There’s been a lot of talk about apologies in the news of late. What can and cannot be said of women in today’s society.
Well, let me enter in a new request – that ABC television network apologize to every Christian woman in the country.
On Sunday, a holy day to those of faith, ABC unveiled its new drama “GCB” which stands for “Good Christian Bitch.”
ABC has taken blasphemy to new levels of depravity.
Based on the 2008 book “Good Christian Bi----s” by Kim Gatlin, "GCB" is about a woman named Amanda Vaughn, played by Leslie Bibb, who returns home to Dallas with her two children after facing marital and financial troubles. "GCB’s" trailers, ads, and name suggest this series will not be family friendly or even respectful towards Christians.
According to information about the program received by Movieguide, Amanda is a former “mean girl” who has put the past behind her, while her former classmates and victims have not. They are the new mean girls who are as likely to gossip viciously about their returned rival as they are to offer up a humiliating prayer about her in church.
Well, let me enter in a new request – that ABC television network apologize to every Christian woman in the country.
On Sunday, a holy day to those of faith, ABC unveiled its new drama “GCB” which stands for “Good Christian Bitch.”
ABC has taken blasphemy to new levels of depravity.
Based on the 2008 book “Good Christian Bi----s” by Kim Gatlin, "GCB" is about a woman named Amanda Vaughn, played by Leslie Bibb, who returns home to Dallas with her two children after facing marital and financial troubles. "GCB’s" trailers, ads, and name suggest this series will not be family friendly or even respectful towards Christians.
According to information about the program received by Movieguide, Amanda is a former “mean girl” who has put the past behind her, while her former classmates and victims have not. They are the new mean girls who are as likely to gossip viciously about their returned rival as they are to offer up a humiliating prayer about her in church.
As soon as their leader Carlene Cockburn, played by Kristin Chenoweth, sees her arrive she calls her friends, smugly gossiping about how Amanda’s former husband died in a car crash while having an affair with her best friend.
Chenoweth’s character then halts the talk saying, “Ladies, it is not appropriate to speak of such things on the phone.” After a pause she continues, “I’ll see ya in church.”
Another clip shows Carlene and her friends confronting Amanda about the moral code of their community.
The following scene shows Carlene in an office getting an invitation from a man to “do it.” Turning religious pictures face down, she crawls over the desk -- and the object of her affection -- and gives him a heavy kiss.
The following scene shows Carlene in an office getting an invitation from a man to “do it.” Turning religious pictures face down, she crawls over the desk -- and the object of her affection -- and gives him a heavy kiss.
Meanwhile, Amanda’s gun-collecting, shallow mother, played by Annie Potts says, “I feel certain that the good Lord would like me to have a new fur coat.”
Based on the trailers, Amanda Vaughn appears to be the only sane member of this community, and she doesn’t appear to be a practicing Christian.
Based on the trailers, Amanda Vaughn appears to be the only sane member of this community, and she doesn’t appear to be a practicing Christian.
When her mother drags her and her children to church, Amanda tells her mother that she “didn’t raise the kids with any particular religion.” While we all know that there are hypocrites in every institution and every religion, GCB uses Southern Christian women as the sole, stereotypical examples of self-indulgence, shallowness and hypocrisy.
Other scenes show young girls being encouraged to wear revealing tops.
Other scenes show young girls being encouraged to wear revealing tops.
When one mother expresses concern that her daughter's old cheerleader uniform is too tight, Chenoweth’s character tells her not to worry “cleavage helps your cross hang straight.” Later at the game, the football team cheers when the girl’s vest pops open.
Clearly, these are not messages Christian parents would want to send their daughters.
The fact that "GCB" ridicules God, morality, and Christians, who are little more than stereotypes, is typical of the Hollywood, where calling Christian women names is still in fashion. However, if this were a television show about any other group -- Muslim women, Jewish women or even radical feminists, the demands for apologies would be ringing from the halls of the media establishment from New York to Hollywood.
Apparently, it is calling only certain women names that is a problem in today’s culture. Christians are easy fodder for derision.
We urge all Americans to call or write ABC executives about this series Robert Iger, CEO of the Walt Disney Company, Anne Sweeney, President of Disney-ABC Television Group Paul Lee, President of ABC Entertainment and demand Christian women be treated with respect and that the offensive "CGB" be taken off the air immediately.
Clearly, these are not messages Christian parents would want to send their daughters.
The fact that "GCB" ridicules God, morality, and Christians, who are little more than stereotypes, is typical of the Hollywood, where calling Christian women names is still in fashion. However, if this were a television show about any other group -- Muslim women, Jewish women or even radical feminists, the demands for apologies would be ringing from the halls of the media establishment from New York to Hollywood.
Apparently, it is calling only certain women names that is a problem in today’s culture. Christians are easy fodder for derision.
We urge all Americans to call or write ABC executives about this series Robert Iger, CEO of the Walt Disney Company, Anne Sweeney, President of Disney-ABC Television Group Paul Lee, President of ABC Entertainment and demand Christian women be treated with respect and that the offensive "CGB" be taken off the air immediately.
Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2012/03/08/abc-owes-christian-women-apology-for-gcb/#ixzz1ojSC3Jki
*This entire article I copied and pasted from Fox News.
Okay. SO a fellow friend posted this and I was so disappointed reading that they think ABC needs to apologize for the show!
I know a few fellow bloggers watch this show, and was wondering, did you find the show "offensive" as a Christian?
I was not offended at at all by the show. In fact, I enjoyed the tongue-in-cheek nature of it because I have known some "Good Christian" women like this in my lifetime. Also, Kristin Chenoweth who stars in the show is a Christian.
So what gives?
People take offense to everything these days.
The show depicts things women/men do EVERYDAY in Real life regardless of being whatever religion the are or not one at all.
I attend church every sunday, and I don't feel for a second that this show bad mouths religion.
If someone wants to point the finger at someone that is hurting freedom of religion and all that entails, point it at OBama.
He's forcing Catholic Organizations to cover birth control and contraceptives which is against the Catholic Church beliefs.
Turn on your TV news it's there. They have actually talked about this in Church a few times in the last month!
I've seen way worse TV shows than this! Heck, True Blood practically shows people having sex every episode, so how is this any worse?
Just saying.
Don't hate.
What Do YOU think?
I watched the first episode and while it did have it's funny moments, I ultimately didn't enjoy it all that much. Let me start out by saying I'm not angry but I am disappointed. I do NOT feel that ABC needs to apologize for the show but I don't agree with this show's message and what it's saying about me as a Christian woman from Dallas. Here's what I think:
ReplyDeleteAs a Christian woman from Dallas I feel that it's a misrepresentation of Christians, women, and Dallas. I have met some "GCB"s in my day but the show is treating it like the majority of Christians are GCBs which is not the case in my experience. Also, if you notice when the character of Amanda lives in California she's a nice, sweet and good person but whenever she lives in Texas around the "Christians" (growing up there and then returning later) she becomes a mean person again. So apparently California will save my soul but being around Christians in the south will turn me into a bad person? I feel that Christians, Southerners, and Republicans are typically misrepresented in film and television.
So there's my spill! lol
I think hypocrisy abounds, political correctness is over-rated and life is too darn short. The show was funny, enough said.
ReplyDelete:)
I agree with you. Television programs are there for entertainment purposes and honestly, most shows poke fun at one stereotype or another. If I find a show offensive, I simply don't watch. And you're right...half the shows on HBO/Showtime have some of the raunchiest sex scenes and graphic violence and no one says boo about those!
ReplyDeleteI watched the premiere last night after talking to a couple friends. I LOVED it - I thought it was so funny. I KNOW people like that. I completely agree with you; people are WAY to sensitive about some things. I am a Christian and didn't find it offensive. There are plenty of people in Christian communities that are like this. it is the society not the religion that makes people like this. AND how can people seriously be offended by this and NOT by reality crazies -- Real Housewives of where ever and Jersey shore?! get a grip people lol!
ReplyDeleteHi there! First of all- LOVE your blog! So glad I came across it! Second- I totally agree. I actually mentioned GCB in a post last week and how much I think it'll become my favorite show. I too go to church every Sunday and I really enjoyed it and I definitely don't think it is offensive at all. I've actually picked up the book to read!
ReplyDeleteHave a good day! Meg
i think it's funny how people get so upset by a TV show...it's a written comedy, supposed to be funny!! i love the show and watch it purely for entertainment--however, i do know as a Christian that we all are guilty of gossiping, doing things we wish we could take back, etc so i think that it's a good reminder to be the best person we can be, too!
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty sure a comedy about FAKE characters shouldn't be our main concern. If people are calling for an apology from ABC for this show, then I would like an apology from Bravo because they show women of many different religions all over the country acting like out of control teenage girls every day!
ReplyDeleteBasically people need to relax, worry about being the best person they can be, and if you don't like a tv show then don't watch it! Sometimes people are just silly..
People get offended over the dumbest things.. so it doesn't surprise me that people would cause an uproar about this.
ReplyDeleteRegardless, I'm a Christian woman, and from what I've read about this show, it's not all too uncommon the things they are going to be showing. At the end of the day, it's JUST a television show.
I haven't seen it yet.. before I even knew what it stood for, I didn't think it looked all that great, but to each is own.
I think the show is hilarious and I think of myself as a christian too
ReplyDeleteThey shouldn't have to apologize
I haven't watched a full episode yet..I'm saving it for the summertime. and I too attend church weekly and don't find GCB offensive at all!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed GCB! Living in a small town growing up, I can totally relate to a lot of things! I agree that people need to relax and jus remember tv is for entertainment. If you don't like it or are offended, simply don't watch it!
ReplyDeleteI am anxious to watch the show after reading this! My husband and I are really strong in our faith but we are not ones to get offended by shows, movies, etc. What matters is the relationship we have with the Lord :-)
ReplyDeleteI like it.. But alittle taken back that it's called Good Christian Bitches that's alittle much.
ReplyDeleteI haven't watched the first episode yet, but it looks like a funny show. I consider myself Christian, and don't find the idea of it offensive at all. I think it's all in good humor, and that it's actually pointing out that people who call themselves Christians, don't always act like it. If you go to church every Sunday and choose Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, then you shouldn't have anything to worry about, and what this show is going to do to your faith. If anything, it would teach us Christians to look at our own behavior :)
ReplyDeleteI think that it is not meant to be taken seriously, and therefore it shouldn't. I am a Christian as well, and was not offended by this show at all. The reason being is that I don't go to TV for moral guidance. It is meant for entertainment, not to tell people how they should act. People take things WAY too seriously.
ReplyDeleteI'm not offended at all. I think it is a funny show and should be taken as that. It would be a different story if it were a reality show following actual christian ladies not fake tv characters that came from someone's creative imagination.
ReplyDeletePeople are SO pathetically dramatic. THAT reaction is just like how most CHRISTIAN people are, especially at churches! This show just exploits it, because it REALLY happens. In fact, as a Christian myself, I find it VERY humorous. It's OKAY to laugh and joke like this. Christians are so hypocritical, sigh. Let's not have this show but get drunk and curse, etc. Relax, people... enjoy life a little! However, I did expect this kind of reaction--especially since it comes on on Sundays. But I think it's hilarious! I love the show.
ReplyDeleteI've grown up in the south and still live in southern texas. While this show may shock some people, it's not rare that things like this happen... I've known some "good christian women" in my day and this show cracks me up with all of the 'bless her hearts' and 'i'll pray for yous'.
ReplyDeleteI think people get too offended in today's world. I'm a Christian and I actually like the show. I just sayin, if you don't like it, no one is forcing you to watch it (except maybe my BF, I force him to watch it with me)
I haven't watch GCB, but from blogger reviews alone, I have it on my DVR and cannot wait to view.
ReplyDeleteAs a Catholic, I think it's crazy for people to expect an apology for something like this...seriously...this country is becoming the land of the free to the land of the easily offended.
I absolutely LOVE the show and don't feel ABC should feel the need to apologize for the show. It's a TELEVISION SHOW and I still never understand why there are those certain people that take offense to anything and everything that doesn't fit their idea of what should be shown on television. If you don't like it, don't watch it, that's my philosophy!
ReplyDeleteI think the show is hysterical. I love the quote "Don't take life too seriously, it's not like you'll make it out alive." I am Christian but that doesn't mean you can't have a sense of humor.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree with you...and they actually claim the name of the show is "Good Christian Belles" (side note, it's based on the book Good Christian B*tches, but I think they received a lot of criticism before it even aired, so they changed the name). I live in Dallas and find the show wildly entertaining...mostly because the women and the neighborhood they are portraying is pretty spot on - exaggerated of course, but pretty close! People need to stop taking TV so seriously. Nobody is forcing them to watch it, so what gives?
ReplyDeleteI agree w you. I know a lot of "good Christians" like that too. But like u said if u don't like it turn off the TV. we can't donor say anything anymore wo it affecting someone somewhere!!
ReplyDeleteXx Kelly
www.MessyDirtyHair.com
I'm definitely interested! I didn't get it at first that the first part was not your post and I was confused because of our tweets last night.. haha! Thanks for being honest :) Just like people cut and paste the bible to make it say whatever point they're trying to make, the writers of that Fox article can cut and paste the show to make it look completely negative. Im anxious to watch for myself now
ReplyDeleteThe thing people need to realize is that the woman who wrote the book LIVED this experience & when it comes to some of the hypocritical women in Dallas it nails them 100%. I'm sure people think the whole thing is a parody, but it is SO spot on.
ReplyDeleteI watched the first episode, I thought it was very funny and I really liked it. I did not take offense to it in anyway, and I am a Christian. All the things that they found wrong with it, might be wrong taken out of context. Ex. Carlene is about to "do it" with her husband. Last time I checked, that was okay. I posted something about it on my blog because I was offended about what friends of mine had said to me when I said I really liked it and I wanted to get the book (which I bought). Don't watch it if you think you'll be offended by it or don't like it. This show has fictitious characters, yet the shenanigans on The Bachelor, The Bachelorette and Bachelor Pad are acceptable, those are real people. At least I'm not the only one who likes it and doesn't think they should apologize.
ReplyDeletei think this show is an absolute riot! if it offends you, change the channel! i think it's hilarious, it's a complete satire, and completely over exaggerated for comedic purposes. i understand how it may offend people, but i think the only abc should do (if anything) is maybe put it on at a later time?
ReplyDeleteblame obama LOL! I love you :)
ReplyDeletebesides, I like to think of myself as a good christian bitch HA!! :)
ReplyDeleteI have to say that i personally agree with the Fox article. But thats why i dont watch it.
ReplyDeletexoxo Inna :)
I still have to watch this show! I'm not one to get offended by shows at all. I heard it's pretty good and funny!
ReplyDeleteI don't understand what all the fuss is about with this show. I missed the first episode, but watched the second one this past weekend. I liked it! I'm not offended by it at all and I'm Christian. And if someone is so offended by this show, then turn the channel!
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't say I was offended by it. But I just think it is a little arrogant and rude. Sure we all know that there are christian b*tches out there, but I just think in general, mocking Christianity is acceptable in TV world, however mocking any other religion isn't. I mean, I just won't watch the show... I don't expect ABC to put out a show that showcases the hearts of true believers because no one would watch that. But I think it's just a rude concept. I guess that is why I rarely watch tv these days ;) Thanks for sharing your opinion and your side!
ReplyDeletei didn't watch and now i wish i would have! gonna have to try to find it online somewhere!
ReplyDeleteCassie-
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy to read this post. Everytime I hear the GCB commercials I feel a mixture of shame and anger for even listening to that garbage! As a woman with a true relationship with God, I find the show to be incredibly blasphemous and disgusting- and I've only seen the commercials.