Unrealistic Portrayals of Jobs in Movies and TV Shows: From Graphic Designers to Racing Drivers

It is a common observation that certain jobs and professions in movies and TV shows are often portrayed inaccurately, creating misconceptions and unrealistic expectations. This article delves into the misrepresentation of graphic designers, airplane mechanics, and racing drivers in popular media, exposing the discrepancies between fictional depictions and real-life scenarios.

Graphic Designers: A Low-Paying, Hard-Working Profession with Limited Advancement

The portrayal of graphic designers as low-paying, hard-working individuals with little to no career advancement opportunities is a recurring theme in films and television. While many TV shows and movies might label these characters as struggling artists or freelancers, the reality is significantly different. Graphic designers often require extensive training, specialization, and continuous learning to stay current with industry trends. Moreover, their work is crucial in enhancing brand identity, user experience, and overall visual communication.

Another common stereotype is the notion that graphic designers have few career progression paths. In reality, these professionals can advance to roles such as creative director, art director, or managing director, depending on their skills, experience, and success. However, in movies and TV shows, their roles are often diminished, making their profession seem undervalued and unimportant.

Plane Mechanics: Deceptive Depictions in Television

The portrayal of plane mechanics in television shows is frequently exaggerated and misleading. A prime example comes from the series Wings, where a character named Lowell Mather was depicted as a forgetful and incompetent mechanic. The show’s creators’ inaccuracies have raised concerns about the safety and professionalism of their characters.

For instance, in one episode, a plane had to make an emergency landing right after takeoff because Mather forgot to fuel it. In another, a plane skidded off the runway because he left two tires flat. Most shockingly, in the final episode, Mather was supposed to fix an oil leak but forgot. As a result, the plane ended up seizing a prop and crashing, resulting in seven fatalities. Horror stories like these are far from the truth, and in real life, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) would not permit a mechanic like Mather to operate near an aircraft!

Racing: Inaccurate Portrayals in Movie and Television

The depiction of racing, particularly in the The Fast and the Furious franchise, is another significant area where movies and TV shows fail to represent the sport accurately. One of the most noticeable inaccuracies is the portrayal of overtaking. In movies, the lead racer effortlessly passes multiple cars, rapidly catching up to the race leader, all while demonstrating superior horsepower. However, real-life racers must navigate through traffic, dealing with unforeseen circumstances and maintaining speed and concentration.

Another aspect of racing that is often misrepresented is the nature of street races. In films, characters drive aggressively, disregarding traffic rules and safety guidelines. In reality, if a car were to approach another at high speed from the opposite direction, the driver would naturally brake or swerve to avoid a collision. This is contrary to what happens in movies, where characters proceed unimpeded, dramatically enhancing the action scenes but endangering the actors and stunt drivers.

Lastly, the gear-shifting technique in movies does not accurately represent real-world practices. Inauthentic portrayals show drivers shifting gears at high speeds, seemingly effortlessly, and causing their rivals to fall behind. In reality, doing this could damage the vehicle’s clutch and gearbox. Realistic riding involves carefully selecting the appropriate gear while maintaining control and speed, ensuring the safety and integrity of the vehicle.

Conclusion

While movies and TV shows provide entertainment and some form of escapism, it is important to recognize the fictional elements that permeate certain professions. By understanding the accurate depiction of graphic designers, airplane mechanics, and racing drivers, audiences can make more informed choices and expectations regarding these careers. Understanding the reality behind these professions fosters a greater appreciation for the skills and efforts required in these diverse, and often underappreciated, fields.

Keywords: graphic designers, airplane mechanics, racing inaccuracies