Page 81 - A Handbook Genre Studies in Mass Media

CHAPTER 4

– – – 4 – – –

Historical Context

Overview

A historical approach to genre analysis offers a way to put prominent
events and figures of the day into meaningful perspective. A historical
approach can provide insight into the influence of current events on
genres. For instance, the events of 9/11 had a discernable impact on the
focus of the crime genre. The plotlines of crime programs such as CSI
and Without a Trace represent a departure from the old crime shows.
Without a Trace presents a dark and uncertain worldview, raising is-
sues about the fine line between appearance and reality. Each week, an
FBI missing persons unit in New York City tracks a different person. In
the course of the investigation, the protagonists uncover secret lives of
the victims. In this post-9/11 world, it is difficult to trust anyone; even
neighbors can be a threat. The series has another touch of dark realism:
the FBI team does not always find the victims alive.
Historical events may provide a context for the premise of the program.
For instance, in Materials and Labor, a popular makeover reality show
in Iraq, the ongoing conflict provides the context for the series. In this
series, presented on Al Sharqiya, an Iraqi satellite network, Baghdad
residents whose homes have been destroyed are selected to have their
homes rebuilt at no cost to them. In the process, the program tells the
stories of the people who had lost their homes.
As an example, the first house that the program repaired was destroyed
in a munitions explosion. The male family member was killed, and his
wife and three children were left homeless. The series focused on the
reconstruction of the home, which now has concrete walls, green trim
on the windows and doors, and a marble plaque by the outer gate that
says, “On April 10, 2004, the Al Sharqiya network began to rebuild this
home damaged by war.” 1

66