Of Reality Television

          I cannot keep hidden the subject that bewilders my mind so frequently; a subject that the race of man is so overly exposed to—reality TV. Perhaps it is just I who views reality television with disgust for it seems the common folk find pleasure and entertainment in such filth. They plant themselves with firm footing in front of that dreadful, electronic box, displaying productions that were chiefly produced with stupidity and ignorance. Works such as “Honey Boo Boo” and “Real Housewives” display acts of idleness, cruelty and bickering throughout homes of America; “The Bachelor” and “Love in the Wild” portray the false notion that true love can be found amidst a vast array of strangers after taking time to grasp their face with your mouth for hours on end. How do we suppose these shows might influence the uprising generations? It will certainly not be for their betterment. 

“I had to start watching [The Real Housewives of New Jersey] every week because, well, my IQ was just too high. I mean seriously up there. What can I tell you? After watching every episode, I am now officially as dumb as that brown, particle-like stuff you find outside and don't want to track inside the house. Rhymes with "wirt", I think.”-Celia Rivenbark,

Despite their influence, and to my disgust, the participants of these productions are paid and rewarded for their horrendous behavior. While these individuals are congratulated on their “success” I find no good or beneficial advantage placed upon the viewer. Rather they sit idly, allowing these unrealistic and negative ideas to penetrate their minds. As time passes one begins to believe that these “reality” shows are indeed real, portraying ordinary and realistic lives. No, no and no; we must use great precaution and avoid the imperfections these shows load upon us. We mustn’t allow this genre of media to infringe our view of society, of reality and of reason.

Any man can play a fool in front of a camera, so why is it that Americans idolizes those who chose to do so? These reality “stars” are simply hungry for fame, money, unearned attention and other selfish desires. Isn’t it the man behind the camera we should aspire to be? A man who puts his life into focus, placing others before himself and trying to make his meaningful contribution to the world? If our media is going to be force flooded by all these series, why don’t they make a series about the cameramen? I’m sure we’d see humble men, working to provide for their families, doing anything to avoid the spotlight while remaining grateful for the job they have, their health and their happiness. This should be America. Let’s focus on those types of individuals.

The more I ponder this subject the more disgusted I become. However, I may contradict myself by saying there are a few reality shows that I’d actually approve of and probably recommend. To name one: WipeOut. This series is far from crude, but rather full of good, clean and appropriate humor. While other series degrade you, WipeOut can only spring you forward, launching you into a world of smiles and giddy laughter. Let us view more programs like this—ones that uplift and build humanity.

I don't like the negativity of reality tv - the 'you're no good, so you have to leave, I choose you, but I thought you really loved me.' It's all about how bad people are and I just hate that. I like Pimp my Ride where someone is helping somebody [else]. -Bob Saget

Moreover, I can say these things for I have experienced them. I have exercised my freedom of personal choice to place myself, willingly, on the soft couch that lures one into its softened seat. I’ve admittedly spent hours on end sitting in that couch, watching those shows that intend to consume all my time. It took me far too long to correlate my wasted and emptied state of mind to the time I spent observing the ridiculous, selfish and crude behavior seen on television. It is because of these experiences that I’ve chosen to renew my better judgment, choosing to ignore these productions I was once fond of. I may indeed stand alone in my current perception of reality TV but alone I will stand, for I am fond of privacy in my own life and would hope others would share the same respect for their own lives. Turn off that electrical box that calls you during every spare moment; remember there are better things to watch, better things to be doing. Let America rid itself of its loser and lousy entertainment and, when temptation prevails, let us lean toward something more reasonable—something that builds up and spotlights humanity.