Making Visible – Our Culture & Reality TV Shows

 

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Reading this week’s lesson and watching Kimberly Dark’s videos had my mind cross examining many cultural objects, buildings and television shows that I come in contact with on a daily basis. I wanted to choose something that symbolized the culture of today. After several rough drafts, I decided to write this week’s blog on reality TV shows. Our society is a visual oriented culture that revels in the glory of other’s mishaps. We love to watch reality TV stars fail because in reality, they are “regular” people who happen to be on TV. We are envious and intrigued by the attention they receive. These actors become overnight sensations with little to no effort. Our gaze is what makes or breaks their new found fame and lifestyle. Our attention is hypnotized as we observe people hoard, lose weight, dance or argue nonstop about frivolous matters. If something wrongful happens we think “boy, I’m glad I’m not them” and  we are reminded of the so called normalcy in our lives. What is it that captivates our intellect to watch such useless TV? Why do we waste our precious lives sitting an hour at a time waiting for the next victim to fall? We are a culture that enjoys watching others fail knowing that if it is happening to them, it is not happening to us. I feel that in our culture, it is also a way to escape into a fantasy world. This is a guilty pleasure that I have. On certain nights, I will watch The Housewives of Beverly Hills because I envy the wealth these women possess. As I watch this mindless TV, I am brought into their lives. I try to imagine what it would be like to have such luxuries all the while hoping that something dreadful will happen so I can justify why I shouldn’t want to be like them. As I iron my husband’s shirt, I’ll drink my glass of wine pretending to be in their world for a short moment. This way, I’m fulfilling my guilty pleasure and being somewhat productive around the house because unlike the “housewives” I cannot afford the luxury of a 24/7 maid. When something does happen to a character, I am filled with elation because I can then be brought back to reality and thank God that I do not live that dreadful life. Who in the world deserves THAT MUCH money AND happiness? Where would we be without these shows? Where? I’ll tell you where…we would be enjoying life, the life that is ours to be shared with actual people who interact and care about us.  Sure, these television shows are not authentic reality but it is entertaining. As long as the television executives continue to find these reality star actors and create these crazy reality TV shows, there will be people in our culture ready to watch, dream and celebrate in their misfortune.

Now, if you don’t mind, I am off to watch the finale of “Housewives”!

One response to “Making Visible – Our Culture & Reality TV Shows

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