Question for those who watch The Amazing Race

[Mike Daniels]

Out of curiousity, does anyone know to what extent the general citizens of the target areas (not the ones helping with contests) are aware that this American game show is going to be passing through their area?

I ask because after watching several episodes and last night's especially, I'm surprised some of the contestants haven't had their asses kicked due to their constant screaming at the drivers to hurry up or whatever other "ugly American" behavior they can somehow engage in.

I have to admit I did relish the shakedown the one bus driver did to the twin sisters and the Christian model couple although they did really get screwed given that the other teams ended up paying only $3-5 for bus fare. Looks like Colin may actually come close to getting his ass kicked next week based on the previews

At this point, I have to say I hope Kim and Chip take it all as they (although selective editing may be responsible) have come off as the most gracious team of the whole bunch. No snide comments about the less developed countries, people, what have you?

Anyway, is there anyone who has more background into the creation of the show and how it's all coordinated and arranged in terms of the destination stops.

[sui generis]

1. I stopped watching for exactly that reason

It really made me angry in the first season to see them go into a poor city in a poor part of the world and panhandle. The self-centered "ugly American" behavior was just as disgusting, and I've never watched it again and don't ever intend to now that you've confirmed it's still happening.

It's irresponsible. I know the bad apples are spoiling it for the rest but that's the producer's responsibility.

[qanda]

2. I just started watching a couple of weeks ago

It really is a very good show. It's actually quite educational in the sense you get to see other cultures in a different way.

I was surprised that someone didn't get hurt on yesterday's show. I imagine the producers would have stepped in before that happened, but only a fool would pick a fight in that situation. They really did get taken on the bus deal, but that's capitalism for you.

[Mike Daniels]

4. I'm practically using it as the source of a "where to travel to next" list

I can already say that Egypt is on the list at some point as well as Russia further down the road.

[qanda]

6. The Hermitage Museum was fascinating

It really made me want to visit there.

[donsu]

3. I've watched all of them and still marvel at the rudeness of some of the

couples. and the openly religious ones sure don't act nice. I too was glad the couples in the one bus got overcharged.

I think the people in the general area of the game know in advance what is going to happen. I imagine the show spreads money around and the locals are glad.

you can see on their faces that in, whatever country, that they don't like the americans that act rude. but they will even go out of their way to help friendly, nice americans.

(that new show Trading Spouses is explosive!)

[TrogL]

5. It's kind of hard to ignore

Each team pretty much has its own cameraman and they're using studio/news-quality equipment which tends to be big and bulky and needs frequent recharges. I imagine they have a whole infrastructure set up with dozens of people running around. They're also hiring taxicabs, cars and aircraft. There's bound to be a leak.

I suspect that one of the producers' problems is to keep the local crowds off-camera and prevent the contestants from "acting". A lot of the controversy in last night's episode looked fake to me. I have no idea where they're going with the "faith based" thing. It could be an attempt to pander to the right. They have included "faith" people in the past. Then again, they're being so obnoxious this particular season it could be a bone thrown to the left.

[Tracer]

7. Go to www.televisionwithoutpity.com and...

... you'll have ALL your questions answered.

Frankly, I'll miss Mirna and Charla.