Pinko Magazine Hedonism + Activism

The election has gone from crazy to insane to plain stupid in the course of a few short weeks. I decided to take some time off from the virtual campaign trail and get reacquainted with the popular culture of our great nation. Finding nothing of interest there, I turned to Japan.

Two shows have been dominating my DVR recently: Ninja Warrior and Unbeatable Banzuke. Both shows air on the last-on-the-dial network G4 and feature superhuman feats of athleticism. What is perhaps most interesting about them is that, although the are ostensibly “competitions” they don’t carry with them the stench of backstabbing and do-anything-to-win that you see in american reality shows.

The point of both of these shows appears to be the overcoming of insurmountable obstacle through the competitors strength and agility. Only the absolute best of the best can hope to win. Frequently, nobody wins at all. In spite of being, often literally, “unbeatable” neither show appears to offer any sort of prize beyond the recognition of being a “Ninja Warrior” or having your name added to the “Banzuke”.

Here is a clip from Ninja Warrior:

By contrast the point of most American reality shows appears to be eliminating the most talented competitors early so that the do not pose a threat. The “winner” is therefore usually the most despicable heel on the show. By avoiding excellence and staying barely one step above total failure, we award them with hundreds of thousands, or even millions of dollars. in otherwords, cover your ass and do and say anything you have to to win. That is the game.

That kinda sucks.

About The Author - Stirling McLaughlin is an Art Director, Designer and Illustrator in New York City. Stirling enjoys vegan baking, expensive sportswear and mustard and relish sandwiches. Stirling lives in Manhattan with his wife and daughter. - Visit Stirling's site.