Sunday, October 5, 2008

Reality Tv 'Stars'

Charles' post about TV got me thinking about Reality TV. I used to watch quite a bit of it, then I stopped, because it's basically a) a bunch of people living together demographically chosen so they'll fight amongst one another, or b) a bunch of people competeing over some prize and taking it way too seriously-it's just a game, people. Also, there's usually alcohol around so the participants will be more likely to act the fool on camera.

Here's the main problem I have with Reality TV - that the people who were on these shows are thereafter considered celebreties. What bullshit! Used to be you had to be an actor, musician, comedian, or something to be considered a celebrity. Now it's "Here's (fill in the blank), from season fifty-seven of The Real World!" -audience applause. Just because you've been on TV doesn't make you a TV Star.

Give me a good cartoon any day.

7 comments:

Charles Gramlich said...

I'm really tired of that too. And then reality "stars" appear on other reality tv shows as stars. Its a little incestuous it seems to me. Not to mention boring.

Heff said...

I couldn't agree more. For the record, I HATE all reality shows, because they're simply NOT reality. It's all bullshit. I watch "The Soup" because it makes fun of damn near all of those shows.

Michelle's Spell said...

Hey Scott,

I couldn't agree more. Reality television suffers from not having enough plot. Not to mention it doesn't appeal to the best of human nature. I would prefer a well-written show like The Sopranos to something idiotic like Big Brother -- people crammed in a room fighting brings back way to many childhood memories. :)

Scott said...

Charles,that's another reason to hate those shows.

Heff, that is true. Those shows are edited to play up aspects of what the producers want us to see. And yes, I do watch 'The Soup' from time to time.

Michelle, I heard the Sopranos was a good show. I don't have premium cable channels , so I never saw it. I know it's on Bravo, but I have no desire to watch a watered-down version of it. Maybe I'll rent it from Netflix one of these days.

I totally agree with you on reality shows...they do appeal to the baser nature of humanity. I see enough reality and drama in real life...I don't need to see it on TV. And yes, people crammed in a room fighting brings back memories for me,too...except my brothers and I would actually punch each other once in a while. :)

Lana Gramlich said...

You said it! Personally the one reality show I'd like to see someday soon is "Celebrity Survivor: The Moon." Send Paris Hilton & all of those other, vapid, overpaid idiots far, far away.

Shauna Roberts said...

I don't like reality shows either, especially the modern attitude it plays into, that being honorable or trustworthy or [insert good trait here] are irrelevant. The only things that matter are (a) winning and (b) being famous, no matter what for.

Scott said...

Lana, that is an excellent idea. :)

Shauna, I couldn't agree more. The whole 'winning is everything' mindset that is prevelant in our society lately is kind of , well, stupid. There's nothing wrong with being competetive, but to have to win every little thing every time no matter the cost...I don't get that.