Luke, Ewan, Jamie and Shaun talk about the groundbreaking, generation defining reality show that is Jackass. Culture change, the dangers of fame and obviously our favourite stunts. You can find the latest Current Patter Podcast below or on all podcast platforms – @ThePatterPod
By Shaun Forrest
The Millennium had passed with the world not imploding and the Y2K scare did not come to fruition, what was going to lead the way for this new generation of content-hungry Millennials?
“Hi, I’m Johnny Knoxville, welcome to Jackass!”
The 21st century started fast with a wave of new media and culture for teenagers. The PlayStation2 had been released, arguably transforming the gaming world forever. Alternative rock bands like Linkin Park, Korn, Limp Bizkit and System of a Down created ‘NU Metal’ harmonising with the breakthrough mainstream pastime of skateboarding that had grown so popular through the 90’s. Baggy jeans, hoodies and skate shoes that were once the underground fashion had become mainstream with brands like DC, Etnies and Vans. This could fittingly be described as the MTV Era of pop culture and MTV had the perfect new reality television show unlike any other.
Jackass first hit our screens in October 2000. It opened with the iconic theme tune Corona by Minutemen and the shows fearless-leader Johnny Knoxville trying to drop into a vertical half pipe but ending up with a faceful of floor. A parental advisory warning was all the encouragement we rebellious teens needed to become obsessed with this new band of free-wheeling daredevils who had managed to turn after-school stunts and hooliganism into a career. Was this the beginning of true content creating and the new rock and roll? The show was nothing like we had seen before and, simultaneously, everything we wanted It to be. It was funny, dangerous, and controversial, with a big “fuck you” to the older generation -albeit the softer targets of mainly mothers, fathers and teachers.
The group of trailblazers were mainly skateboarders and all in their early to mid-twenties when the show propelled them into stardom. Loved by teens and hated by parents was the selling-point and the group played up to this rogue persona which unfortunately led to the familiar story of young stars drifting from any semblance of a stable or sustainable lifestyle. The partying, carefree lifestyle also came with alcohol, drugs, sex and ultimately addiction. MTV can be applauded for giving shows like Jackass their platform but must take some responsibility for not fully supporting the young group, instead they encouraged Dave England to eat his very own vomit-omelette.
“If your gonna be dumb, you gotta be tough”– By Roger Alan Wade
Quasi-stuntmen being paid to make everything into content while putting their bodies and health on the line for a gag was only going to end in tears. Jackass ran for a short 25 episodes but created numerous spin-offs and is about to release its fourth feature film but, unfortunately, not all the main cast will be involved. The youngest and arguably most popular member, Bam ‘Dad-Slapping’ Margera, has been cut from the film due to breaking the onset sobriety rules. Bam has since created a public shitstorm and claimed he will be making his own film in memory of his best friend, the late Ryan Dunn.
Perhaps if this sobriety rule had been implemented in the early days, we wouldn’t have received the same ground-breaking content but I’m certain at least one life would have been saved and far fewer would have been admitted into rehabilitation. But where is the fun in that?
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