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Archive for June 4, 2007

Posted on Monday, Jun 4 at 1:42 pm

If you recalled, one beautiful day last week, you saw this news about this reality show-The Big Donor Show whereby a 37 year old terminally ill woman(Lisa) with an inoperable brain tumor, giving away her kidney to 3 people who needed a kidney transplant. Out of the 3 contestants, she has to choose who will be the “lucky winner” to get her kidney. Viewers were able to text Lisa to help her make the decision on who should be the recipient of the kidney.

I was appalled when BNN eventually broadcasted the program Netherlands on Friday 1 June, instead of stopping it. I find that it is very morally wrong to get our entertainment from people’s suffering. But thank god, it was a hoax. BNN then explained that the purpose of this reality show was to highlight the needs for kidney in Netherlands. And the “terminally ill” woman Lisa was actually an actress, but the three contestants are genuine kidney failure patients who are still looking for a suitable kidney for transplantation. The purpose of the show is to raise awareness of how much patients live their lives and how much organ donors are needed. But i think the adverse effect is greater than what the producer wants to emphasize.

Even before the broadcast, many criticised the about the show. The show had set off a storm of criticism about Reality show. According to a survey with Dutch television viewers, 75% of them were determined that they will not watch the broadcast. The show was even condemned by Jan Peter Balkenende, Dutch PM.

I dont think such issue is a matter of joke that we can play on. It is morally wrong. First place, how can the lives of the patients be controlled by viewers’ decision? (So you call this survivor of the fittest??) I think Big Donor Show has gone overbroad.