As a further discussion to our topic in class today I found an article that related to reality television and the common complaints associated with it. This author explains that “one of the most common complaints about television — that it moves society in deplorable ways with all its sex and violence and general prurience — is also one of the most fraudulent.” This article says that Hollywood TV is really a reflection of what we are like in society and what our interests are rate the shows of what become popular.
The author also expresses the idea that through all of the reality tv shows out there, “Extreme Home Makeover” is the one with a positive message and it says more about us as a society than other shows like “Fear Factor.” In addressing the Extreme Home Makeover in Colonie, the author says that the vast majority of the volunteers, you will never see on TV meaning that they are looking for something else besides three minutes of fame.
As a community the author believes that if reality tv is a mirror of the people, then most people will like what they see this week. I agree. Regardless of the meaning behind the people’s volunteering, I would like to think that this reality tv show gives us a positive meaning.
When I saw your subject line, my first though was “God, I hope not!” If most reality shows such as “American Idol,” “Survivor,” “Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader?” (which scares me to death, but that’s another story…), and “I Love New York” (my guilty pleasure), were reflective of our society it would be an extremely sad state of affairs. Clearly reality television is generally not something you watch if you want to be educated or informed. However, based on your preferences and state of mind, it can be a great way to pass a much-needed, mind-numbing half an hour or hour. I generally turn the tv on at night to relax after a busy day and I don’t care much about what’s on as long as it doesn’t involve my homework. If television’s goal is to entertain than I suppose it does that fairly well for most people.
I really enjoyed today’s class discussion and talking about something more positive for a change. I agree that, regardless of people’s motives, it is great for them to volunteer and try to enact some sort of change in our world. It would be great if we were all this motivated and excited to donate our time and energy to some cause on a regular basis rather than just when the spotlights are on and the cameras are rolling. Many good things came out of this show though: a family got a new home, a community came together (even if temporarily), and hopefully some people will be more likely to volunteer for other causes in the future.
Comment by Christine — March 29, 2007 @ 4:12 pm |
I think this is such an interesting subject. To other countries overseas we are perceived as being evil based upon the shows that are produced in our country. I am so thankful for shows such as Extreme Home Makeover, even if the show could just be a facade. I would like to believe that people are inherently good, but I am a realist and am constantly putting things into perspective.
Comment by spinmymotivation — March 30, 2007 @ 3:29 pm |
Ah this is a tough one. Mirror image? I doubt it. I wouldn’t know because I’ve never been a part of any reality television show. What I view to be one of the most realistic reality shows is Real World (believe it or not.) And even THAT, is completely altered by the media. They pick people for the show for who will offer the best ratings. There’s always someone who is homosexual, someone from a small town, someone black, etc. I don’t even know what I view as reality tv. It seems soap operas are as close to reality as reality tv is. Like survivor? You would NEVER get me to go on that show. So to me, that’s completely unrealistic.
Comment by Samantha — April 4, 2007 @ 5:44 pm |