Has anyone seen the episode of Desperate Housewives where one of thir new neighbors is a model railroader in large scale? They accidentally walked into his house to drop a cake off and accidentally followed the train down to his basement and found a wall full of photos of little boys! I mean, I thought been compare to a murderer is bad and now been stereotyped to a petaphile?!
I just don't understand...
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
And that, ladies and gentlebeings, is why I don't watch TV. At any given time there is a bad light thrown upon some ethnic group or type of person on TV in the name of entertainment and for a story line. I am Italian, should I be offended by the Sopranos? No, it's only TV and it's not real.
I am a large scale garden railroader; do I feel that episode was directed at me? No, I don't care what stupid thing is on TV, I just turn it off, go out to the garden and run my trains.
The Dixie D Short Line "Lux Lucet In Tenebris Nihil Igitur Mors Est Ad Nos 2001"
jsoderq wrote:Also you need to learn how to spell pedaphile please.
Iceman_c27 wrote: Has anyone seen the episode of Desperate Housewives where one of thir new neighbors is a model railroader in large scale? They accidentally walked into his house to drop a cake off and accidentally followed the train down to his basement and found a wall full of photos of little boys! I mean, I thought been compare to a murderer is bad and now been stereotyped to a petaphile?!I just don't understand...
I don't watch this show, but it doesn't sound all that different than a recent CSI episode that featured a model railroader as a serial killer suspect.
This subject (how TV or Hollywood portrays model railroading) comes up once in a while and there is the usual litany of "who cares - it's only TV" or "That's why TV is stupid", etc.
So why should we care that producers, directors, and writers in the media often seem to have a very poor opinion of our hobby? What does it matter when our hobby often seems to be used as a device to underscore the eccentric nature of a deviant character?
Because like it or not, the fact is that millions of people tune into TV shows or go to movies every week which allows a vocal minority to perpetuate a negative stereotype to the mainstream. Not everyone may be dumb enough to buy into these stereotypes, but way too many do. If you doubt this, then perhaps you can explain why millions tune into inane shows like ‘Desperate Housewives' to make them top rated shows? It's scary!
So when we dismiss this as yet another stupid TV show that got it all wrong, are we just burying our heads in the sands of denial?
If I spent my time watching TV, I would not have a layout.
Who cares what entertainers, news media, or couch potatoes think of our great hobby?
I enjoy model railroading, regardless.
GARRY
HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR
EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU
If you had been to a train show lately, you would see where they get their inspiration for model railroaders as deviants. I am not kidding. Although 99+% of the attendees look perfectly normal, there are always a few unwashed unkempt individuals you would not want to get stuck on an elevator with. The same could probably be said of most hobbies. At most gun shows I always see one or two wannabe SEALS or Dirty Harrys or Arnold type Commandos.
Just remember almost everything not on the Discovery Channel is likely fictional, especially the network political coverage. "The Deadliest Catch" is all the good stuff !!!!!
If you keep in mind that when it comes to network T.V. the writers of weekly shows (unless they are also the director, or one of the "stars") are the lowest paid of the "creative" types - it explains a whole lot!
-George
"And the sons of Pullman porters and the sons of engineers ride their father's magic carpet made of steel..."
lvanhen wrote:To quote Archie Bunker - "all those TV people are pinko fruitcakes anyway!"
I couldn't agree more!
Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running BearSpace Mouse for president!15 year veteran fire fighterCollector of Apple //e'sRunning Bear EnterprisesHistory Channel Club life member.beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam
Virginian wrote:there are always a few unwashed unkempt individuals you would not want to get stuck on an elevator with.
Some of the garbage that goes out on TV during prime time is just deplorable.
Sorry, but Desperate Housewives is probably the flagship of that fleet of garbage. Frankly I don't care how they portray model railroaders, because they portray everyone and everything else in a bad light.
If it weren't for sports, news, Mythbusters, the Office, and a few assorted other shows, I'd be tempted to get rid of my TV altogether.
I may ditch HBO after the Sopranos' upcoming last season. TV time is mostly wasted time. Lately I've been filling out waybills in front of the TV!
Modeling the Rio Grande Southern First District circa 1938-1946 in HOn3.
If this series, and this episode, keeps gullible dolts out of my basement, better yet from darkening my door, I'm all for it.
Desperate, indeed!
Since I have a TV right next to the monitor I'm working with, some people might think I'm a TV addict. If they're a little more observant, they might notice that the shelf above the TV is full of tapes with railroad titles (at the moment, N&W 611 is in the VCR.) Other than that, it's handy for checking the weather, the 5 o'clock news and NASCAR.
In back of me is a sizeable library of paperbacks, many of them fiction. Since I can read a LOT faster than TV actors can talk, that's where I get my prime time entertainment.
Thinking about how model railroads are depicted in that fiction, one example jumped out and shouted. In Heinlein's Double Star, the reigning monarch is a model railroader - which detracts not one whit from his Imperial dignity.
Chuck (modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)
That's what happens when people who don't have something better to do, write shows for a living...
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
"If it weren't for sports, news, Mythbusters, the Office, and a few assorted other shows, I'd be tempted to get rid of my TV altogether."
Lego_90 wrote:I think the real question is what is a self-respecting model railroader like yourself doing watching Desperate Housewives? :)
Well, a man got to eat sometime! Since we stop using our dinner table long time ago, dinner always been eaten in front of the TV and for what it's worse, the show does have a few sexy mamas in it! LOL
It is true, there will always be stereotype in one form or another in this world and people will always have a diffrence in opinions anywhere you go. I suppose just think of it as free publicity beause I think this hobby needs a boost in getting some new comers. Kids these days are just way too immersed in electronics gadgets e.g. iPod if not PS3 etc. I say it's time for kids to get back into some real hobbies! And I suppose I will always be a kid at heart!
It is also true that these days people are so free that they can also stereotype whatever and whoever they want unfortunately. There is this clown woman fish & chips shop owner turned politician and then got convicted of electoral fraud in Australia called Pauline Hanson. But she never cease to amase me because she seems to have a problem with every race other than Anglo's. Few years back she was all against Asians, I think she said because they don't like to take showers or something and then after 9/11, everyone sort all turned against Muslims and she had to jump on the wagon as well which makes you think exactly what was she stand for? My point is, yes, those writers and directors may think MR'ers are kookoo but I personally think those ae the people who needs a real hobby and stop playing with their virtual games! ;-)
MisterBeasley wrote: jsoderq wrote:Also you need to learn how to spell pedaphile please. You mean "pedophile?"
Hahaha...you know, I am just glad don't have one of those genes when I was born! LOL
MAbruce wrote: Iceman_c27 wrote: Has anyone seen the episode of Desperate Housewives where one of thir new neighbors is a model railroader in large scale? They accidentally walked into his house to drop a cake off and accidentally followed the train down to his basement and found a wall full of photos of little boys! I mean, I thought been compare to a murderer is bad and now been stereotyped to a petaphile?!I just don't understand...I don't watch this show, but it doesn't sound all that different than a recent CSI episode that featured a model railroader as a serial killer suspect.This subject (how TV or Hollywood portrays model railroading) comes up once in a while and there is the usual litany of "who cares - it's only TV" or "That's why TV is stupid", etc.So why should we care that producers, directors, and writers in the media often seem to have a very poor opinion of our hobby? What does it matter when our hobby often seems to be used as a device to underscore the eccentric nature of a deviant character? Because like it or not, the fact is that millions of people tune into TV shows or go to movies every week which allows a vocal minority to perpetuate a negative stereotype to the mainstream. Not everyone may be dumb enough to buy into these stereotypes, but way too many do. If you doubt this, then perhaps you can explain why millions tune into inane shows like ‘Desperate Housewives' to make them top rated shows? It's scary! So when we dismiss this as yet another stupid TV show that got it all wrong, are we just burying our heads in the sands of denial?
You've brought up some very good points. I am always in favor of open, logical dialogue on current issues affecting the hobby at large and I thank you for your input. I don't agree with you on a lot of those points, but that can be a healthy thing.
"Because like it or not, the fact is that millions of people tune into TV shows or go to movies every week which allows a vocal minority to perpetuate a negative stereotype to the mainstream."
This has never changed in the history of mankind, ever. The amphitheaters of Rome were built for this purpose, and TV has been called the idiot box since its inception. I agree with you 100%, but what can we do about it? Education works wonders in destroying stereotypes, and don't be a negative role model, ensure that what we do as individuals is positive to society.
Not everyone may be dumb enough to buy into these stereotypes, but way too many do. If you doubt this, then perhaps you can explain why millions tune into inane shows like ‘Desperate Housewives' to make them top rated shows? It's scary!
I refuse to be afraid. I can't let ignorant people affect my life; I'm far too busy for that! I don't doubt it one bit, but I don't agree with the effect it has. I believe our failure as a society at large to teach our children how to think independently and be respectful has done more harm than any amount of TV.
No, not at all. I don't deny one bit that it's a stupid TV show!
Virginian wrote:If you had been to a train show lately, you would see where they get their inspiration for model railroaders as deviants. I am not kidding.
I completely agree. It's almost as if the only time these people come out of the cellar is for train shows...
The same was true when I attended Ham Radio affairs in the past. Some of the attendees were downright scary.
I still enjoy both hobbies, but months can pass without even thinking of trains or radios, especially in the nice weather. GET OUTSIDE!
Golf, vintage cars, boating, motorcycling, camping, etc., and not in any particular order...
Virginian wrote, "Just remember almost everything not on the Discovery Channel is likely fictional, especially the network political coverage."
Don't count too heavily on the Discovery Channel, they sometimes discover what they want to discover, just like the old saying, "Don't confuse me with the facts, my minds made up." Of course, that has nothing to do with model railroading, and neither does, "Desperate Housewives."
While most train show attendees are fairly "normal", I have been to a couple of shows where I've asked myself the question, "Hmmm...Do I come across that geeky to other people?" Usually I ask it internally rather than verbally. There are always some interesting folks in just about any hobby out there.
Good points made...
Remember, there is a lot of "twisted trash" that comes out of Hollywood. I stopped watching Desparate Housewives a long time ago because the entertainment value seems focused on people dealing with each other on a "slime ball" level.
Some of you may have seen the sex in the city episode where two of the characters rode a passenger train. While Amtrak has its share a problems, it's very doubtful that any of us that have ridden on Amtrak encountered all of the stereotypical "tripe" those women went through. At the end, one of them whips out a pair of airline tickets to journey back home. Makes me laugh because my last airline fight on a Boeing 737 was rougher than a cargo truck with broken springs.
When I do watch tv.........give me TV Land, NOVA, or some enjoyable cartoon any day!
"I like my Pullman Standards & Budds in Stainless Steel flavors, thank you!"
Hmm..interesting message the show gives...
Guys with trains..scary scary
Women who are married sleep around like a bunch of nyphomaniaical whores...thats ratings!
Quick call your daughters over so they can watch and learn what society expects from them!
Uggh! What a world we live in...someone like John Allen as suspect, and Paris Hilton as role model....jeezzuuzz can someone call Bruce Willis and tell him not to blow up the meteor?
Have fun with your trains
AntonioFP45 wrote:Remember, there is a lot of "twisted trash" that comes out of Hollywood. I stopped watching Desparate Housewives a long time ago because the entertainment value seems focused on people dealing with each other on a "slime ball" level.
I stopped watching it BEFORE it ever came out. And, sadly, it will only get worse because the networks (and the advertisers) tell us that's what people want to watch. A sad reflection on our society as a whole...
tstage wrote:... "Hmmm...Do I come across that geeky to other people?" ...
Yes
But then again, we'd still be trying to cut all the wood for the tables if you hadn't made that jig. Although the CAD drawing for it might have been a little over the top.
-Dan
Builder of Bowser steam! Railimages Site