24's Kiefer Sutherland Insists On Distinction Between Television And Reality

Kiefer Sutherland, star of terrorporn fantasia 24, was recently interviewed by the London Guardian, and asked to account for the show's depictions of torture in terms of the effects they've had on national security policy. To his credit, Sutherland gamely attempts to assert that there's some sort of distinction to be made between fiction and reality:

"First off, I'm just going to tell you outright, the problem is not 24. To try and correlate from what's happening on a television show to what the military is doing in the real world, I think that's ridiculous." Does he mean he doesn't believe the reports of 24's influence? "Well I haven't read all those reports. But if that's actually happening, then the problem that you have in the US military is massive. If your ethics in the military, in your training, is going to be counterminded by a one-hour weekly television show we've got a really big problem." His growl grows heavy with contempt. "If you can't tell the difference between reality and what's happening on a made-up TV show, and you're correlating that back to how to do your job in the real world, that's a big, big problem."

Yes. This is an epochal breakthrough in elementary existentialism. Or maybe not, considering how much Sutherland has invested in the "reality" of his character:

"Jack Bauer," he asserts, "is to me an apolitical character." Really? "Well, can you tell me if Jack Bauer is a Democrat or a Republican?" I would say he's clearly a Republican. "Absolutely not!" Sutherland flashes back triumphantly. "Not a chance." Why not? "Because I'm not a Republican, and I created the character."

Ultimately, the whole exchange leaves Sutherland's interlocutor mightily confused ("...I wonder if I'd half forgotten myself that Sutherland isn't a Pentagon official, or a politician, but an actor."), neatly presaging the psychotic break that Sutherland's assertions are sure to inspire in the torture fans of the wingnutosphere. So, on balance, upside.

Comments

[dadw5boys]

But NEOCONS want the world to be like your show in reality.

They want the USA running around killing people all the time.

[AN2009]

Kiefer Sutherland: "To try and correlate from what's happening on a television show to what the military is doing in the real world, I think that's ridiculous."

Jane Mayer of the New Yorker recently wrote an article on 24: US Army Brigadier General Patrick Finnegan, the dean of the US Military Academy at West Point, stated that it was "increasingly hard to convince some cadets that America had to respect the rule of law and human rights, even when terrorists did not. One reason for the growing resistance, he suggested, was misperceptions spread by “24,” which was exceptionally popular with his students."

I've seen 24's producers/actors on TV talking constantly about how realistic their show is. They're just trying to have it both ways -- in front of conservatives they say one thing and in front of liberals they say another.

[dkuz09]

I believe the actors and producers refer to the reality of the "threats we face" not that the use of torture will always work. If anyone ACTUALLY watched the show, they'd know that Jack Bauer's decision-making skills, while usually right on the money, have still led to people's deaths. There are always consequences for your actions, and I think that's the actual reality the actors and producers probably referred to.

[AN2009]

"the actors and producers refer to the reality of the "threats we face""

No, they don't make that clear. If you did watch 24, you'd realize how ridiculous some of the show's scenarios are like Tony Almeida's faked death...

"If anyone ACTUALLY watched the show,"

Stepping aside its conservative nature, 24 suffers from horrible writing. For example, in season 6, agents from the People's Republic of China attack CTU (on American soil), and the US doesn't even contact the PRC to demand reparations or to declare war. So much for being "right on the money"...

[runfastandwin]

I believe that 24 is a small part of the reason President Obama got elected, in that the first two seasons the president was African American, which at the time was big deal as I recall. Joel Surnow must be kicking himself right about now...

[reggie1298]

I've seen some stupid comments around here, but you're going for the gold.

Joel Surnow is a Capitalist trying to make a buck; good for him.

By the way, I know absolutely nothing about J.S., but I'll guarantee he voted for BO - Hollywood and all.

[totalliberal]

You would be absolutely wrong. He gave money to the Rick Santorum's campaign and is a close friend of Rush Limbaugh.

[Usama]

Sutherland is not to blame. The Republicans find cultural icons to simplify and delineate their othewise complex, morally contemptible positions. Reagan used Bruce Springsteen's music, ecspecially Born in the USA. He used Rambo and several other icons. During the Cold War, it was John Wayne et al. but he's absolutely right that the ethical standards of the DoD became jaded under the Neo Con era. There are plenty of generals who should be investigated for war crimes as well.

[ltvt8]

Then fly over to Iraq and investigate them.

[reggie1298]

Republicans do not hold complex positions. Conservatives believe that absolutes exist.

Let me ask you; whence come YOUR "moral positions?" Since you cite "morally contemptable positions" you must have morals. Where do they come from? What are they?

Make a list of them and tell the crowd which of them are not based in Judeo-Christian tenets.

If you think conservatives sit around drooling over one selected song, movie, or TV series I am thankful - the run of your ilk will be short.

BTW, love your name - hope you're not too disappointed at the magical one's first two weeks.

Nice lib buzzwords, too.

[TomFox]

Oh so you think it was the Christians and Jews who thought that murder, stealing and adultery were a problem? Please, I want to gag. There has been behavior regarded as right and wrong since before the dawn of civilization. Christians and Jews don't have a monopoly on ethics or moral behavior.

And no, aboslutes do NOT exist. Even killing can be justified in certain circumstances, even though we may call it second degree murder or manslaughter. Your problem is that you have never actually used your head to think. You spout the drivel of whatever talk show host you listen to or tv preacher, then you get on here and act like you know it all...give me a break and go back to Michael Savage, or WND or Townhall. You obviously don't know how to make a substantive contribution to a conversation on this blog.

BTFW, I'm a liberal, and I LOVE 24 and have all six seasons on dvd.

[neurologymatters]

Soap Operas should be under scrutiny-afternoon shows.

[lornejl]

I blame sadis ts for tort ure, and EVERYONE that condones it is a sad ist.

[dphilip]

.....and anyone who feels a closer bond and allegiance to known t e rr orist than to their own countrymen is a fool and cow ard...

[ladycubsfan]

Republicans have already been using "24" to excuse breaking the laws against torture. I have heard several of them base their arguments on the actions of Sutherland's character. That reality train has left the station and it's not coming back. Thanks for trying, though, Kiefer. Maybe your show can change tactics now and remind them why they're wrong.

[viewfromuphere]

I'm sorry but somebody actually votes for a person who says he takes his homeland security cues from a tv show....

would you go to a doctor who said the pick up surgical tips watching the guys and girls on Grey's Anatomy....

[ltvt8]

Tell me, how are we wrong.

[PSM42]

> I have heard several of them base their arguments on the actions of Sutherland's character.

Which tells you all you need to know about their intelligence, their morality and their ethics.

CWO Wright - Waterboarding is Torture… Period -

"It comes down to this, Mr Evans, either you are a man who condones to. rt. ure, or you are not. There is no middle ground, no gray area to hide in. And since you do seem to condone to. rt. ure, at least in the case of 'these animals,' just how far would you go? You said you were thinking about service in the Guard, as someone who has seen the worst of the human condition and the field of battle, I'd advise against it - because someday you may find yourself a jailer, with absolute power over a man you utterly hate and despise, a man you don't see as human, and then, Mr Evans, without firm conviction and a full understanding of what Honor truly means you may learn something about yourself, about brutality, about evil, that you'd have been better off not knowing. And then it will be far too late."

http://smallwarsjournal.com/blog/2007/10/waterboarding-is-torture-perio/

[too big to fail]

I blame 24 for making people feel root for and see benefit in doing terrible things like water boarding. Just because it is an enjoyable show doesn't make it right.

[CarlyS119]

I'm a liberal and a smart one... You're a "liberal" and you're not. That's a ridiculous position and one that doesn't involve reality. Now... put on your Superman pajamas and go jump off a roof. That's real, too.

[too big to fail]

I hope Keifer sleeps better at night that he inspires American paramilitary to torture folks even if its not real.

[viewfromuphere]

Sorry saying Keifer made me do it absolves no American of their own actions in any situation

[x004Ronin]

I don't blame 24 for Bush's torture policy.
I blame George Bush.
My way has the advantage of being more honest.
Any blame you shift to the show 24 is blame you're shifting away from the guy in charge.

[eva belle]

Papa Bear Billo shows excerpts from this show as if it is reality. I think this is what Kiefer is alluding to.

[SpendBabySpend]

I love this show..has anyone noticed that for this season they have a female President? Do ya think they thought Clinton was going to win? I betcha,

[KingdomofGod]

They already had a black President, they are just using this cheap plot device for viewers like you.

[GBO]

Thanks for the info....but you should be sued by the George Bush for deception.

[Birdman]

24's Kiefer Sutherland Insists On Distinction Between Television And Reality

He actually had to say this? Any 5 year old can tell you that TV shows are not real, well I guess maybe there are some older people that have trouble with this concept, like O'Really Faux news and most of the GOP now that I think about it. I wonder if they did a reality test with a GOPer and a 5 year old who would be more in touch with reality.

[AmandaBC]

"Any 5 year old can tell you that TV shows are not real"

Any 5 year old can tell you the world is not just made of goodies and baddies.
And yet republicans disagree...

[drewziGNY]

A 5 year old has a higher IQ

[KingdomofGod]

Well, it is interesting that the show premiered in fall 2001......

[fadetoblack]

Yeah, but don't you remember the heritage foundation doing that terrorism forum featuring, wait for this, the actors from 24, a couple of years ago. remember big ole st. bernard slobbering Rush planting a wet one on the actresses? yeah, I'm sure she'd like to forget too.

[KingdomofGod]

He is just looking for free publicity.

24 is a garbage show.

Mindless action, nothing more.

[CarlyS119]

UH... the papers came looking for them because of a press tour and if you read the article instead of this moronic blog on it, you would read that (presuming someone's NOT reading it to you) Kiefer is, infact, VERY TIRED of this subject. God, I'm a liberal and I find people like you pathetic. They have terrorism on "General Hospital" too. What blame do you have for it?