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Why I hate The Amazing Race
I love TV travel porn. Turn on a little Rick Steves traipsing around Europe's back doors, Ian Wright of Globetrekker getting hamstrung in a Turkish hammam, or Anthony Bourdain slurping up Pho in Vietnam on No Reservations, and I am fixated. Hell, I'll even watch the awkwardly matched foursome of Gwyneth Paltrow, Chef Mario Batali, food writer Mark Bittman, and Spanish actress Claudia Bassols just to see them thump melons and gobble down salty pig parts as they ramble through the markets and kitchens of Spain on PBS's Spain...on the Road Again.
As much as I adore armchair exploration, however, there is one program that leaves a bitter taste in my mouth - the wildly popular CBS reality travel show The Amazing Race. If you've never seen it, the show consists of 11 two-person teams that fly around the world to compete in challenges, typically based on the local culture, such as roping a llama in Peru or driving a snowplow in Siberia. Since it began in 2001, "Race" has won eight Primetime Emmy Awards and has been franchised to include versions in Asia, Australia, and Latin America. In Israel, The Amazing Race is called HaMerotz LaMillion, which translates roughly as "Race to the Million," because teams compete to win $1 million (or, in the case of Israel, one million new Israeli shekels).
In sum, the Amazing Race is an adrenaline-fueled travel adventure show beloved by millions of TV viewers worldwide. So why do I hate it? Here are three reasons:
1. Travel shouldn't be about numbers. "Five continents, 25 cities, and more than 40,000 miles" was the tagline of the final episode of Race's Season 7. To many travelers, the dream is to rack up visited destinations like trophies. But should travel be boiled down to just numbers? Should quantity trump quality? There's a certain hollow materialism to counting countries and treating cities like personal stats. It reminds me of a saying that was popular in the 1980s, "He who dies with the most toys wins" and leads me to my next point...
2. Travel is best when you slow down. Were every moment not recorded, would Race's contestants even remember the difference between Peru and Chile or South Africa and Botswana? Filming for the Amazing Race typically takes place over one month, during which time participants travel to as many as a dozen countries. One of the shortest seasons, The Amazing Race 12, had contestants traveling 30,000 miles to 10 countries within 21 days. I understand that such a breakneck speed makes for great television - it is a race, after all. But I feel that The Amazing Race sends the wrong signal to travelers that it is okay to speed through airports and train stations and villages. Travel should be one of those activities where you allow yourself to slow down and take note of the details. Travel deeply not quickly.
3. Travel should, in itself, be the reward. The $1 million prize is why The Amazing Race gets tens of thousands of applications each season. Who can fault would-be contestants for wanting to race around the world for that kind of cash? Not me. Though, what if The Amazing Race made travel the reward? There are so many quotations about the benefits of travel that I could use here, but I actually think a recent tweet from Gadling friend and Twitter's favorite nomad Andrew Evans (@wheresandrew):
In its defense, The Amazing Race bills itself as a "reality program" and not as a "lifestyle program," the Emmy category under which most travel shows are classified. And, I also applaud Race for shining a spotlight on destinations that many travelers may never get to see (Burkina Faso!). But I fear I will never quite understand why a show that puts personality above place and discord above discovery is so beloved by travel enthusiasts. The Amazing Race stresses me out; give me Rick Steves any day.
The 19th season of The Amazing Race premiers on Sunday, September 25.
Photo from Wikipedia
2. Travel is best when you slow down. Were every moment not recorded, would Race's contestants even remember the difference between Peru and Chile or South Africa and Botswana? Filming for the Amazing Race typically takes place over one month, during which time participants travel to as many as a dozen countries. One of the shortest seasons, The Amazing Race 12, had contestants traveling 30,000 miles to 10 countries within 21 days. I understand that such a breakneck speed makes for great television - it is a race, after all. But I feel that The Amazing Race sends the wrong signal to travelers that it is okay to speed through airports and train stations and villages. Travel should be one of those activities where you allow yourself to slow down and take note of the details. Travel deeply not quickly.
3. Travel should, in itself, be the reward. The $1 million prize is why The Amazing Race gets tens of thousands of applications each season. Who can fault would-be contestants for wanting to race around the world for that kind of cash? Not me. Though, what if The Amazing Race made travel the reward? There are so many quotations about the benefits of travel that I could use here, but I actually think a recent tweet from Gadling friend and Twitter's favorite nomad Andrew Evans (@wheresandrew):
In its defense, The Amazing Race bills itself as a "reality program" and not as a "lifestyle program," the Emmy category under which most travel shows are classified. And, I also applaud Race for shining a spotlight on destinations that many travelers may never get to see (Burkina Faso!). But I fear I will never quite understand why a show that puts personality above place and discord above discovery is so beloved by travel enthusiasts. The Amazing Race stresses me out; give me Rick Steves any day.
The 19th season of The Amazing Race premiers on Sunday, September 25.
Photo from Wikipedia
Filed under: Arts and Culture, News
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Chase Sep 21st 2011 11:36AM
I don't watch the show often, but I do remember watching one episode which illustrates your point about the contestants not remembering where they had been perfectly. The contestants raced to the finish line, where they were challenged to match the people who had given them their clues to the country that they were affiliated with. Most of the contestants had an extraordinarily difficult time remembering even where they had been, let alone who they met there.
Travel should be able creating memories, not about blitzing your way through them in order to fill up slots in your passport.
OneBrownGirl Sep 21st 2011 11:36AM
Do you really hate it? Sounds like you're trying to turn it into something it's not.
I LOVE The Amazing Race.
The title of the show speaks for itself: It. is. a. race.
Around the world.
For money.
And the reality of the show is what makes it fun, funny and even embarassing for the folks who make cultural blunders and show their ignorance.
It is bringing the world to a lot of Americans' front doors and with only 30% of Americans holding a passport, it doesn't hurt.
Did I mention that I love The Amazing Race? =)
Anna Sep 21st 2011 1:09PM
I agree with this comment. Not everyone is allowed to travel the way we are, and to some, this show represents a dream journey that they can never accomplish. They money, the destinations, the hype - it's exactly what it is: good tv.
Grant McWilliams Oct 2nd 2011 4:11PM
But this is NOT a travel show, that's the point thus it shouldn't be the topic of travel conversations. You can like it but don't fool yourself into thinking you're getting ANY armchair traveling in watching it. The people actually in it don't know where they've been.
Connie Sep 21st 2011 12:07PM
I don't disagree with your take on travel - that it should be slow & rewarding as you discover the authentic cultures of different counties. But I love the Amazing Race... only because I like to see the contestants trying to cope with places I've been. I hate all reality shows except this one because it brings back memories of airports, streets and sites from around the world.
It's not a travel show - just a game show selling Expedia.
thompson.emilye Sep 21st 2011 8:45PM
They're actually peddling Travelocity, and often have inane tasks that involve the Travelocity Roaming Gnome.
Those tasks aside, TAR is one of my favorite shows because it incites a wanderlust in me to go and take the time to explore those places they briefly touch on. That and I could listen to Phil Keoghan's kiwi accent all day!
Laurel Sep 21st 2011 12:20PM
What you said, Melanie.
John H Kester Sep 21st 2011 2:55PM
To echo what some others have said, I think you dislike "The Amazing Race" because you're thinking of it as a bad travel show rather than a voyeuristic reality show. I've traveled extensively, and LOVE "The Amazing Race." Part of that enjoyment comes from seeing places I've been, and part of it comes from watching cringe-inducing, obnoxious American tourists try to travel. I'll admit a degree of elitist schadenfreude watching less-experienced and less globally-conscious travelers interact with other cultures. But c'mon, when that girl asked for tickets to China when they were supposed to go to Chile?! Comedy gold.
Vicki Potts Sep 30th 2011 2:43AM
I LOVE Amazing Race as well ,and your comments describe exactly why, which saves me having to think up some clever way of expressing it :)
Marsha Sep 21st 2011 5:01PM
I love Amazing Race! I love to see places that I have already been, like the Pisac Market in Peru. I do however agree that the racing portion would kill me...I love to wander and explore so I would be out in the first leg! For me it would NOT be about the million...I would just love for someone to pay my way to 20-30 countries!
mom of six Sep 21st 2011 6:05PM
I too--- love Amazing Race, unlike most "reality" show where contestants are a bunch of cut thoart, AR contestants really have to work at winning. One bad cab driver can make them have to scramble extra hard and possibly lose. They do make cultural blunders, I probably would, also. I love to travel, but will never have to money to do much of it. I would try out for the show, but no way would I be able to eat some of the gross stuff they have to, or bungee jump, forget it!!! You forget they have a chance to win prizes for coming in first place weekly. Most of prizes are awesome, trips, cars, motorcycles and etc. I'll never forget the midget lady and her cousin, what an inspiration they were. It's a show you can safety watch with your children, unlike most TV today. O' my favorite AR was the one they did in USA with families, I guess it got poor ratings but, I loved it. I too--love Amazing Race.
Marion Paolo Sep 26th 2011 10:17AM
Dear mom of six,
Thank you for your kind words about the Family Edition of TAR. It's nice to know that some people still appreciate the pros and cons of family situations and realize that good family bonds can never be broken, not even by public critizcisms. To this day people still recognize me, my husband and our two sons and tell us how much they loved our family. For the record, we never miss TAR because we still haven't traveled around the world and enjoy watching the other racers on their journies. Let your imagination run wild while you watch the show - it's just as much fun (and stress) as being there. God bless you and your family! Sincerely,
"Momma Paolo"
EagerTraveler Sep 21st 2011 7:55PM
While I agree with what you say...the show is great and many people think so! Enjoy your hour on Sunday!
Kyle Ellison Sep 21st 2011 8:19PM
Couldn't have put it better, Melanie. Do I want to be on the show? Absolutely. Do I wince when I watch it? Every time. I think my biggest gripe with the show is how unrealistic and contrived it is. So 11 teams have to somehow get from Switzerland to Brazil by their own devices, and somehow they all end up on the same flight sitting next to each other? Really? I could go on, but I love that you explored this. Bravo.
Deborah-Eve Sep 23rd 2011 9:31AM
I'm with you on this topic! I sometimes watch the show to see places I've traveled to and then get frustrated since the camera doesn't focus long enough to actually see where the show is being filmed. The racers seem to either be going so fast that they miss what they are passing through, or they seem to spend time sitting and waiting somewhere. However, I live with someone who absolutely LOVES this show!
http://goo.gl/CUzAr
In The Know Travel Sep 24th 2011 4:38AM
I dunno, I kinda think you are missing the point... and honestly, you'd turn down the opportunity if given the chance?
No ways! I wouldn't.
And, if you are an awesome traveler and have great travel skills you can win free trips back to the places you are in.
Sounds pretty awesome to me =)
- In The Know Travel intheknowtravel.wordpress.com
Preston Sep 24th 2011 2:44PM
TAR has never pretended to be a Rick Steves type of program. It's a reality TV show and an entertaining one at that. I hate it when pretentious people think they're above shows like TAR.
Jackson Sep 25th 2011 5:13PM
Wow, talk about missing the point.
This is a reality TV "race" show...not a travel show. Do you similarly pontificate how Boston Marathon runners are missing the beauty and history of the old city by running through it instead of walking? Or drivers in the Monaco Grand Prix aren't appreciating the landscape?
How self involved does one have to be to not understand that people might have different goals than ones self...and that they're not wrong for having them?
sv Sep 25th 2011 9:39PM
You're missing the point. The Amazing Race is one of my favorite shows on television, and for good reason. It's not just simply a travel show, and because that's exactly what you seem to desire it to be, you're missing out on all of its wonder. It's adrenaline packed, has teams you can emotionally get behind, root for, etc. All the while, it's giving you a glimpse of the world and letting you take a peek at countries you might not know much about. I'm a travel junkie - it is my desire to travel as much as I can within my lifetime. If you're watching expecting that you'll have a nice leisurely look at France, you're going to of course come away disappointed. The Amazing Race is much more than just a travel show, and I think it's silly of you to criticize it for being more than one.
Sarah Sep 25th 2011 10:15PM
It is a race after all, and apparently an amazing one, because they aren't simply racing around a track 1000 times in a row. It is a competition that implements bits of travel into the equation. You were looking for a reason to complain, rather than a reason to enjoy. You went into the issue completely biased from the time you considered its existence.