I generally liked the core of what VICE has had to say in their standard HBO show (on season 4 or 5 now I believe). Sadly, Vice Does America (referred to as VDA here on out) is TERRIBLE. It is a prime example of a show using its platform to force their own opinions down the viewers throat. While I am neither a republican nor a democrat I support Clinton for the presidency, as does VDA and that is what upsets me.
At the start of the show they claim to be exploring America to learn about the political opinions of average Americans. They do indeed do this- if you support Clinton or Obama. I watched as they interviewed many people and each time those being interviewed supported Clinton or Obama they were praised and thanked. The few times someone supported Trump the "crew" argued with the individual and made no attempt to see why they supported trump. The framed the individuals as idiots or racists and drove away to find another Clinton supporter to frame as a hero.
Also (this made me laugh) they picked up a native American, a Navajo to be exact (I myself am 1/2 Navajo). They went on about his opinions and the conversation led to "what do you think about a native American president" and the whole crew openly supported it and claimed "I would love it- i think that's the next thing"- LIKE BEING PRESIDENT ONLY HAS TO DO WITH RACE OR SEX. Like experience or opinions matter little if the candidate is anything other than a white male. These ideals are repeated time and time again as race becomes a major issue in the show. Every episode it is brought up in one way or another. While it is not a bad thing to bring up race- it crosses the line many times in this show and is brought up even when the subject matter (like Legal Weed in Colorado) has nothing to do with race.
In summary the show intentionally promotes one side of a complex argument. In addition it promotes the ideals that race is all that matters in an even more complex world. I have lost all my respect for VICE and much of my respect for HBO. If it wasn't for Game Of Thrones I would cancel my subscription.
Understanding one another is the key for civilization to prosper. In an election year it is easy to support one side and damn everything else said. However we must try to understand every side and angle so that we can better understand one another and decrease the tension that exists between Republicans and Democrats. Shows like this do not support understanding or acceptance- they support whatever side they want while claiming to do the opposite. They further add to the tension and are partially to blame for the division of Americans in this crucial point in time. I support Clinton- and I hoped this show would make good on it's claims to show me what others thought so I could better understand them. Instead it spews propaganda and doesn't even do a good job at it.
At the start of the show they claim to be exploring America to learn about the political opinions of average Americans. They do indeed do this- if you support Clinton or Obama. I watched as they interviewed many people and each time those being interviewed supported Clinton or Obama they were praised and thanked. The few times someone supported Trump the "crew" argued with the individual and made no attempt to see why they supported trump. The framed the individuals as idiots or racists and drove away to find another Clinton supporter to frame as a hero.
Also (this made me laugh) they picked up a native American, a Navajo to be exact (I myself am 1/2 Navajo). They went on about his opinions and the conversation led to "what do you think about a native American president" and the whole crew openly supported it and claimed "I would love it- i think that's the next thing"- LIKE BEING PRESIDENT ONLY HAS TO DO WITH RACE OR SEX. Like experience or opinions matter little if the candidate is anything other than a white male. These ideals are repeated time and time again as race becomes a major issue in the show. Every episode it is brought up in one way or another. While it is not a bad thing to bring up race- it crosses the line many times in this show and is brought up even when the subject matter (like Legal Weed in Colorado) has nothing to do with race.
In summary the show intentionally promotes one side of a complex argument. In addition it promotes the ideals that race is all that matters in an even more complex world. I have lost all my respect for VICE and much of my respect for HBO. If it wasn't for Game Of Thrones I would cancel my subscription.
Understanding one another is the key for civilization to prosper. In an election year it is easy to support one side and damn everything else said. However we must try to understand every side and angle so that we can better understand one another and decrease the tension that exists between Republicans and Democrats. Shows like this do not support understanding or acceptance- they support whatever side they want while claiming to do the opposite. They further add to the tension and are partially to blame for the division of Americans in this crucial point in time. I support Clinton- and I hoped this show would make good on it's claims to show me what others thought so I could better understand them. Instead it spews propaganda and doesn't even do a good job at it.
