Reality TV: More Than Just Guilty Pleasure
Reality T.V. critics have had a field day with vilifying reality T.V. and characterizing it as the viewable breakdown of our society. Reality T.V. supporters have explained that not all reality shows perpetuate negative ideals onto society, and rather, quite a few of them promote positive learning themes that help audience members empathize with characters.
Supporters are adamant that reality T.V. is making positive strides for the betterment of our society. These supporters have explained that reality-based shows have been monumental with exhibiting certain topics, such as allowing people to understand what the “real” world is like, exposing different cultures to individuals from all over the world, helping individuals learn about usually unspoken topic, and showing the positive and negative light of certain situations. Reality T.V. supporters also strongly base their argument on a central theme, what’s wrong with a little entertainment?
Understanding The “Real” World
As ideas and special effects throughout visual media are evolving, it can be extremely difficult for viewers to decipher what is real and what is fiction. While supporters of reality T.V. admit many shows convey false pretenses, supporters also insist that reality has been doing more good than harm. Specifically, reality T.V. has depicted real life situations.
This can be seen in the show “Newlyweds: The First Year” which follows the life of “just married” couples. The show brings light to the ups and downs of marriage, disproving the “happily ever after” traditional misconception of married life.
Cultural Perspectives
Not only does reality T.V. depict western and American life, but it also opens a gateway for understanding different cultures. Anthony Bourdain, popular American chef, traveler, and author has had many different reality T.V. show that exhibit cultures from all around the world. Bourdain’s particular show “No Reservations”, which ran for a consecutive five years, followed Bourdain around the globe, cooking, observing, and conversing.
Lisa Ling, American journalist, television presenter, and author also starred in her show “Our America”, which took on difficult topic such as drug abuse, sex work, and racism all around the country. The show examined aspects of American society that were viewed as taboo and outside the mainstream.
Exposing The Unspoken
Reality T.V. has also given visibility in a number of topics that are viewed as “taboo” and are otherwise ignored in regular television and film. A&E’s Emmy Award winning show “Intervention” explores the harsh realities of drug abuse. Running for over ten years, “Intervention” has opened up the conversation about drug abuse, showing the devastation drugs can have on not only an individual, but an entire family.
According to Deirdre O’Sullivan, of Pennsylvania State University, “Reality T.V. programs shed fresh light on intensive interventions often required to treat individuals and families. They offer viewers a chance to gain awareness of how much people are impacted by certain disorders.”
Mindless Entertainment is O.K.
While reality T.V. critics have explicitly stated that one of the major downfalls of reality T.V. is that it is only mindless entertainment, supporters have instead stated that this idea should not be so negative. According to an article by The Week, “Reality TV is harmless fun. Only pompous people and snobs condemn it.” While this argument is a logical fallacy, many proponents of reality T.V. explain that there is nothing wrong with watch “Keeping Up With The Kardashians” sometimes.
While reality T.V. critics point out flaws and issues within the reality T.V. system, reality shows continue to monopolize prime time television. Even though certain shows make a bad name for reality T.V., many good aspects have developed. Reality T.V. shows don’t just reach tens of millions of viewers, but they also tend to leave viewers feeling engaged, relaxed, and part of a communal experience.
