and then speeding off singing loudly with the announcer saying "built Ford toygh."
Analysis and Evaluation
- This commercial gives the driver the impression that owning a Ford truck allows you to drive at high speeds, anywhere. This could be bad especially for those drivers who have passengers in the back of the truck.
- this also makes the driver believe the truck can hold up to all kinds of abuse. This may cause them to have a false sense of protection, that whatever happens to the truck, they'll be okay.
- this again makes the driver believe it is okay to sing loudly and not pay attention to the road. Wrong, always pay attention to the road, never know what might happen.
- this also gives off the impression that it is okay to drive at high speed everyday.
Rating:
- Prominance -3
- Realism -3
- Dangerousness-2
Total------8
Chevrolet
- Day: Wednesday
- Date: 10/08/97
- Time: 6:00pm
- Channel: 4/ABC
This commercial starts out with a Ben Hur movie. In which Ben Hur is in a chariot race with the announcer saying what if you found yourself in a movie. It then shows Ben Hur in a chariot racing against a car. They are both traveling at high speeds and are bumping each other to get a better position to win the race. There also is dirt flying out when the car makes turns to accentuate the speed. The commercial ends with the car winning the race and Ben Hur looking at the car in disbelief.
Analysis and Evaluation
- This gives the driver the impression that when driving a car, it's like you are in a movie. Giving a false sense of realism, that they can do anything.
- it also gives the impression that when driving a car, it's like a race. This may cause individuals to drive at higher speeds and drive more aggressively.
- it also gives the impression that it's okay to bump other vehicles when driving, if you're trying to get in front of them.
- again it makes drivers believe that it's okay to drive at high speeds and take turns in that fashion.
Rating:
- Prominance -3
- Realism -3
- Dangerousness-3
Total------9
TV Series
Simpsons
- Day: Sunday
- Date: 10/19/97
- Time: 7:00pm
- Channel: 2/FOX
This is the opening credits. Where Homer has something stuck in his shirt, then takes it out and throws it out the window. He then takes a turn at a high speed with the tires screeching and with a lot of pedestrians standing around, even a police officer. It then shows Marge taking turns at high speeds with Maggie(the baby) pretending to be driving the car. The opening credits then end with Homer pulling into the driveway, at a high speed with the brakes screeching. And as he gets out of the car, Bart on his bicycle, jumps on the roof of the car and almost hits Homer, but keeps going. Then Marge pulls into the driveway also at a high speed with the brakes screeching, almost hitting Homer.
Analysis and Evaluation
- This gives the driver the impression that it is okay to throw things out the window. You should never do this because it's littering and could cause damage/accident to another.
- this makes the driver believe it's okay to take turns at high speeds, even when there are plenty of people around. Wrong, you could cause an accident and put other peoples lives in danger.
- it gives the driver the impression that it's okay to speed and take turns while speeding because the officer who witnessed it didn't do anything.
- This alos gives children the impression that they can drive a car, that it's easy. If a baby can do it, so can I. May cause younger people to do it illegally, without a liscense, to try it because it's easy.
- this also may cause bikers to ride recklessly, which may cause accidents on the road.
- this shows drivers that it's okay to almost hit a pedestrian. This may cause drivers to take more chances and not think about others.
Rating:
- Prominance -2
- Realism -3
- Dangerousness-3
Total------8
Seinfeld
- Day: Wednesday
- Date: 10/15/97
- Time: 10:30pm
- Channel: 4/ABC
In this episode, Kramer, who is in a big/long car, is looking for a parallel parking space on the street. He sees an opening between 2 cars that's visibly too small for his car. Yet, he goes into the stall and makes his car fit by bumping the 2 cars back and forth until he fits. All this goes on while spectators stare open-mouthed at him. He then gets out of his car and walks away like nothing happened.
Analysis and Evaluation
- Drivers will get the impression that it's okay to bang other cars to fit into a parking stall. As long as there isn't any visible damage, it's alright.
- they will also get the impression that if they bang another car and no one is there or says anything, it's alright to leave like nothing happened. Wrong, you should leave a note to let the other person know.
- they will also think it's okay because the bystanders didn't do anything ao say anything, so it must be alright.
Rating:
- Prominance -1
- Realism -3
- Dangerousness-3
Total------7
Pensacola: Wings of Gold
- Day: Sunday
- Date: 10/19/97
- Time: 8:00pm
- Channel: 5/UPN
In this scene, a jaguar and a van, both with 2 occupants, are speeding down a long straight road. They are both trying to bang each other off the road. The occupants of the van are smoking cigarettes and keep looking at the other car and not the road, and are not wearing seatbelts. The van then gets pushed off the road, flies through the air and crashes through a motor home. When the van finishes tumbling on the ground, the 2 occupants come out of the vehicle okay, without any scratches.
Analysis and Evaluation
- This scene gives the impression that you can drive at high speeds.
- it also gives the impression that you can try to bump another car off the road.
- Also that it's okay to smoke cigarettes, paying little attention to the road and not wear seatbelts.
- it also gives the drivers the impression that if they get into a major accident, they will come out of it alright. And since they weren't wearing seatbelts and still didn't get hurt, it gives them a reason not to wear seatbelts.
Rating:
- Prominance -1
- Realism -3
- Dangerousness-3
Total------7
Movies
The Rock
- Day: Saturday
- Date: 10/11/97
- Time: 8:00pm
- Channel: Video Tape
In this scene, Sean Connery steals a Humvee from a valet parking attendant because he is trying to run away from the FBI. Nicholas Cage, an officer, then takes a sportscar from another guy and starts to chase Sean Connery. During the chase, they are driving at high levels of speed, taking turns, causing the vehicle to jump in the air, crashing into all sorts of things. They also endanger the lives of pedestrians and cause many car accidents, without stopping to see if anybody was hurt. This lasts approximately 5 minutes.
Analysis and Evaluation
- Gives the impression that it's okay to steal cars from others, that it's easy. May cause more carjackings.
- also gives the impression that if being chased, it's okay to drive at high speeds, take turns dangerously, crash into things to try and stop the other car.
- Also that it's okay to put other people's lives in danger, and that if you cause an accident, you don't need to stop.
- That if you drive fast enough, you can catch air. May cause more people to try ridiculous stunts.
- it is movies that enhance these kinds of scenes that make it appealing to the viewers. It causes some to try and imitate them because they are so "neat."
Rating:
- Prominance -1
- Realism -3
- Dangerousness-3
Total------7
Cartoons
Spider-Man
- Day: Monday
- Date: 10/20/97
- Time: 2:00pm
- Channel: 2/FOX
Spider-man and Cat-woman are being chased by some people, so they steal a guy's motorcycle to try and get away. They speed away at very high speeds, waeving in and out of traffic, going between cars and driving on the lines. They take turns at high speeds, with the tires screeching. They also turn down a one way street and drive in the wrong direction, swerving to avoid colliding with other cars. They then go up a ramp with the motorcycle and jump into the air to avoid hitting a bus and crach the motorcycle into a dump truck. Yet they come out of this unharmed, and not even shaken.
Analysis and Evaluation
- Gives motorcylce drivers the impression that it's okay to travel at high speeds, especially if you are packing someone.
- it also gives the go ahead to weave in and out of traffic to go faster.
- also that it is okay to drive in the wrong direction down a one way street.
- also that if you get into an accident, you probably won't get hurt, since spidey and the cat didn't, after all the things they did.
- give motorcycle drivers the feeling that they are better than cars, which would justify the reasons for their driving.
Rating:
- Prominance -1
- Realism -3
- Dangerousness-3
Total------7
Dragon Ball Z
- Day: Saturday
- Date: 10/11/97
- Time: 7:00pm
- Channel: Video Tape
In this episode, hijackers steal a bus full of tourists. They shoot their guns all over the place, endangering the tourists. They then bang through a police barricade and travel at high speeds down the road. The driver of the bus also doesn't pay much attention to the road, always looking back at the people. Also the tourists on the bus aren't scared, they are all happy and excited that something like this happened to their bus. Later, the bus goes out of control and plunges over a cliff, but nothing happens because it is saved by a superhero.
Analysis and Evaluation
- This portrayal of a hijacking will give children a false impression, they may think that it is not bad, but fun, as was portrayed by the tourists.
- this also gives children a false impresion of driving because nobody really gets hurt with all the accidents. Those that get knocked down get right back up.
- this will also give the impression that driving in this style, at high speeds is okay because again no one got hurt and the tourists were enjoying themselves.
- gives children a false impression of what's right and wrong.
- also that if they were ever to get into an accident, they'll be alright, since no one got hurt in any of the accidents.
Rating:
- Prominance -2
- Realism -3
- Dangerousness-3
Total------8
Batman
- Day: Friday
- Date: 10/17/97
- Time: 3:30pm
- Channel: 7/WBN
In this episode, batman, trying to get away from the bad guys, jumps in his batmoblie. He then proceeds to travel at high speeds to avoid being hit. He takes turns at high speeds and ends up crashing his vehicle, but comes out of the accident unharmed.
Analysis and Evaluation
- Again, this portrays that driving at high speeds is okay, especially since Batman is a good guy, children will think it is more alright.
- that it's okay to take turns real fast, since Batman is doing it.
- that you don't really get hurt if you get into an accident, since Batman came out of one okay.
- children are easily swayed to belive what they see because they think it's real.
Rating:
- Prominance -2
- Realism -3
- Dangerousness-2
Total------8
How Writing This Report Has Influenced Me: Time To Change
This report has made me realize that my driving habits are not very good. I do many things that are considered bad driving behavior. It's hard to change, but with time, I believe I can achieve it. More people need to be aware of their driving habits. Like myself, I wasn't aware of them until I was brought into contact with this class. So those who don't take this class won't become aware that they have bad driving habits. Future generations need to look at themselves and see that they need to change in order for it to happen. My thinking has changed, but not my acting and feeling. I know what I do when I'm driving is wrong, but I still act the same way and feel the same. I need to work on it a little more before I can completely change.
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