With the introduction of reality television, also came
competition programming. And I don’t
mean competition in the traditional sense like watching spectator sports or
trivial game shows—but shows like Celebrity
Apprentice, Survivor, The Voice, The Bachelor, Project Runway
or even a new addition to primetime television called I Can Do That.
What do these shows have in common, you ask? Well for starters, this brand of reality TV
is purposed with crowning winners amongst typically deceitful people or mediocre
fellow competitors all for the gain of large sums of money or “15-minute” fame
exposure. Now out of my small list of examples, not all of these shows are determined to expose duplicitous and conniving
characters; some of these competition reality shows are truly built on
inspiring the public.
To solidify my opinion further:
For instance the shows that feature non-celebrity people
(i.e. American Idol, Top Chef, and The Biggest Loser) are dedicated to proving to the public that most
goals or seemingly unachievable success can be accomplished with determination
and a crew of professional people pushing to help accommodate the win. I think the nation’s audience prefers to see
people that are “relatable” winningly achieve things. As opposed to watching celebrities compete for
the benefit of a charity or to further their own celebrity agenda. Those kinds of shows (i.e Dancing With The Stars, Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew, and Love & Hip-Hop) are simply built for
entertainment. The nation’s audience
enjoys watching those on a pedestal deal with demeaning issues. Seeing people at the top not living such a
glamorous life at all times can be comforting.
Also there is currently a global discussion about the
motives of reality TV and what the implications behind some of the
programming. For instance all of the
variations of Housewives continually display women that lack actual marital
relationships, no sense of public decorum and self-worth due to the ongoing
physical violence that occurs in these shows—and it crosses racial boundaries
when women from all races are literally fist fighting on national television
with no positive end result…well besides a possible “spin-off” series.
What to ask yourself:
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| Supposed "Housewives" |
- Are there any shows you won’t consider spectating any further now that you’re aware of the implications behind it?
- Would you do anything to change the outcome concerning the types of programming placed on television? Would you complain to TV networks and/or creators?
- Are you going to shelter your children, today’s future, from seeing these types of figures on television?
