Jesuit magazine criticizes 'Big Brother' TV show for its disservices

Published: 2008-05-15

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The "Big Brother" television series risks creating a new generation of gladiators, when people act not according to ethical standards but according to what is necessary to survive, said an influential Jesuit journal. The influence the reality television show has on today's culture and future generations means alternative ways must be found that teach young people "more dignified" role models, it said. In a May 17 article released to journalists May 15, La Civilta Cattolica gave a lengthy description of the "Big Brother" series that started in the Netherlands in 1999 and soon spread to other parts of the world. In the United States, the 10th season of "Big Brother" will air in July; the eighth season wrapped up in Italy this spring. The article, written by Jesuit Father Francesco Occhetta, said the "Big Brother" formula is reminiscent of ancient pagan sacrifices, where the god being worshipped is the brother's all-seeing eye, the altar is the stage, and participants are regularly "sacrificed" in these new temples.

Copyright (c) 2008 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .