The Problematic Gaze
Direct from PG Towers, join social historian Dr Lee Arnott and TV producer Dave Moor for a lighthearted look at the world of TV, Film and Popular Culture of yesteryear that has since been considered problematic. Each week we focus on a different piece of pop culture, and put it into context by looking at the news events and cultural landscape of the year it was released. Out and proud, Dr Lee and Our Dave present a humorous take on life as LGBTQ+ men of a glorious age, and present a digestible mix of academic social commentary, unflinching life lessons, media analysis, and hot takes on feminism, race, politics and cancel culture.
The Problematic Gaze
Satire or Just Offensive? Revisiting The Office UK’s ‘Training’ Episode from 2001
In this episode of The Problematic Gaze, we take a closer look at one of The Office (UK)’s most painfully awkward episodes: “Training.”
From David Brent’s relentless need to perform authority to the complete breakdown of professionalism, “Training” is a masterclass in how power, ego, and insecurity collide in everyday workplaces.
We break down how the episode uses discomfort as comedy, what it reveals about early 2000s office culture, and whether the cringe still lands—or just feels exhausting.
Is Brent a mirror of real-life managers... or something much darker?
And who doesn't love Tim and Dawn's romantic rollercoaster?
The Office 'Training' Click here to watch our chosen episode on IPlayer
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Gazer Homework: Next week we discuss classic US crime Drama 'Cagney and Lacey Click here to watch our chosen episode on IPlayer
