I really don't know how to objectively address the reality tv genre. With my whole heart I believe what I said about loving reality tv, and my thoughts on it continuing for many, many more years. However, I would like to go along the lines of how it seems tremendously dramatic - I often hear people saying, that's not how it really is. For instance, my best friend is from New Jersey, fairly close to the shore, and he admits that there is a small minority of people that do act and appear this way, however it is not as hugely popular as you think. Interestingly, I think that viewers know this. Even though producers claim that this "reality"viewers watch strictly for the entertainment - not the realistic actions, setting, and moments.
I had never considered the appeal of such shows "abroad" as Raphael points out. However, this really sparks interest with me. So, not only is this extremely popular here, but production companies are able to out source the "season" if you will, and make much more money off of the same idea. BUT in saying this, I want to also point out that this worries me. Other plays may get a very, very false sense of what people here. As much as I further want to address the articles, I feel that reality tv is better addressed in a personal sense.
I know that all of my friends love reality tv as well, and when I ask them why... they all say because its hilariously funny, and extremely entertaining. I want to drive home and reinforce my previous point that most people know that this is not actual "reality" in the sense that these people always act this way when the cameras are off. I find it hard to believe that anyone could think this type of behavior was normal for anyone.
Shows like the Real Housewives are so obviously created. These women will do anything for something that warrants further curiosity... making viewers want to watch. Just like the one series when they showed up uninvited to a party at the White House. It has almost come to be that these shows purely pump up the reputation of these people in order to give them a base for something that they would rather do, like sell a clothing line.
I know I'm being kind of repetitive but I've spoken to several friends that are reinforcing the importance of these points.
Still on my mind though is this idea of creating a negative image. Even competition shows, like The Biggest Loser, demonstrating obesity, Survivor, showing the overwhelming innate characteristic of competitiveness in Americans. It all seems to have somewhat of a negative connotation. Also, The Jersey Shore and The Real House Wives show ridiculous behavior and offensive, rudeness between people who classify these others as friends.
Reality tv has become a phenomenon because it is a "new" genre, in that the traditions keep becoming renovated. This continuous change keeps people drawn in because the genre itself doesn't get old. Also, though the introduction of new characters gives an additional story for the viewer to show.
The broad genre and continuous change and introduction of new "story lines" will continue to draw people in!
Reality tv.. I don't think we've seen the best of it yet.
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