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Here On The Island- Scholarly critique of Gilligan's Island (truncated)
Fight the Bias ^ | Sept., 2012 | Lewis Napper

Posted on 09/28/2012 8:00:46 PM PDT by dynachrome

Great works of literature often attempt to confront us with the obvious in such a way as to call the inevitable into question. Some strive to explain through metaphor that which is too complex or too abstract to state literally. Other forms seek only to capture some moment in time so that future generations may experience and learn from what has gone before them.

All of these qualities are ambitiously gathered in Sherwood Schwartz's masterwork, "Gilligan's Island." Through a thin veil of canned laughter, unpretentious slap-stick, and inexpensive production the complete modern sociopolitical predicament is brought to the light of day.

The island symbolizes society -- any modern western society. It presents a canvas for painting all of the issues of the latest, greatest countries. A simple vehicle with clear boundaries designed to remove all irrelevant, external stimuli from the story and its message. Simplify to clarify.

The Skipper represents official government. His authority stems not so much from democratic election as from the traditional role and powers of a ship's captain. This historical precedent seems to convey his right to leadership more than any personal characteristics or qualifications. The castaways rely on this symbolic "right" to leadership to unofficially consent to his capacity as governor.

(Excerpt) Read more at fightthebias.com ...


TOPICS: Chit/Chat; Humor; TV/Movies
KEYWORDS: 3hourtour; gilligansisland; ssminnow
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To: bigbob

...and reality rears its ugly head.


41 posted on 09/29/2012 9:29:02 AM PDT by bannie ("The gov't that robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend upon the support of Paul.")
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To: dynachrome

How many shows on TV actually do Shakespeare? Only Harold Heckubar knows.


42 posted on 09/29/2012 9:42:27 AM PDT by eyedigress ((zOld storm chaser from the west)/?)
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To: Salgak
Inarra or Kaylee ???

That's not nearly as clear-cut a choice! Inarra and Kaylee are both useful, personable, and beautiful women who would be pleasant to be around (and not in competition with each other- not a minor point!).

While the above describes Mary Ann, Ginger is extremely self-centered and high-maintenance. That's what makes it a clear choice.

43 posted on 09/29/2012 9:55:00 AM PDT by TexasBarak (I aim to misbehave!)
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To: Joe 6-pack

LOL, Coleridge fits the tune alright!


44 posted on 09/29/2012 11:32:11 AM PDT by dynachrome ("Our forefathers didn't bury their guns. They buried those that tried to take them.")
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To: Salgak

Kaylee. Cute as a freekin’ bug.


45 posted on 09/29/2012 4:54:15 PM PDT by Sherman Logan (Perception wins all the battles. Reality wins all the wars.)
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