Reality TV: Oxymoron

There are too many reality tv shows that provide useless information and give unrealistic expectations about stardom (and other real values) to ignorant audiences.

To name a few: American Idol. ANTM, Survivor, The Hills, The Biggest Loser, So you thin you can dance, the real world, dancing with the stars, but the list continues to go on.

James Poniewozik wrote an article for TIME called “Why Reality TV is Good for Us.” He states that although there’s hardly any reality in them, the shows provide “involving human stories.” Poniewozik also added that “reality shows don't just reach tens of millions of viewers but leave them feeling part of a communal experience.”

What kind of communal experience? The experience to waste time away from each other instead of having good relationships as God intended?

Reality tv was interesting and fun before. It started in the early 90s when producers wanted to make shows that were cheap and easy to make. The Real World was one of the first ones. Audiences were attracted because they could really identify with the people on tv. It was like they were watching themselves.

But now this phenomenon has turned into an obsession. Networks either have reality shows broadcasted every other day or are overflowing with them.

These shows have also become annoying because we see the same people and producers. America’s Next Top Model has reached its 11 cycle and Tyra Banks still goes and makes another show called Stylista. Also, American Idol’s Randy Jackson branches off and does a dance show, does he seriously not have enough money with just one? I guess not.

Then there’s the issue about authenticity and performance. Shows are becoming scripted and are dramatized. That means that they are no longer real! Annette Hill, author of the book Reality TV calls this a paradox. The more entertaining a factual show is, the less real it appears to viewers. But I guess people don’t care if reality tv shows live up to their name. They just want to be entertained.

The marriage and dating shows are some that I don’t believe at all. How can someone marry someone else that they’ve only known for a short period? How can they be in love? I would think that marriage has a high value to society but this show proves otherwise.

The makeover shows are really horrifying. Doctors make a list of what’s ugly or wrong with you and will fix you up with lots of plastic surgeries. Moving on, celebrity tv shows are the most unnecessary of all. We can see celebrities scratching and clawing for fame and money.

Poneiwozik also said that reality tv is “discomfort TV--[it] lives to rattle viewers' cages. It provokes. It offends.” But why are we watching shows that offend and instigate fights? I can understand that people have a innate human interest in conflict, but we have to draw a line. I personally don’t want to watch TV shows that make me feel uncomfortable. Can American audiences stand up for some values?

So the moral of today’s rant is that members of the American society should stop centering their lives on other people’s lives. And do something else more worth while.