To Be Laughing Or To Be Weeping; That Is The Question

One of my favorite sitcoms is The Office. I think the reason it strikes my funny bone is that I absolutely hate reality shows, and The Office is a satire of a reality show, brilliantly executed.

In one classic episode, the eccentric character, Dwight Schrote, stands over the hospital bed of sleeping co-worker Meredith, and speaks to the cameras, “With the electricity we’re using to keep Meredith alive, we could power a small fan for two days. You tell me what’s unethical.”

Hilarious to be sure, but also kind of chilling when we wonder if this might not be a glimpse into America’s future long after the need for nationalized health care and paranoia over “Global Warming” finally tie the knot in sacred bliss.

When that day arrives, this line from The Office (if it isn’t forbidden by Thought Police) may not sound funny any more and TV Land will be forced to continue airing reruns of Roseanne.