Reality Bites

Thanks for all those who shared on their flaws. I’m working on a description of my shortcomings however, I haven’t finished it yet so on to other less tantilizing posts…

I’m continuously intrigued w/America’s fascination w/reality shows. I guess there is some appeal to seeing every day folks on the “tele”. However, I’m disturbed at how often these every day folks are ridiculed, deuced, or downright made fun of all in the name of ratings. I think there is something fundamentally wrong w/that. It’s as if hollywood has discovered the success of the Jerry Springer show and is now thinks humiliation = ratings. I feel it is a sad day in hour history when that’s what our primetime line up consists of.

For all my bitchin’ there have been a few shows, I connected with. Extreme Makever, Home Edition comes to mind right away. Granted, it is riddled w/free consumer product plugs but at the end of the day, the show changes peoples lives for the better. Several episodes were so touching, I found myself bawling like a baby by the end. I think it’s still on the air and if you’ve never seen it, it’s worth a watch. If you are a big softy like me, bring your kleenexes cause you’ll need’em.

I’m not saying all TV shows should have some meaningful purpose. Being an avid scifi/horror junkie, how could I? What I am saying is if we reduce ourselves to the level of high school kids making fun of others as a form of entertainment, we really don’t deserve to be top of the food chain.

I’m sure many disagree but that’s my take on it. Much in the same way I refuse to watch movies or tv shows that show graphic depiction of torture or murders. Saw, Hostel, etc. I refuse to watch such shows as 1) it could really happen 2) it gives the really sick fuckers out there ideas. No, I’ll stick to my scifi/horror flicks. While filled w/blood and gore as a prerequisite, after it’s all over, I know it’s fake. A small distinction but an important one in my view.