One of the most popular and trendy examples of Humiliation Television is the"Save me from myself" programming that entails rescuing failing restaurants and/or bars. The basic premise of these shows is the Host visiting eating and drinking establishments, whose owners have contacted the producers asking for help. In the span of a few days the heroic star of the show has solved all the problems of the business and set it on the road to success, sometimes with a free exterior and interior makeover.
I understand the need or desire for fame and notoriety that drives many people. Often swallowing your pride may be necessary, but these shows are beyond what could be considered realistic and true to life.
To begin with the owners and managers are presented as stupid incompetents, who shouldn't be trusted with running a lemonade stand, let alone a business that serves the general public. They are portrayed as having no clue about problem solving, or even being able to identify what problems actually exist that are hurting the bottom line. It could be accounting, menu selection, food and drink preparation, employee supervision etc., you can be assured they are not doing it right. You begin to wonder if these individuals are actually capable of taking care of themselves, and may suffer from mental illness.
Naturally, if those who are in charge are useless, you can bet on the fact that the employees are a reflection of that type of leadership.
(See PT. 4 in a future post.)
(ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON 10/12/2013)
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