Big Bang Theory

Random references to science facts do not make a show smart. Character and plot development do. BBT is a dumb show about smart people, as opposed to something like "Arrested Development" which is a smart show about dumb people.

Apples and oranges.

That's like comparing Mad Men to Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Both TV dramas, but completely different in every other way. Yet both very good at what they do.

When they make a joke about something that relates to me, I laugh because it's usually funny.

I worked in journalism for many years. There are entire Facebook pages dedicated to making fun of us. Usually they are run by and "liked" by 99% journalists or former journalists. They are full of stereotypes. They are funny and fun.

I laugh at myself all the time.

Community, IT Crowd, The Guild, Comic Book Men
All shows that offer affectionate parody or portrayal of nerds. BBT makes it cruel IMO

So then it's OK to make fun of nerds who are not science nerds? Because you are a science "nerd," so it's not OK to make fun of science nerds.

What?
No. It's the way that the show is written that makes it different. That argument doesn't even apply because in addition to being a 'science nerd' I am also an avid collector/tabletopper/PC gamer/LARPer/comic book reader. All things that are discussed in the other shows.

woohoo...another chick fight!!!

I hate this show. It's like Blackface for nerds

People who only hate this show because they don't understand the jokes. Love Bernadette!

I like the show. But No one does NOT, not get the jokes. It's a show about Nerds for Non-Nerds; it is not deep at all...Not like the OLD SNL where you had to pause a minute before you 'got it'. If you have to pause to get these jokes then your IQ is about 80.

When they make a joke about something that relates to me, I laugh because it's usually funny.

I worked in journalism for many years. There are entire Facebook pages dedicated to making fun of us. Usually they are run by and "liked" by 99% journalists or former journalists. They are full of stereotypes. They are funny and fun.

I laugh at myself all the time.

Community, IT Crowd, The Guild, Comic Book Men
All shows that offer affectionate parody or portrayal of nerds. BBT makes it cruel IMO

So then it's OK to make fun of nerds who are not science nerds? Because you are a science "nerd," so it's not OK to make fun of science nerds.

What?
No. It's the way that the show is written that makes it different. That argument doesn't even apply because in addition to being a 'science nerd' I am also an avid collector/tabletopper/PC gamer/LARPer/comic book reader. All things that are discussed in the other shows.

Wait a minute. I watch the guild and I watch BBT ...They make the one mom in the guild look like a horrible mother ,constantly locking her kids in playpens and hiring and nanny so she can raid. Yet I don't take offense even though I'm a mother and used to raid. How do you take offense to BBT the show is funny ,well written and the characters have depth that most show don't. I've been a nerd my whole life and nothing on the show offends me. If it bothers you maybe you should look at why instead of the show itself. But then again I'm perfectly comfortable with my nerdiness and when they ake a joke about something that reminds me of me I laugh

I love Big Bang Theory. Probably one of my favorite shows on TV right now.

Please tell me, specifically, how the show is written that is so offensive. Because from what you've posted in this thread, I don't believe you've ever sat through an entire episode.

Stand back, ma'am. She's a scientist!

There's no need to be patronising. It doesn't look good on grown ups.

The show treats nerd culture with little to no respect. It will make a reference to the main characters for example, playing D&D- and treats us as though we should laugh at that. It isn't a joke about tabletop gaming. It's a joke about the people who participate in it.

The male characters are shown to be completely incapable of handling themselves around females. They become mute or act ridiculous. The female characters are shown as aimless and ditsy or if they are shown as being intelligent they are also portrayed as being sexless or socially dysfunctional.

It's not a show that wants the audience to laugh about being PART of the culture. It wants us to laugh AT it

The only thing that bothers me is that Penny has been getting gradually dumber and dumber as the series goes on. She started at average intelligence and kid of started rolling backwards.

I noticed that, too, and I don't like it.

The first few seasons, she didn't know the science stuff, but she was street smart. Now she's turning into just a dumb blond.

That's interesting! We always seem to see things differently. I was thinking that since she has been hanging with the guys, she has learned quite a bit. However, in considering the episode where she did the history paper on slavery, I have to admit you have a valid point, RML.

The only thing that bothers me is that Penny has been getting gradually dumber and dumber as the series goes on. She started at average intelligence and kid of started rolling backwards.

I noticed that, too, and I don't like it.

The first few seasons, she didn't know the science stuff, but she was street smart. Now she's turning into just a dumb blond.

That's interesting! We always seem to see things differently. I was thinking that since she has been hanging with the guys, she has learned quite a bit. However, in considering the episode where she did the history paper on slavery, I have to admit you have a valid point, RML.

Also the one with Bob Newhart. She came off so ridiculously dumb in that one, even when he explained things really well. Yet she understood things Sheldon taught her when she was trying to learn some physics when she first dated Leonard.

And we don't ALWAYS see things differently!

Please tell me, specifically, how the show is written that is so offensive. Because from what you've posted in this thread, I don't believe you've ever sat through an entire episode.

Stand back, ma'am. She's a scientist!

There's no need to be patronising. It doesn't look good on grown ups.

The show treats nerd culture with little to no respect. It will make a reference to the main characters for example, playing D&D- and treats us as though we should laugh at that. It isn't a joke about tabletop gaming. It's a joke about the people who participate in it.

The male characters are shown to be completely incapable of handling themselves around females. They become mute or act ridiculous. The female characters are shown as aimless and ditsy or if they are shown as being intelligent they are also portrayed as being sexless or socially dysfunctional.

It's not a show that wants the audience to laugh about being PART of the culture. It wants us to laugh AT it

I think I see the problem. That was a LOUDLY telegraphed joke, drawing on a cultural reference. I wasn't patronising you, and I'm a bit surprised you'd think I was.

Did the bypass surgery hurt a lot?

(And yups, you haven't watched the programme much at all, either.)

I still miss Leslie Winkle

I'm also not a big fan. I have gone to school and worked with people like that for 15 years. I'm not offended by it, it's just not funny. Sheldon is a little funny but he's mainly annoying, seriously if you knew him in real life you'd be annoyed and I have known versions of him in real life. The other 3 are just normal to me.

The male characters are shown to be completely incapable of handling themselves around females. They become mute or act ridiculous. The female characters are shown as aimless and ditsy or if they are shown as being intelligent they are also portrayed as being sexless or socially dysfunctional.

Leonard is very smart and caring most of the time, but has a selfish side and started as being inexperienced at relationships. He's grown quite a bit better at them.

Sheldon is awkward around men and women equally.

Howard has grown to become a loving husband and is willing to stand up for himself.

Raj has completely overcome his inability to speak to women and is the most sensitive and sweet character on TV.

Penny has learned that she has her own self worth and doesn't need to dumb herself down for the guys she used to like.

Amy has learned what it takes to be a good friend and is much less awkward than she used to be. She would be a lot more sexual if she could get Sheldon to cooperate.

Bernadette has let go of a lot of her controlling tendencies and can compromise with Howard now (playing games excluded). She's plenty sexual.

Seriously, have you watched the show since halfway through season 1?

Happy kitty, sleepy kitty, purr, purr, purrrr.

I love Bernie!!!!