Jack Bauer in Kabul?

http://washingtonindependent.com/46606/jack-bauer-in-kabul

Jack Bauer in Kabul?
By Spencer Ackerman 6/11/09 1:36 PM


‘24′ is hardly a template for counterinsurgency, as it glorifies brutality, particularly toward Muslims who may or may not be terrorists, rather than emphasizes protecting a population from brutality. But Center for a New American Security CEO-in-waiting Nate Fick just told a bizarre anecdote about talking with someone who was considering broadcasting ‘24′ in Kabul. Fick was gobsmacked: Wouldn’t it offend Afghans to see Muslims being tortured by screaming blond Americans? Apparently not, said his interlocutor, who had polling data indicating that the only thing potential viewers cared about was whether the targets of the beating would be Afghan.

Fick was about contending that Afghans don’t really care so much about broader Islamic movements. But still: if it’s not so problematic to broadcast television shows about Americans beating the crap out of Muslims in the name of counterterrorism, the Obama administration might as well release those torture photos. Not that Fick thinks that it ought to; this is just a weird, weird anecdote.

out of some RW Americans as well and takes down an evil U.S. president.

Also Bauer on his supposed death bed in the finale this year is forgiven for his sins by a Muslim cleric.

Hey if I a liberal can look past the torture and enjoy 24 as escapist fare each week I'm not surprised they might enjoy it in Kabul as well - and have flaming thread wars as well about it like happens here on DU.

but I'm convinced it was a huge factor in getting people to consider a black President, silly as that sounds now. It wasn't so silly a few years ago. I hate the torture, but it is a fun show, and it's one of the best adrenaline highs you can get without your ass leaving the couch, LOL.

I got the first 3 seasons at the library when I had nixed cable (due to the fear of throwing my tv out the window). I watched an entire season of '24' in '48' hours one weekend. It's very addicting. I guess I can only stomach the dvd's. After being spoiled watching tv shows on dvd's, I can't handle the commercials anymore.

Well, to the first season anyways.

The second and third were also fun, but the really right wing elements and themes (especially the defense of torture) became very prominent in season 4. Season 5 had some good acting, especially by the actor that played President Logan.

Since then, it's been pretty bad. The last two have been really quite awful.

I don't think the show has quite the ideological bent some think it does.

right wing whore actor