Because so many ideas and perceptions in the realm of television were constantly showered on me daily, I never knew what was right or what to believe in. This contributed to my extremely indecisive behavior. One show I was obsessed with was Boy Meets World. My favorite character was Eric, the clownish funny guy, who was somewhat of a slacker. He never really knew what to do with his life but was always making me laugh. He was my ideal soul mate when I was 10. Looking back now, I see that I am as indecisive as he is. He was not smart or talented by any means, but everyone loved him as a character because he was just so funny. This is an example of the American appreciation of humor; comedy in itself has grown into somewhat of an ideology. It suggests that humor is a quality of one’s character that has the potential to outshine all others. You can be unintelligent and lazy, like Eric, and still have the ability to brighten up someone’s day or bring forth a smile.
What finally convinces Eric to apply for college is not a bright future or an education, but cake. Mr. Feeney raves about how great the cake is in college, prompting Eric to want to join in on the fun. He is a character of levity; he does not seem to take life too seriously. As a kid, I tried to handle difficult situations in ways Eric would. Rather than getting mad at my parents for punishing me, I would try to win them over with my comedic charm. It did not always work, but it lessened some of the stress between my parents and I. In this way, I developed a sense of light-hearted identity.
Other aspects of Boy Meets World influenced my growth as well. First off, like we mentioned in class about Saved By the Bell, it was very stereotypical. There was the feminist, jock, ladies' man, fashionista, cheerleader and geek. These icons were supposed to represent the ideal high school experience. Cory and Topanga were the typical sweethearts, engaging in romance from the age of twelve and finally getting married. This is where the story ends. This places emphasis on the outdated American concept of the happy couple. This “happy couple” is a complicated one; one that is interdependent but with certain necessary obstacles that they always make it through with a kiss and a smile. The show does not go on to show them years after their marriage, coping with every day stresses like children and job lay-offs. Rather, it shows the sparkling Hollywood concept of the happy couple. This influenced me growing up in the sense that I had a huge belief in love. Watching Cory and Topanga bicker inspired in me a passion for a romance that seemed to be indestructible. As a child, this seemed feasible; it contributed to my dreams of meeting the perfect husband who would always be by my side, like Cory. Now, thankfully, I am able to distinguish reality from television, and know that this perfect mate does not exist.
What finally convinces Eric to apply for college is not a bright future or an education, but cake. Mr. Feeney raves about how great the cake is in college, prompting Eric to want to join in on the fun. He is a character of levity; he does not seem to take life too seriously. As a kid, I tried to handle difficult situations in ways Eric would. Rather than getting mad at my parents for punishing me, I would try to win them over with my comedic charm. It did not always work, but it lessened some of the stress between my parents and I. In this way, I developed a sense of light-hearted identity.
Other aspects of Boy Meets World influenced my growth as well. First off, like we mentioned in class about Saved By the Bell, it was very stereotypical. There was the feminist, jock, ladies' man, fashionista, cheerleader and geek. These icons were supposed to represent the ideal high school experience. Cory and Topanga were the typical sweethearts, engaging in romance from the age of twelve and finally getting married. This is where the story ends. This places emphasis on the outdated American concept of the happy couple. This “happy couple” is a complicated one; one that is interdependent but with certain necessary obstacles that they always make it through with a kiss and a smile. The show does not go on to show them years after their marriage, coping with every day stresses like children and job lay-offs. Rather, it shows the sparkling Hollywood concept of the happy couple. This influenced me growing up in the sense that I had a huge belief in love. Watching Cory and Topanga bicker inspired in me a passion for a romance that seemed to be indestructible. As a child, this seemed feasible; it contributed to my dreams of meeting the perfect husband who would always be by my side, like Cory. Now, thankfully, I am able to distinguish reality from television, and know that this perfect mate does not exist.
