Beginning in January ABC will debut its latest reality TV show: "Homeland Security USA." As someone who already finds the agency to be an impotent and ridiculous hoax, it should be interesting to see how things play out. The agency itself must be stoked because this show will expand public consciousness on the role of this relatively young agency. What will expanded consciousness do? Possible desired impacts include bolstering public opinion of the agency and scaring or comforting people, based on their profile. As someone who values civil liberties, I would be stoked if this show were a "reality" show with the ability to ask difficult questions about the agency and their actions. But alas, our mainstream media does not wish to do this. In being a reality show, the embedded cameras will be showing us America through the lens of these agents. A lens where terrorists lurk around every corner. It will be interesting to see how the producers emphasize daily missions and frame the people that officers approach. "Cops," with its cheesy theme song, comes to mind. You would think Homeland Security would see the cameras following them around as a distraction, but the benefit of publicity must outweigh the negatives. Stay tuned for further analysis once the show hits the airwaves.
Resource:
Homeland Security Goes Hollywood
Ed O'Keefe
