Reality Television

I am not sure when we became so obsessed with other people's business but we have, at an alarming degree. On any given day at any given hour we can be transported smack dab into the middle of someone's life. Their lives can be more volatile, glamourous, or over the top than our own. Whatever the case, we have become enthralled in the lives of people we will probably never meet or who will never ever impact our own lives. We anticiapte their next stupid decision, we scream at the TV, we update our FB statuses, and we chat about the show the next day with our co-workers and friends.

Why has reality television become so popular? I think it is because it allows us to escape our own mundane everyday lives. We are fascinated by the ordinariness of someone who is supposed to all that and a bag of chips. We can't believe some of the stuff other people do. We champion the perceived underdog. Maybe we are simply bored because television has reduced its offerings to this BS programming and we tune in because there are no other meaningful options. (Now we all know we could turn off the boob tube and do something else, right?)

So what show is your vice? Why do you like it? My favs are Run's House and Top Chef. I tune into the Real Housewives of Atlanta, as well as the TO Show and Daddy's Girls.  Sometimes I am disappointed(RHof ATL) and sometimes pleasantly surprised (TO Show). I have my favorite personalities that I love to hate and hate to love. We all do.

NeNe keeps it real but is she really the Joneses? I think not. Women in Atlanta should be pissed that these women were chosen to represent the elite of the Peach State. Why is Kim even on the show? Did Sheree really wait seven years to get a huge divorce settlement? I could go on. Who knew Terrell  was not just an arrogant showboating athlete? I love the episode when he returns home to confront his dad and sees his ailing grandmother who is suffering from Alzheimer's Disease. We get to see a human who is humble and emotional. The Simmons family is so down to earth. I love how they choose to show their emotional highs and lows in a mature way. They have fun with each other and support one another. I think their representation is a good one because we hardly ever get to see African Americans loving and supporting each other on television. Let's face it, this may be the only education others get to see of a true American family of color(we can include the Obamas but they are not on reality TV).

No matter what you view, remember we only see what the producers want us to see. The snapshots that get pieced together in the editing room may not be accurate. The shows are there to get ratings and make money. Don't be guillible, negative television is big bucks. Finally, remember, your reality is your perception! So it goes with reality TV, whatever perception is put out there, is the perception that we take away from watching.

Copyright: September 9, 2009 by Pamela Cole Thorpe