Judith Tapper
Graduate Student
After watching one of the events that was filmed at Pepperdine this summer, I am concerned about the image that is being transmitted to both the academic community and the general public. I realize that the use of the campus by television shows and general media production nets the university a great deal of income and publicity, but I suggest that the university keeps a closer watch on the message that is being given to the public by linking the university’s name with media events.
Specifically, I am talking about the use of the campus athletic fields and facilities for the repeat series “Battle of the Network Reality Stars.”
Last week, as the show aired its first episode on the Bravo channel, I tuned in to see the university I was so proud of featured in an hour-long television show. Rather than being proud of the manner in which the university was portrayed, I was “treated” to women who had been given tiny “size A” scraps of bikinis to cover “size double D” chests and male teammates who waited and commented lasciviously for any accidental exposure. I also saw multiple instances of vulgarities and profanities which weren’t completley “bleeped.”
When viewed in their totality, the behaviors and lifestyles portrayed by this show are at opposite poles from Pepperdine’s mission statement and its Christian reputation.
I would invite administrators to watch the show. There is still a basic standard of morality to which the university ascribes, and I do not think that this show meets those standards.
8-29-2005