Like any other station, viewing material and programs spark personal controversy. Instead of reflecting on news, I turned to fellow blogs. One in particular caught my eye because the show he was writing about will air tonight. The TV and Film Guy, had some interesting points on tonight PBS special Nova: The Family that Walks on All Fours.
“While it is great that Nova does show the other point of view in their newest episode, “Family That Walks on all Fours,” lending any sort of credence to this devolution, or “genetic throwback” theory at all smacks of sensationalism. I very much doubt whether this sort of “journalism” would be accepted if the family in question lived in the United States. I believe such a story is only viewed as acceptable and amazing because it takes place in a poor area of rural Turkey, a distant enough physical location that some scientists can dehumanize this family without feeling guilty.”
Is this journalism truly dehumanizing? If no prior knowledge of these people existed would the average American family suffer from ignorance? There is a need to remind many that their world just doesn’t stop at their garden gate, but I do concur that perhaps this means of broadcasting could be more sensitive and just. But then again, it airs tonight! Let’s watch and see…
Nova — “Family That Walks on all Fours” airs Tuesday November 14th at 8:00PM on PBS.
