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How
real is reality television
For
too long, we have been watching Reality
TV and helping reality television's ratings
rise. The trend hit worldwide with "Big
Brother" launching its series around
Europe and now even A&E cable is joining
in with a show called "Intervention,"
where a lucky addict is confronted by friends
and family about their problem. Is this
taking reality too far?
One
would think A&E would have trouble finding
someone to fill that slot, but there are
people willing to do anything for their
15 minutes of fame.
Fox
is creating a show where lawyers pit against
each other for a career opportunity...sounds
a bit like "The Apprentice." Not
only are there too many reality TV shows,
but they aren't creative. The shows are
all alike, spinning off of one another,
yet America still watches. What is the appeal
of watching people create drama on national
television? Shouldn't we be focusing on
our own lives, instead of sitting in front
of the television and living vicariously?
Unscripted
shows seem to be replacing real acting.
Shows like "The Simple Life,"
back for another season depicting two rich
and famous city girls acting stupid, much
like Jessica Simpson on her MTV hit, "Newlyweds,"
are instrumental in pushing forth the fame
of those involved, and no scripted acting
is required.
Reality
television stars come back for more seasons
and can use the exposure to launch their
careers with as little talent as possible.
For example, Darva Conger, of "Who
Wants to Marry a Multimillionaire?"
has spent four years in the spotlight since
her annulled marriage to Rick Rockwell.
Conger
is soon to be hosting her own reality show
on the Game Show Network where viewers can
watch Vegas weddings take place and chart
the dysfunctional marriages following.
Perhaps
the public finally wants a taste of something
more than stupidity broadcast. Australians
will be competing for six independent slots
in the Senate. Supposedly the show will
help get viewers involved in politics because
they will vote on the contestants until
all but six are eliminated. Perhaps someday
this trend will be used for good and get
people involved in something other than
cross marketing and voting for their favorite
American Idol.
Reality
TV isn't necessarily real. Whether they
admit it or not, having a camera around
non-stop will cause people to act differently.
The situations presented in reality shows
are rarely found in every day life. How
often do you get to date four women and
have them competing for your affections,
as on "Elimidate"? Or when was
the last time you swapped your wife or mother
for a month? It is time to tell reality
TV what we think, and let the ratings drop.
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