I must confess I have an addiction. Sunday night has become my night of television. It is an otherwise unheard of past time in my home. But I am not made of steel and the lure of the idiot box brings me to my knees on Sunday, starting with a freakish vampire series on HBO called “True Blood.” It’s like a car accident where I can’t help but rubberneck and every Sunday night by 8:45 I sit expectantly on my couch, remote control in hand.
Recently my Sunday evening fetish has grown, thanks in part to a new television series based in Savannah (and conveniently airing just prior to crazy vampire show.) You’ve no doubt seen the billboards – the show is called “Ruby” and it is featured on the Style Network.
Ruby, the “Inspirational Weight Loss Journey,” is centered around a woman (Ruby) and her entourage of friends past and present. Ruby, et al, reside in our lovely Hostess City and all boast thick Southern accents and charms. And, as you may guess, Ruby is an extremely obese woman looking to save her life and love herself more by losing mass quantities of weight.
Despite the serious undertones, the show is upbeat and motivational and Ruby is an absolute doll! She’s beautiful outside and in, kind and has a tremendous sense of humor. There are tons of picturesque shots and pans of the city, and the main characters spend alot of time venturing to some of Savannah’s hot spots (River Street, Vinnie’s, Fresh Market, Brighter Day). I wish her all the best in her difficult endeavor (You can even follow her regiment online!)
So what’s the rub? To me, the whole thing subtly contributes to an image of Savannah as a mecca for thick-accented over-consumptives.
Don’t get me wrong – The Paula Deen empire is impressive and entices a barrage of tourists to our fair city and to City Market. When people think Savannah, many possibly just think Deen – and vice versa. That’s not necessarily a bad thing – she’s a charming woman and, hey, she can cook (disclaimer: her mac ‘n cheese is addictive.) I’m all for tourism and the vital role it plays in our economy, and Mrs. Deen showcases a heaping helping of our trademark Southern charm and culture that is part of what makes the South so great.
But – and you knew there was a but coming – the whole image is one befit with butter, shortenin’ and bacon grease. In fact, I was watching a show the other day (yes, ok, sometimes I pause on the Food Network) and she was making the most bizarre assemblage of food I’ve ever seen: something called Turducken. It’s a whole chicken inside of a whole duck inside of a whole turkey. Truth is stranger than fiction (especially when you’re me and you don’t eat meat).
What I want to know is: What does all this say about Savannah? Does it harp on and encourage the (often provincial) southern stereotype to up ratings? Big hips, big hats, nice gardens, fried chicken, pinky finger raised while sipping Juleps on the verandah?
Let’s be clear: I’m glad and ecouraged that this image is, overall, a really positive one (unlike the obnoxious Real Housewives of Atlanta – gawd), but on the other hand it’s rather limited. Ruby and Paula are charming, adorable and great and noble cheerleaders for a great place – the only thing I wonder is, are they really representational of this town I call home?
I know it’s probably wishful thinking, and maybe I should be thankful that network and cable TV are venturing this far down south. But where are the reality shows that showcase the progressive, smart, hard-hitting, cutting-edge stuff?