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Taking the risky leap
By Ni Tao |
May 3, 2013, Friday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
TALENT and dating shows once ruled on TV, but the most popular TV variety program in China these days is diving shows.
The shows, aired respectively by Zhejiang and Jiangsu satellite TV channels, feature celebrities from the entertainment and business worlds who plunge off springboards in front of an audience. A number of celebs are risking serious injury and embarrassment to appear on these shows.
Although no one will mistake them for Olympic gold medalists - there are no difficult twists or somersaults - the shows receive high ratings because of the thrill of danger and the personalities of the stars.
Many of the inexperienced divers have complained of torn muscles, back pain and bruises sustained in training sessions. Some fainted upon hitting the water in the swimming pool.
An ostentatious philanthropist suffered an embarrassing injury to his anus due to his clumsy fall into the pool.
In a serious mishap, an associate of action star Shi Xiaolong, also a participant in the show, drowned when he ventured to make his own splash on April 19. The victim was only 18.
The safety issue is at the heart of criticism leveled at this unstructured diving show, which some critics say should be banned. The usual element of sensationalism, central to all variety shows, is one reason why the diving shows are slammed.
It is reported that many follow the show simply because the female stars are in swimsuits and diving is said to prove whether they have had breast implants or nose jobs.
Despite voyeurs' gaze, celebs are willing to try potentially fatal moves that take professional divers years to learn.
We are indeed amusing ourselves to death.
The shows, aired respectively by Zhejiang and Jiangsu satellite TV channels, feature celebrities from the entertainment and business worlds who plunge off springboards in front of an audience. A number of celebs are risking serious injury and embarrassment to appear on these shows.
Although no one will mistake them for Olympic gold medalists - there are no difficult twists or somersaults - the shows receive high ratings because of the thrill of danger and the personalities of the stars.
Many of the inexperienced divers have complained of torn muscles, back pain and bruises sustained in training sessions. Some fainted upon hitting the water in the swimming pool.
An ostentatious philanthropist suffered an embarrassing injury to his anus due to his clumsy fall into the pool.
In a serious mishap, an associate of action star Shi Xiaolong, also a participant in the show, drowned when he ventured to make his own splash on April 19. The victim was only 18.
The safety issue is at the heart of criticism leveled at this unstructured diving show, which some critics say should be banned. The usual element of sensationalism, central to all variety shows, is one reason why the diving shows are slammed.
It is reported that many follow the show simply because the female stars are in swimsuits and diving is said to prove whether they have had breast implants or nose jobs.
Despite voyeurs' gaze, celebs are willing to try potentially fatal moves that take professional divers years to learn.
We are indeed amusing ourselves to death.
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