Fez- In my opinion TV is supposed to reflect the thoughts of people in Moroccan society, promote healthy habits, and reinforce principles that boost people’s motivation to work harder and be creative. To what extent does Moroccan national TV fulfill this mission?
The short answer is no. The tasteless programs that TV presents are disappointing. When I come home from work at the end of the day, I switch on the TV and watch the news. As soon as it finishes, on comes the dramatic music that heralds the beginning of TV series.
Typically, the protagonist is a handsome man who is in love with a girl, but he is married to another woman. The girl is his wife’s sister, but she is having an affair with another man. The wife’s lover turns out to be the protagonist’s brother. Furthermore, his father had an affair with another woman. Respecting the reader’s emotions, as further explanation of the plot may induce nausea, I will stop here.
Morocco is open to different cultures, but not to the extent that it must succumb to these kinds of rubbish programs. What is the value of such a series? What educational objectives if any do they serve? Do we have these problems in our society, or do we want to propagate them through mass media? I am really shocked that many Moroccans watch such programs. They give apparent legitimacy to heinous practices like polygamy, adultery, and treason, and in a heroic way.
Worse, mothers and their children watch these programs because there is no alternative programming. Moroccan society needs to absorb beneficial ideas, especially in this critical period of history, rather than watching TV series that glorify primal urges, anarchy, and misconduct.
Instead of elevating such conduct in television programs in order to gain viewers, Moroccans should be watching documentaries about Moroccan heroes who participated in Morocco’s independence from France, or about the history of the Moroccan Sahara, to inspire our children. These sorts of programs teach children about genuine patriotism.
The welfare of an entire generation is being sacrificed for material gain. The television industry is interested in obtaining profits by presenting extreme programs showing criminal acts, court appeals, and poignant stories of failure along with series endorsing promiscuity. The crux of the issue lies in the absence of quality among competing programs.
If we need to present unusual programs, let’s choose the best. Let’s broadcast documentaries about volunteer work in Europe or the US, or the work of NGOs, or any other motivating programs that inspire our youth.
Morocco has many national actors and artists who can contribute to the creation of outstanding pieces of art. They are always ready for an opportunity and funding to showcase their talent. We must simply trust them and give them the time to gain confidence.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Morocco World News’ editorial policy
© Morocco World News. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, rewritten or redistributed.