The reality of Reality TV
The reality of Reality TV by Meghan Quinn Modern television is entirely different. Tapping into a new phenomenon, reality shows allow us to watch someone jump off a train or eat live bugs in the comfort of our homes. We can experience things without risk. But why are we so fascinated with the way people live their lives? Why are we consumed with the everyday activities of The Osbornes? Why are the script and special effects of The Lord of the Rings just as revered as every raw season of Survivor? We no longer have to spy on our neighbors - they are in our living rooms. Secretly, we receive validation from watching the dysfunctional lives of others. Whether it is a celebrity or an "average" person, we can compare our lives and actions and feel confident. From the outside so many look as if they have perfect lives, but everyone has to deal with daily nuisances and major tragedies. It somehow comforts us to know that each of us has issues, no matter how pretty or rich we may be. The show Desperate Housewives exemplifies this idea. No matter what is happening in any of the houses, another neighbor's problems are bad if not worse. Though this is not a reality show, Desperate Housewives illustrates our fascination with the goings on behind closed doors. With the rise of reality television, it is increasingly difficult to tell the difference between what is real and what is scripted. But as a culture, what risk are we running by confusing reality and fiction? We no longer have to look at shows like 90210 or The OC and talk about how unrealistic they are because we can watch Laguna Beach and make fun of real people. The drama is real, and this makes the uncertainty and tension all the more gripping. We can no longer look at a show and say that no one would behave in such a manner because it can happen, it did happen, and all of America saw it happen. With shows like Fear Factor, we can have scary and exciting adventures, comfortably on the couch with a bag of chips. It is thrill without the risk. So, how real is reality? How often do people get placed on a desert island in two teams with the promise of a reward for the one who survives? The very fact that we are filming people invalidates the ostensible reality of the situation. The distortion and manipulation of reality continues to have an enormous effect on the American population, the line between real and fake almost indiscernible. Not only have people jumped at the opportunity to gain their time in the spotlight, but they have sunk to incredible lows to do so. The dirtiest manipulator wins. The person who eats the most bugs wins. The person who makes the biggest fool of themself wins. What exactly is "winning?" It seems to be money, fame and popularity. What are we teaching Americans? Young children see that pride, honor and self respect are worth selling and that anyone can be bought for a price, that nothing is off limits. World Wrestling Entertainment uses this blurred line of reality to draw viewers. This is an example of a show that looks real but claims to be entirely fake. Though all the stunts and characters are fake, they parallel the real lives of the actors employed by WWE. It not only shows wrestling moves, but sensationalized plots comparable to those in soap operas with cheating, degradation and violence. Again we see self-respect sold to the highest bidder. Is it culture that influences the media, or is it media that is influencing culture? It is undeniable that the invasion of reality shows has had a significant impact on the way we see reality. The real questions concern the consequences. What is this doing to our society? Are we looking for validation, escape and adventure? We cannot be sure what this new obsession really means. What seems to be certain is that reality shows are here to stay. Yet whatever we seek in watching these shows, whether it be thrill, validation, or affirmation of our own lives, in the end we all have to deal with our own realities. |
