I asked this question in LGBT Perspectives. I’m asking it here, too, because there is mostly a different audience reading this blog.
Will you be watching the first instalment of Caitlyn Jenner’s documentary series, I Am Cait, on television on Sunday night. It’s on the E! Network at 8 p.m.
You don’t have to read any further to answer that question, but here is the post that ran in LGBT Perspectives:
I Am Cait: Will mainstream America be watching?
I doubt it. I can’t see the average American tuning in to watch the first instalment of Caitlyn Jenner’s 8-part documentary series on Sunday night (July 26). Or average Canadians, either — even though the program is being heavily promoted in advertisments in Canada.
There is no doubt that many media outlets have jumped on the Caitlyn Jenner bandwagon, and the decision to schedule the program during the dog days of summer is a click-bait boon for them. Lots of people will read their reports on the show — including lots of people who had better things to do than actually watch the show.
The average American — and the average Canadian — don’t really give a hoot about transgenderism. It’s not on their radar screens. When pressed, though, you’ll probably find the majority of people are uncomfortable with the idea that someone designated male at birth could “change” their gender. Still, although they might not buy the idea, they have a “live and let live” attitude. But they won’t be watching.
So, who will be watching?
Some members of the trans community will tune in, no doubt. Some activists will be critiquing the program: Did Caitlyn and friends get the issues right? Did they embarrass the trans community? Does Caitlyn have a right to represent the transgender community? Could the activists have done a better job?
No doubt, some right-wingers will watch the show with a very critical eye, and will be on social media within moments firing missiles of bigotry against Caityln and trans people in general.
And, sure, some people will tune in out of curiosity.
But I suspect the show will not be a big ratings hit, though I’m sure it will rake in some big bucks in ad revenue.
Will it actually raise some awareness about transgender issues with people who are not already aware of those issues? Maybe.
Will it disturb some people who knew nothing about transgender issues? Maybe.
Personally, I won’t be watching because I don’t get the E! network. Would I watch it if I could? Answer: Only if I had nothing better to do.
But I will read the reviews — in mainstream media, alternative publications and some right-wing rags — and monitor social media afterward.
I imagine most of our readership (in LGBT Perspectives) will be watching, right? Or not right?
Will you be watching I Am Cait?
— Jillian
No.
As a rule I don’t watch exploitation “reality” shows.
LikeLiked by 1 person
no
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nope. But I was initially interested by Jenna Talackova back in 2012. Didn’t she go up against the Duck and won?
LikeLiked by 1 person
She was able to compete in the Miss Canada competition. She didn’t win it, but she won some sort of prize there.
LikeLike
Thxs JP. So I suppose wrt this type of feminine roadshow we in Canada are more tolerant than most? I admit, when it comes to this arena of gender exposure(the beauty pageant) I am cognizantly removed. Now, the Ladyboys of Thailand, that’s more Like it %D
LikeLike
Excellent article, and you hit all the salient points. “The average American — and the average Canadian — don’t really give a hoot about transgenderism.” is very accurate, as are the comments about ‘reality’ shows. Added up, it sounds like a ‘who cares?” situation. We don’t.
This is an important issue to a tiny portion of the population and is mainly unknown/ignored by the rest. Adding the exploitative angle to it doesn’t make it any more interesting.
Good luck to Bruce/Caitlin, but we simply couldn’t care less about your (not so) private life.
Does anybody want to hear about my double hernia operation? How about the kidney removal? Or the day I lost my gall bladder? I think not!
LikeLike