I Love Lucy

Alienation is described in the Berger Marxist analysis as a “separation or distance…no ties, no ‘liens’ of any sort.” As we discussed in our small groups, we decided that the concept of ‘work not feeling apart of you’ is a solid viewpoint of Marxism.  This is shown in media today through television shows, especially kid’s shows.  Last class we discussed Tom and Jerry and we watched episodes from various years.  We discussed that the ‘norm’ or what accepted at the time is what is shown in programs for younger audiences.  I think that alienation is being applied in television in the show ‘I Love Lucy.’ There is a certain episode showing Lucy in a factory boxing chocolate. This shows alienation because it is an assembly line and she is given strict orders for her job in the ‘wrapping department.’  Assembly lines make workers feel alienated because they have one job they repeat over and over, as opposed to creating the entire thing, which might give workers a sense of pride in their work, whereas this way the workers are more replaceable and they feel more detatched from their work.  Also the clip is funny!

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6LUg-siJVs