From Mike’s forum on Discovery.com
Q: I am a big fan of the show. However, I am picky, and this is my only beef.
Because this show glamorizes blue-collar and other jobs in the modest spectrum of vocations, it will affect how your fan base contributes their professional careers to this country. In other words, this is a very successful show, and the viewers will do what they see.
Viewers will scrutinize every little thing they see Mike do. Little things like conflicting personalities or an occasional swear from time to time will be prevalent no matter what kind of dirty job. However, there are some things that can’t be allowed.
My beef is this:
At the end of some dirty jobs when there is common work to be done, Mike will leave the common work to make closing remarks with a comment like “I am going to leave the rest to you.” Obviously this kind of work is boring, this kind of work is not fun, but it is this kind of work that America is not willing to do anymore making our country less competitive in many aspects.
If the strategy of this show is to glamorize this work and affect its fan base in a positive way, then I recommend a different approach. How about this? “I will help you guys finish up here in just a minutes. Blah-blah-blah. Closing comments. Blah-blah-blah. Dirty Jobs. Mike Rowe, signing off.” Then fade-out with you going back to help finish up.
The old style makes people see a sense of superiority that they may think they are entitled to. My recommendation demonstrates camaraderie that is essential in rebuilding Middle America.
Other than that, I really enjoy the show. Thanks for your support of our country.
– Joseph
Hi Joseph
Thanks for watching, and welcome to the board.
“Because this show glamorizes blue-collar and other jobs in the modest spectrum of vocations, it will affect how your fan base contributes their professional careers to this country. In other words, this is a very successful show, and the viewers will do what they see.”
Maybe, maybe not. I like to think my fans are not so easily influenced by what they see on TV. Also, I’m not sure I would agree that DJ “glamorizes” blue collar jobs. Certainly, we acknowledge them, and give them their due. But the goal is not to glamorize.
“My beef is this:
At the end of some dirty jobs when there is common work to be done, Mike will leave the common work to make closing remarks with a comment like “I am going to leave the rest to you.”
That’s because it’s the truth.
“Obviously this kind of work is boring, this kind of work is not fun, but it is this kind of work that America is not willing to do anymore making our country less competitive in many aspects.”
True enough, but sticking around indefinitely is not my job. Leaving, and showing up at the next one, is.
“If the strategy of this show is to glamorize this work and affect its fan base in a positive way, then I recommend a different approach.”
Again, that is only half correct. I want to have a positive effect, but not through deliberate fiction. That’s why “glamorizing” is not part of the plan.
“How about this?”I will help you guys finish up here in just a minutes. Blah-blah-blah. Closing comments. Blah-blah-blah. Dirty Jobs. Mike Rowe, signing off.” Then fade-out with you going back to help finish up.”
I know many producers and executives that agree with you. I do not. In my opinion, that kind of transparent manipulation is the root cause of most bad TV, especially in this genre. It destroys credibility. To the extent I can replace a predictable TV construct with my own point of view, I will.
“The old style makes people see a sense of superiority that they may think they are entitled to. My recommendation demonstrates camaraderie that is essential in rebuilding Middle America.”
The simple truth is, I don’t keep working after we stop shooting. I leave. Viewers deserve to know that. I’m not interested in portraying myself as something better or grander. And incidentally, anyone who believes they are entitled to a sense of superiority is beyond help.
“Other than that, I really enjoy the show. Thanks for your support of our country.”
You’re very welcome.
Mike