Reality TV Programs The mass media by shaping viewer’s behaviors, believes and values has undeniably a great influence on today’s society. For many, television is a prime source of information and entertainment. Since late 90’s reality TV programs became one of the most popular genres of television programming. RTV creators gave an average person plenty to choose, from teenage moms struggles, people searching for a “true” love to those with serious issues like mental diseases and addictions. Francine Prose asks: “What might future anthropologists…conclude about our world if [reality] programs constituted their primary source of information?” (268). I believe they would question the intelligence and morals of the generation, because those shows mostly promote degrading, offensive and dumb behavior. In addition, the participants lack of remorse, empathy and would do anything to win given competition or become wealthy and famous. Their shallow personalities, dysfunctional relations and self-destruction might negatively influence many, especially the youth. In this essay, I would like present few shows in order to explain why RTV’s content would create such a negative picture of the world. “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” presents life of Kardashian/ Jenner family that spends a great deal of time and money on appearance, with a consequent rise in fame and popularity. The series mainly focuses on Kim, who became famous due to her sex tape and curvaceous body shape. Unfortunately, some more, young and usually attractive women chose to follow her steps in order to become popular (example Faarah…). The youngest sister decides to drop out of high school and proceed with her modeling career, which also can set a really bad example. The family does not hesitate to show everything that is happening in their private life as long as it brings profit, including ongoing drama and dysfunctional relationships. They also make it seem that great appearance and sexuality display is all you need to become happy and successful. Another show with a horrible content is “The Jersey Shore”, which in my opinion creates a false and negative picture of Italians living in the US. Entire cast combined from tanned, very muscular guys and dumb, covered with make-up girls do nothing more but party, argue and have sex. They drink alcohol to the point of passing out, get into physical fights over the smallest things, get arrested and embarrass themselves in a front of everybody. Despite this poor behavior, they became recognizable and obtained status of celebrities. Some participants came up with their own products like Snookie and Jwow and continuously make profit after the show is over. Young viewers exposed to this kind of behavior, might think that there is nothing wrong with binge drinking or occasional sex and try to copy the cast in order to be cool. “real life” RTVs do not only exploit grown-ups and teenagers. “Toddlers and Tiaras” is based
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Participants are being carefully selected in order to create interesting show for viewers. To win the final prize, a contestant must strategize and form alliances with others in order to survive periodic evictions and be the last housemate remaining in the compound. Producers ruthlessly edit the footage to achieve dramatic narratives and a bigger audience. Nothing about the show is real: friendships are fake and certain behaviors are an effect of
Participants are being carefully selected in order to create interesting show for viewers. To win the final prize, a contestant must strategize and form alliances with others in order to survive periodic evictions and be the last housemate remaining in the compound. Producers ruthlessly edit the footage to achieve dramatic narratives and a bigger audience. Nothing about the show is real: friendships are fake and certain behaviors are an effect of