Is the show Dallas the devil's advocate in fishnets and stilettos?

[journeyman1126]

"Originally airing in the midst of the 1979 oil crisis, which curtailed or suspended exports of oil from Iran to America, the television show Dallas was both a reassertion of American masculinity, and the return of a kind of high-drama prime-time serial, abandoned with ABC's Peyton Place (1964-1969)." link

Is it just me or is the coincidence a little too convenient, after the BP oil spill, the spikes in gas prices, and the debate over creating an oil pipeline that would endanger the Pacific Ocean, and 1/4 of North America's rainforests - that Dallas comes back?

The city of Dallas is even helping to bankroll the show: link

When we were experiencing auto makers pushing back the EPA's measures to clean the air, when there were huge lines at the gas pumps, out comes Dallas. Romanticizing the oil industry.

Now that the industry should be on the ropes, when even US auto manufacturers are building hybrids, alternative and flex fueled vehicles, and 100% electrics, Dallas is back.

When we've had a massive oil spill to highlight their safety record, and unexplained hikes in gas prices, a sexy soap about oil barons comes back.

Observe tough, hard working Americans, striving to work the land of their forefathers, to bring forth the crude that will keep our SUV's on the road. Gossip, glitz, and glamour - hot, hot young actors and actresses. The return of JR Ewing. Even when the actor was on his deathbed.

What do you think? Is it a coincidence, or is this one more example of how the wealthy program the masses?

[voit3]

I think that's like asking who started a feud. Nobody remembers, but one thing's for sure, one plays on the other. The stupid masses watch the crap they were programmed to like, but nobody's forcing them at that point. So I think it's like opposite poles of a magnet, the masses are stupid and corporate cronyist brainwashing (which starts from childhood). A match made in hell.

[journeyman1126]

I agree. I think with modern social media and an ever-increasing skill at sorting facts from fiction we're heading towards a time when everyone will see how obvious the manipulation is. I think it's great that Bobby's son is driving a Tesla, and Larry Hagman in reality lived on a hilltop surrounded by solar cells - even got $10K from the local electric company each year. But on the show they talk about oil as a birth right, and natural gas as a dangerous but lucrative alternative. Predictable.

[voit3]

Looks very optimistic to me to think everyone will see the manipulation. They might see it but they will sell out like little underlings, anyway. Most people, when threatened with financial destitution do whatever the ruling class says without question. It doesn't matter if they delude themselves into believing the propaganda, they still become obedient pups.