The homogonization of the TV voice and the decline of American civilization

[malthaussen]

It's probably not an original observation, but as my mother was watching an old Lawrence Welk show on the tube, it occurred to me that 50-60 years ago, MCs and TV personalities actually had individual voices, not the speech-coached moderate midwestern baritone that is about all one hears today. (Well, at least as far as the men go) Thinking of Ed Sullivan, Jackie Gleason, Red Skelton, Jimmy Durante, etc... they all could be recognized by their voices. Today, it's hard to tell the players without a scorecard, especially when the hearing is half-shot to begin with.

I'm sure this has something profound to say about our society, if I could just work out what it is. I certainly doubt Lawrence Welk would get a job in broadcasting today (well, if he were alive that is). Whatever you might think of his show, I feel like something's been lost since those pioneer days. This raises the question, what has been gained?

-- Mal

[WinkyDink]

1. Moreover, where are the unique-looks-and-bodies character (or leading) actors?

[hifiguy]

2. I can't imagine even the great Bogart being considered as a leading man today.

Bogie was all about cool and attitude, not model-perfect looks.

Considering that he married Lauren Bacall ( what a dame!) he did OK, though.

[aint_no_life_nowhere]

3. In many black and white films of the old days

I've noticed actors and actresses who had refined, almost British accents. They didn't say their rrs back in their throats like pirates and barking dogs or their lls back in their throats. Now, everyone seems to sound like a watered down version of this midwestern accent.

[BlueJazz]

4. Just like the music scene, my friend. It's whipped, homogenized and purified. Producers like...

...songs that are easy to understand, songs that rise quick and fall fast. No hanging around...no siree.
You create a culture where songs rise and fall quickly on the charts> You make fast money...the song falls and let the next round of money-making pablum roooll in! That's all that matters. Art?? You've got to be kidding.