The Week the Women Went
Linda Hegarty — February 2, 2008 — World
References: cbc & features.us.reuters
How far will reality shows go? Canada's national broadcaster, the CBC, will present a show based on the BBC reality show "The Week the Women Went".
Recent government statistics show that 70 percent of Canadian households are run by women. The majority of these women also hold full-time jobs.
In Hardisty, an oil-patch town in the prairie province of Alberta where the program was shot, many of the men work away from home for days at time.
"They don't get to hang out with Daddy," said stay-at-home mother Heather Miller of her two young sons in the first episode. "I don't even know if he's had them for a whole day."
While Miller worried about her husband Dustin's ability to cope without her, he didn't share her concern.
"Two people to take care of, both under the age of five," he said. "How hard can it be?"
Dustin Miller's comments may come off as misguided, but for some of the local men good planning made the process easy.
"It wasn't that much of an ordeal," said town administrator, and father of three, Tony Kulbisky. "We just pre-planned everything, or tried to be as organized as we could be."
The show has sparked discussion. Local media called it "sexist" and debate online has been lively.
"What a misandric (man hating) idea for show," said a viewer identified as Andrew. "What is wrong with Canadian society that we need to continuously promote how important women are to society at the expense of men."
Recent government statistics show that 70 percent of Canadian households are run by women. The majority of these women also hold full-time jobs.
In Hardisty, an oil-patch town in the prairie province of Alberta where the program was shot, many of the men work away from home for days at time.
"They don't get to hang out with Daddy," said stay-at-home mother Heather Miller of her two young sons in the first episode. "I don't even know if he's had them for a whole day."
While Miller worried about her husband Dustin's ability to cope without her, he didn't share her concern.
"Two people to take care of, both under the age of five," he said. "How hard can it be?"
Dustin Miller's comments may come off as misguided, but for some of the local men good planning made the process easy.
"It wasn't that much of an ordeal," said town administrator, and father of three, Tony Kulbisky. "We just pre-planned everything, or tried to be as organized as we could be."
The show has sparked discussion. Local media called it "sexist" and debate online has been lively.
"What a misandric (man hating) idea for show," said a viewer identified as Andrew. "What is wrong with Canadian society that we need to continuously promote how important women are to society at the expense of men."
Trend Themes
1. Reality Show Gender-swap - Potential for reality shows to flip traditional gender roles for entertainment value.
2. Gender Representation in Media - Increased awareness of gender bias in media and the potential impact on societal perceptions.
3. Online Debates Influence Show Casting - Social media campaigns for or against a show’s casting choices can wield significant influence.
Industry Implications
1. Television Production - Opportunities for television production companies to create new and innovative shows that challenge traditional gender stereotypes.
2. Advertising and Marketing - Opportunities for advertisers and marketers to showcase their support for gender equality through partnerships with gender-inclusive media.
3. Social Media and Influencer Marketing - Social media platforms and influencers can capitalize on gender-focused discussions online to drive brand messaging and support for their initiatives.
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