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We'd like to make a shout out to the teenagers standing in Times Square. |
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TRL airs every weekday at 3:30 p.m.(ET)/2:30 p.m.(CT) on MTV. TRL is an abbreviation of Total Request Live, a popular show featured on MTV. I find the title to be somewhat misleading, for it implies that the focus of the program is imperative, when in reality, TRL is a show focused on the declarative. In short, no one is really asking for anything, just making random statements; these statements are called "shout-outs." Shout-Outs: Defined A shout-out is an opportunity for an individual, or group of individuals, to acknowledge the existence of a significant other, friend or family member. The purpose of a shout-out is to "show props" to the targeted individual(s); it is considered a sacred ritual of respect and/or admiration. Though the majority of people within earshot of a shout-out may not know who you or the person to whom you refer are, it really doesn't matter. Shout-outs are relevant nonetheless. A textbook shout-out is as follows: "I'd like to make a shout-out to my man Timmy. He is a true homeboy, and I have nothing but the utmost respect for said individual."
Shout-Outs: Put into Practice Before shouting-out, one must ensure that both the time and the venue are appropriate. For example, if you're walking through the city one day and spot a group of burly construction workers on their lunch break, this is probably not an opportune moment to employ your skills in shouting-out. As a matter of fact, you will more than likely be prone to a good beating. For the most part, shout-outs are intended for television. As a matter of fact, shout-outs are synonymous with quality TV. And through the use of television, you can almost guarantee that your shout-out will reach an audience well into the thousands. What better way to convey true emotion and heart-felt feeling towards your wife, husband or lover than over the air? This way the whole world can join in on the celebration of the love you two share. It’ll almost be like a Whitney Houston song!
Shout-Outs: Ready, Willing and Able Because of the popularity of television, along with the advanced tools and devices of our modern age, a shout-out opportunity can occur at any time and any place. Sure, one might expect to make a shout-out if they're part of a live television audience, but what about those times when it's least expected? Let’s say you're strolling down the beach one day, enjoying the sun on your face and the tide at your feet, when suddenly you have a microphone shoved under your nose! You look up to the shocking realization that the MTV Spring Break crew have unexpectedly turned up in your neighborhood -- at your local beach, even! Suddenly, the eyes of the world are upon you, and the host asks if there's anyone in the viewing audience that you'd like to acknowledge to commemorate this momentous occasion. I know what you would be thinking, "I’m...I’m...I'm not prepared! What are the chances of MTV showing up in my neck of the woods?! Who do I make a shout-out to? My mother? No, I don't want to look like a sissy. My boyfriend? No, I'm still mad at him for taking me to see Battlefield Earth last weekend. My homies? My crew? My posse? Good God, man, WHO??!!"
Believe me, there is nothing - and I do mean nothing - that is more embarrassing than being asked for a shout-out and having no one to shout-out to. You feel like a jackass, those deserving a shout-out will have their feelings hurt, and you will undoubtedly become the laughing stock at the office. Truth be known, you may never actually live it down. The lesson here, folks, is BE PREPARED! I cannot stress this enough. Sit down with a pad of paper and a pen and construct a list of approximately one hundred and fifty people in your life who in some form or fashion deserve a shout-out. Being that there will inevitably be some time constraints during your shout-out opportunity, I'd advise that you list your candidates in order of precedence, thus to ensure that the most important individuals will be accommodated. Memorize this list, keep an extra copy in your purse or wallet, keep a digital copy on disk -- whatever it takes. But for heaven's sake, don't be caught unprepared. Shout-Outs: Epilogue With all of the numerous elements that compose our close-knit shout-out society, it's easy to become overwhelmed by the responsibilities, spontaneity and/or repercussions of the practice. It's true, there are a lot of variables in the game, but like any other sport, to the victor goes the spoils. Watch TRL every weekday at 3:30 p.m.(ET)/2:30 p.m.(CT) on MTV. A successful shout-out can manifest itself into any number of desirable outcomes. A shout-out to your boyfriend may result in him purchasing you flowers, or perhaps an expensive piece of jewelry. A shout-out to your girlfriend, on the other hand, might ensure a night of frivolous fornication. A shout-out to your boss may help you take that necessary step up the corporate ladder -- and that long-awaited raise might very well be on the horizon! So even though there is some considerable stress in the endeavor, I think you will find the rewards to be more than worthwhile of your efforts.
Sure, shouting-out may be the defining factor between a child and an adult -- a rite of passage we must all overcome; but it's also a unique opportunity to bond with your community as well as let off some steam with the boys. And above all, have fun with it! Oh, and I guess I should mention that Total Request Live sometimes interrupts the slew of shout-outs to show half of a video now and then. Though it is kind of annoying and veers away from the focus of the show, it is a great opportunity to run to the bathroom or a grab a snack from the fridge. Or better yet, start your list of potential shout-out candidates. The next person that the television set features could very possibly be YOU! Joe Bannerman would like to shout out to everyone who has read his movie reviews at Opposable Thumb Films. Date: 5/19/2000 Copyright © 2000 by Joe Bannerman |
