The Australian version of ‘Gogglebox’ has been a ratings success, the show that shows people watching television and commenting on what they see been finding bigger and bigger audiences on Foxtel and Channel Ten.
Last week the Googleboxers tuned in for an episode of ‘I Am Cait’ revealing a variety of responses to transgender people.
As the different families and couples settle down to watch the episode father Grant Jackson proclaims he doesn’t want to watch a show about Bruce or Caitlyn Jenner. Daughter Britney proclaims “It’s a girl now”.
Later Grant Jackson said being on a bus filled with transgender women would be his worst nightmare. “Honestly they scare me” Jackson said.
Grandma Emily from the recently added Silbery family reacts saying “And she was a man, they did a good job.” While Patrick Delpechitra comments that it must be hard for a transgender person to let of their former identity.
Dad Matt Dalton (pictured) upsets his two daughters when he describes Jenner as a “freak”. “Everyone just thinks that she is a freak.” Dalton said.
“No they don’t. No-one thinks that except for you because you’re judgmental.” daughter Holly responds. Not long after the teenager said she couldn’t sit next to her father any longer due to his negative comments.
When the episode ends with Caitlyn Jenner and her friends attending a Trans Day of Remembrance ceremony and it’s highlighted how many transgender people are killed each year the viewers attitudes change.
The viewers are visibly shocked to find out that transgender people are more likely to be murdered than the rest of society.
“What the hell is wrong with people?” Angie asks her housemate Yvie, who has tears running down her face. The camera cuts to Grant Jackson, who is now silent.
Truck driver Keith turned to his wife Lee and said if they hadn’t watched the show they wouldn’t have learned so much about transgender people.
“I don’t know why people have to pick on other people, let people live the way they want to live, it’s got nothing to do with anybody else, that’s the part I don’t understand.” Lee responds.
Catch Gogglebox on Foxtel on Wednesday nights, the show is repeated on Channel Ten on Thursday.
OIP Staff
Visibility does change things?