Let’s Make A Deal
Posted by Osagie K. Obasogie May 31, 2007
Biopolitical Times
From the producers of Fear Factor and Big Brother comes a new Dutch game show that's part ER, part The Batchelor. Three ailing contestants will be pitted against one another to compete for a kidney that could save their lives. These patients will try to bypass long organ transplant waitlists by winning the affections of "Lisa," a woman with an inoperable brain tumor who has decided to become a kidney donor before her own impending death. Not to be outdone by American Idol, viewers will be able to send text messages to vote for their favorite contestant.
The show's producers claim a laudable purpose: to bring attention to the thousands of people who die every year while waiting for a kidney. And ongoing reports on the exploitation in the black market organ trade certainly bolsters the need for greater attention. But, is this the way to do it?