'The Office': Why NBC's mockumentary sitcom would have never been made today
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Since the news of 'The Office' remake started circulating, fans have been ecstatic and nervous in equal parts owing to the show's comedic gigs and whether it would be able to endure the public scrutiny that comes with everything being critiqued and then attacked online.
The workplace comedy, which debuted on March 24, 2005, follows the mundane lives of employees at Dunder Mifflin and is loaded with over-the-top humour.
The series is infused with cringe-worthy moments and entertaining characters, but, in an age defined by increased sensitivity, is the idea of 'The Office' being released now a good one?
Let's look at the reasons why 'The Office' would have not been created today.
Workplace harassment could attract backlash against 'The Office'
The acclaimed humorous sitcom often paralleled real-life workplace challenges that employees experience, one of which was workplace harassment. Michael Scott (Steve Carell), the regional manager, routinely overstepped professional bounds with his subordinates.
The prime example is the 'Diversity Day' Episode, which aimed to encourage inclusion, but ended up displaying harmful stereotypes.
Michael's attitude towards female staff members, such as making sexual jokes about Pam Beesly (Jenna Fischer), is sometimes misinterpreted as fun, but it emphasises the kind of harassment Pam experienced from Michael.
It is logical to assume that the mockumentary would have been severely criticised by the audience given the current climate, when people are more sensitive to offensive jokes and depictions of power imbalances in the workplace.
Increased sensitivity might make 'The Office' unacceptable today
The series, famed for its humour and unique characters, regularly used jokes and situations that are today considered offensive or inappropriate. Many jokes and situations in the show involve stereotypes, racism, sexism, and other forms of foul humour.
Michael's frequent remarks about the looks of female colleagues, as well as his unwanted approaches, would be considered sexual harassment in today's workplace.
For example, Michael's crude language slur or his misunderstanding of Oscar Martinez's (Oscar Nunez) sexuality, in which he would sometimes actually humiliate Oscar, would be seen as exceedingly inappropriate nowadays.
Over-the-top humour would spark Cancel Culture outrage
Cancel Culture is the new standard for people to express their displeasure with whatever they think inappropriate, and if the series were broadcasted today, it would have been the favourite among the cancel culture audience.
The show's characters are often shown making blunders and saying rude things. For example, our beloved Michael often makes racially incorrect, sexist, or homophobic comments that are also hurtful.
Furthermore, Dwight Schrute's (Rainn Wilson) hostile behavior towards other coworkers would not be accepted in today's atmosphere and would have undoubtedly enraged the audience.
This might result in public outrage and the cancellation of a show in today's cancel culture landscape.
'The Office' is now streaming on Netflix.
