Reality TV & Gossip TV

[Arwen]

Today, Greyson shared a news story about a woman who committed suicide after being involved in a prank call about Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge.

Duchess of Cambridge hoax call nurse found dead


The hospital said in a statement: "We can confirm that Jacintha was recently the victim of a hoax call to the hospital.

"She was an excellent nurse and well-respected and popular with all of her colleagues."



http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-20645838

I responded with

"I cannot even begin to express how incredibly angry this news story made me. This is the direct result of our society's unhealthy obsession with the lives of other people. We have NO RIGHT to personal information about anyone that they do not care to divulge.

And yet, two DJ's felt it necessary to pose as Royals to get information. From the sounds of this article, this nurse self-terminated because of this.

At what point do we humans get that it's not our right? I blame reality TV and gossip columnists of old for this mind set--this self-righteous sense of entitlement.

Yep. This truly pisses me off."

So I ask you. Do we have a right to condone reality tv/gossip tv/any of the shows that dig and scrabble in other people's lives? Where is the button that we need to switch OFF when it comes to our fascination with other people's lives?

I'm just sick about this. My own son loves all of the reality shows and lives on E! TV.

Our need to know killed Princess Diana. And now it just killed a mother of two. Who else gets to die because we won't turn the TV channel away from these crap shows or tune the radio to something else?

And don't kid yourselves. The gossip fools and reality tv show producers wouldn't be making money if we weren't watching. Ratings pay for advertisers.

I do watch certain types of reality shows but not the ones that want to air famous people's dirty laundry (or clean).

[Greyson]

Arwen, thank you for starting this thread. When I read the news this morning about the nurse that was unknowningly, without consent, pulled into this prank and she is now dead, anger shot through me and my heart broke.

I am almost speechless. I don't usually indulge in reality TV nor listen to DJs that use "shock and aw" as part of their gimmick. I am not without my part in this need to know.

What is it about human nature that we seem to feed on this celebrity thing or glued to our TV screens, computer monitors to watch "others" living in a world of "Me, Me, Me." I am special too and everyone will want to know, how I party, use the restroom and try to achieve celebrity at any cost to myself and others?

[skeeter_01]

those dj's have her blood on their hands.......... :(

skeet

[Okiebug61]

We watch the amazing race and the voice and that's it. Red worked in Hollywood in the 80's and she became somewhat star struck for awhile but we don't watch any entertainment news or spend time wondering who's who's is doing what with who's who's

[Greyson]

I came back to this thread because the death of the nurse that killed herself has been deemed a suicide by law enforcement in London. This has been on my mind quite a bit and the why did she do it. What made her snap, give up?

Here is what has been spinning through my thoughts. First, when I heard her name before seeing any photos it was clear to me that most likely she was a WOC. Perhaps an immigrant, maybe not but most likely her racial, ethnic, profile would not fit the traditional profile of an English subject, citizen.

Then I read that she was a well respected and liked coworker at the hospital. Her work ethic, impeccable. Again, in my thoughts, yes a WOC and most likely the bar set for her was higher than that of her white counterparts. If not by the greater culture at large, then by her own family and herself, internalized ism.

Why would such an obvious achiever, intelligent professional woman and a mom feel such shame, failure to kill herself over being duped into a prank?

I am not a psychologist or a doctor of any sort but I am willing to bet this woman spent a great deal of energy in her life proving she was worthy, smart enough, "normal" enough, good citizen enough, good wife, mother and daughter enough to make any family proud. Spent her energy proving she was just as good as her white counterparts. To be duped by these DJs and gullible enough to believe that this accented female voice at the other end of the line was the Queen, well it was just too much for her.

These are my thoughts, not based on science, based on my reality of growing up not white and poor in a world that says "First, you must be white, then educated, and with means." If you are not, you are out. If you do aspire to make it into the "club" then the standard will be set much higher for your kind.

I am rambling a bit, but really I was not surprised it was a WOC and killed herself. May she rest in peace. My condolances to her family.

[Greyson]

The Australian Communications and Media Authority, which regulates radio broadcasting, says it has received complaints about the prank and is discussing the matter with the Sydney-based station, though it has not yet begun an investigation.

The station has a history of controversy, including a series of "Heartless Hotline" shows in which disadvantage people were offered a prize that could be taken away from them by listeners.

http://www.sacbee.com/2012/12/08/5040539/anger-at-australian-radio-station.html


__________________________________________________ ___________

This sort of radio program did not originate in Austrailia. This does not take away from the responsible behavior of any adult and business entity. Does anyone see the connection between this and the "media" being produced in first world nations? Who sets the standard for global programming? Think about it.

Again, see what other program that was being aired on that radio station? Who is the brunt of the joke?

[firegal]

Because of this thoughtless prank.....and anyone else who trys maliciously to get info on those in care facilities they have Hipaa Laws,that wont allow info to be given to anyone but immediate family in person.

There are and will be folks with someone near and dear in the hospital/emergency care facility and they will be trying to get information and none will be able to be given until they arrive in person and have proof who they are...

I see it all the time and the flip side is all the anguish that happens needlessly because they must wait due to those that misuse the system.

Sad

[LaneyDoll]

Releasing confidential patient information is a crime in the U.S. I imagine that the laws there are similar. I would bet that part of the reasons these laws exist if from abuse in confidentiality where public figures and the famous are concerned. Now, please do not mistake my last comment for anything more than a possible "why."

She probably stressed the repercussions of this and did not see any other way out. It truly saddens me that she might have thought that the backlash was not worth living through.

Those DJs should be punished but if they have any type of decency, then the knowledge they have to live with, in regards to this issue, should be far worse than anything the law can do to them.

:sparklyheart:

[Greyson]

Just to be clear, I am not saying this prank was aimed specifically at this nurse because she was a woc. Who picked up the phone was random. I am saying the nurses reaction to the incident could be in part to her life time experience in total as a woc and "successful" professionally by western standards.

The HIPA laws are for medical privacy. I can see how some could see my posts as getting off the original point of the thread, maybe. Anyone want to address some of the points, concerns made about media such as Reality TV, Gossip media, Radio Programs? The impact of media on national and global culture?

[firegal]

Just to be clear, I am not saying this prank was aimed specifically at this nurse because she was a woc. Who picked up the phone was random. I am saying the nurses reaction to the incident could be in part to her life time experience in total as a woc and "successful" professionally by western standards.

The HIPA laws are for medical privacy. I can see how some could see my posts as getting off the original point of the thread, maybe. Anyone want to address some of the points, concerns made about media such as Reality TV, Gossip media, Radio Programs? The impact of media on national and global culture?

I dont think you are off base Grey,What happened is about "gossip" and radio/reality shows.

What folks do and are willing to do and the consequences are "reality"

[princessbelle]

Just to be clear, I am not saying this prank was aimed specifically at this nurse because she was a woc. Who picked up the phone was random. I am saying the nurses reaction to the incident could be in part to her life time experience in total as a woc and "successful" professionally by western standards.

The HIPA laws are for medical privacy. I can see how some could see my posts as getting off the original point of the thread, maybe. Anyone want to address some of the points, concerns made about media such as Reality TV, Gossip media, Radio Programs? The impact of media on national and global culture?

I'll be perfectly honest here, i just have very mixed feelings about this. I have read a little about this and what i've read may not be all that is out there and more information could certainly sway how i view it.

But.

One the one hand...you have a radio station and program with a poor history regarding the "people" behind the pranks. I find the whole thing in bad taste if nothing else. The paparazzi there is even worse than here and i want to believe that they have laws for such things. We can get in trouble here, in the States, for impersonating a government official. I am surprised the same is not true there.

On the other hand....I have read they did not expect to get to talk to even a nurse on the floor. Breakdown in policy of the hospital? Not sure what their hippa rules are there. Here in the United States we use passwords/codes that only the next of kin know. Our Hippa laws are non negotiable and they can land a nurse to be stripped of her license and even serve time. Again, i have no clue what the rules are there.

What i find that is very intriguing about what i know about this and even very odd is that the lady that killed herself wasn't even the one that gave out the information, it was a different nurse. Apparently the one that took her life only handed someone else the phone. So with the info i have so far it is just hard to swallow that this was the only reason.

Was she depressed? On medications? Suicidal anyway? Was she sick with a disease? I understand that no note was left? So, no one really knows the why, if i have my information correct. Or....was it because she was POC and from India, maybe how she was raised or the beliefs there, including shame as being a huge reason to turn their backs on their own families, could be an issue.

I'm just not sure. But, i am VERY hesitant to put all of the blame solely on two radio personalities, even though they don't seem to have high standards for humility, without knowing a LOT more details.

As far as too much reality TV, i don't see it as bringing more problems to our civilization. Whether i'm watching Honey BooBoo getting a manicure and cussing at the age of 4 or watching people being blown up or shot to death on a fictional detective shows, my view of the world and my personal meaning in life doesn't change.

[macele]

i watch the kardashians. but that's because i lust after kris. just something about her. and rob has a sock line.

is dog the bounty hunter considered reality? duck dynasty? dog was canceled. and again, i only watched because i lusted after beth. and, beth called dog, ... big daddy. i want her to call me big daddy.

[LaneyDoll]

I am going to be honest,even with knowledge of the HIPPA laws etc, if I truly thought I was talking to the Queen who was very concerned about her family member, I might forget everything in my excitement. And I am American! That poor nurse was probably so overwhelmed she forgot all of her training.

The best thing we can do is to turn the station, to not open the news article online, to not support the advertisers/stars etc.

Money talks, bullshit walks. Maybe if enough money is lost, bullshit will walk.

I cannot fathom how hard it is to be famous, to be unable to do anything with any privacy. I know they choose their paths most of the time, but still, it has got to be very hard.

Does anyone remember the scene in "Mommie Dearest" where the fans stood outside Joan's home, calmly and patiently waiting for something & when they were dismissed, they left? Society has come a long way-but in the wrong direction.

:sparklyheart:

[Greyson]

I'll be perfectly honest here, i just have very mixed feelings about this. I have read a little about this and what i've read may not be all that is out there and more information could certainly sway how i view it.

But.

One the one hand...you have a radio station and program with a poor history regarding the "people" behind the pranks. I find the whole thing in bad taste if nothing else. The paparazzi there is even worse than here and i want to believe that they have laws for such things. We can get in trouble here, in the States, for impersonating a government official. I am surprised the same is not true there.

On the other hand....I have read they did not expect to get to talk to even a nurse on the floor. Breakdown in policy of the hospital? Not sure what their hippa rules are there. Here in the United States we use passwords/codes that only the next of kin know. Our Hippa laws are non negotiable and they can land a nurse to be stripped of her license and even serve time. Again, i have no clue what the rules are there.

What i find that is very intriguing about what i know about this and even very odd is that the lady that killed herself wasn't even the one that gave out the information, it was a different nurse. Apparently the one that took her life only handed someone else the phone. So with the info i have so far it is just hard to swallow that this was the only reason.

Was she depressed? On medications? Suicidal anyway? Was she sick with a disease? I understand that no note was left? So, no one really knows the why, if i have my information correct. Or....was it because she was POC and from India, maybe how she was raised or the beliefs there, including shame as being a huge reason to turn their backs on their own families, could be an issue.

I'm just not sure. But, i am VERY hesitant to put all of the blame solely on two radio personalities, even though they don't seem to have high standards for humility, without knowing a LOT more details.

As far as too much reality TV, i don't see it as bringing more problems to our civilization. Whether i'm watching Honey BooBoo getting a manicure and cussing at the age of 4 or watching people being blown up or shot to death on a fictional detective shows, my view of the world and my personal meaning in life doesn't change.



Belle, I can understand mixed feelings. It is my understanding in what I have read in the media the woman who killed herself was the nurse that talked to the DJ thinking she was talking to the Queen.

Knowing you, I believe you that your personal world view will not change. Sadly, that is not the case for many. Some will watch Honey Boo Boo and it will serve to support a negative stereotype about "Rednecks." I use to watch Cowboy movies as a child and I winced, my stomach would tighten because the mexicans were always portrayed as lazy, dishonet, not so smart, villians, or the mexican people were "simple" and peasants. How do you feel about the stereotypes about people from TN?

Finally, just because I may think something, it does not make it 100% full proof correct. I just don't see the value in Reality TV. I don't even find it entertaining. I think it serves in dumbbing down our thinking skills and expectations of civility.

[Soft*Silver]

ahh you mentioned Honey Boo Boo. I am so angry over that show. That poor child will spend the rest of her life tarnished because of that show, all for American Amusement...

While suicide is not usually done on the spur of the moment, there are times of great trauma that can stimulate suicidal behavior out of nowhere. The Stock Market crash brought about a few suicides. In my hometown, when the steel mills told workers that that shift was their last one, and they werent to return because they were closing the mills, men walked home and suicide soared. But was this the case with the nurse? Or was she experiencing other problems, long term depression, and this was the straw that broke the camel's back?

Regardless of which it was, the issue is not why she did this, but why THEY did this. And why does it allow to continue?

I get so tired when I hear that pat answer "because thats what the public wants". I dont think so. I think we are lead to believe this is true. I think we are lead to want to know crap about good people. I think we are lead to want to know the dirt about our neighbors. I think we are lead to want to know others arent just our equals, but our less than fortunates. I think marketing makes us believe its what we want...and we simply buy into because we are sheep. Lemmings. We follow crowds. Because, because of television, we now sit in front of a box that tells us what products we want via commercials. Suffice it to say, it also tells us now, what values we want. Its not US saying this is what we want. Its THEM telling us its what we want...

when they stop pushing it, we will stop wanting it....:praying:

[princessbelle]

Belle, I can understand mixed feelings. It is my understanding in what I have read in the media the woman who killed herself was the nurse that talked to the DJ thinking she was talking to the Queen.

Knowing you, I believe you that your personal world view will not change. Sadly, that is not the case for many. Some will watch Honey Boo Boo and it will serve to support a negative stereotype about "Rednecks." I use to watch Cowboy movies as a child and I winced, my stomach would tighten because the mexicans were always portrayed as lazy, dishonet, not so smart, villians, or the mexican people were "simple" and peasants. How do you feel about the stereotypes about people from TN?

Finally, just because I may think something, it does not make it 100% full proof correct. I just don't see the value in Reality TV. I don't even find it entertaining. I think it serves in dumbbing down our thinking skills and expectations of civility.

These are from your link, and i've read this other places too....

Police have made no connection between her death and the prank call, but people from London to Sydney have been making the assumption she died because of the stress.

During the call, a woman using the often-mimicked voice of Britain's monarch asked about the duchess' health. She was told by the second nurse who took the call from Saldanha that the duchess, the former Kate Middleton, "hasn't had any retching with me and she's been sleeping on and off."

From what i read she may have truly believed this was the Queen, but only handed the phone to another nurse who did the talking. I may be wrong, but i just think there was way more going on in this woman's life that led her to this place and i have high doubts it was just this prank. The prank was bad, i agree, but from the info that is out there, i can't see it being the only reason this tragedy happened to this person. I have no clue, but i'm holding my judgement till either we get all the facts in this or we may never know.


As far as reality TV. I was under the impression we were discussing reality TV vs. regular TV and that's why i posted what i did. I don't see any difference. Like you said, TV in and of itself has always generalized and categorized people.

They both display wrong representation of all people. It's no worse now, IMO, than it was when stuff like Bonanza was on and how it represented the Native Americans. It's all bad, not just in 2012. That was what i was getting at.

Thanks for the dialog Greyson...

[Syr]

I have not had a television in 10 years. It is a mind sucking, poor replacement for life. That is just my opinion. I have friends who complain of the things they need to do, say how bored and dissatisfied they are........and then tell me about the 4 hours they spent watching tv.......

[DapperButch]

ahh you mentioned Honey Boo Boo. I am so angry over that show. That poor child will spend the rest of her life tarnished because of that show, all for American Amusement...

While suicide is not usually done on the spur of the moment, there are times of great trauma that can stimulate suicidal behavior out of nowhere. The Stock Market crash brought about a few suicides. In my hometown, when the steel mills told workers that that shift was their last one, and they werent to return because they were closing the mills, men walked home and suicide soared. But was this the case with the nurse? Or was she experiencing other problems, long term depression, and this was the straw that broke the camel's back?

Regardless of which it was, the issue is not why she did this, but why THEY did this. And why does it allow to continue?

I get so tired when I hear that pat answer "because thats what the public wants". I dont think so. I think we are lead to believe this is true. I think we are lead to want to know crap about good people. I think we are lead to want to know the dirt about our neighbors. I think we are lead to want to know others arent just our equals, but our less than fortunates. I think marketing makes us believe its what we want...and we simply buy into because we are sheep. Lemmings. We follow crowds. Because, because of television, we now sit in front of a box that tells us what products we want via commercials. Suffice it to say, it also tells us now, what values we want. Its not US saying this is what we want. Its THEM telling us its what we want...

when they stop pushing it, we will stop wanting it....:praying:

I have to disagree. It doesn't make sense to me that just because the media tells us that we want it that someone would want it.

I have no interest in watching any reality series, any celebrity stuff, etc. None. I think that the only reality show that I have ever really watched was the first and second season of Survivor. Oh, and I did watch half a season of American Idol, once more than several years ago.

I had to google "honey boo boo".

[tantalizingfemme]

I believe with any reality show with children, blame the parent(s), not the audience.

[Gemme]

I have to disagree. It doesn't make sense to me that just because the media tells us that we want it that someone would want it.

I have no interest in watching any reality series, any celebrity stuff, etc. None. I think that the only reality show that I have ever really watched was the first and second season of Survivor. Oh, and I did watch half a season of American Idol, once more than several years ago.

I had to google "honey boo boo".

That's because you are a very, very special person.

I believe that 'blame' for the 'reality' TV niche should be divided amongst the crowd. Folks for tuning in, companies and creators for making the crap, the media for hyping it up, the folks that participate in it.....Housewives of Wherever come to mind....and the cycle begins anew. At every turn, there is weight to bear and nothing will change until the demand changes. So, it does start with the viewers. Viewers hold the power but appear to be the weakest part of the cycle. Interesting how that works...

[princessbelle]

This is what i think....

I think that any moment i will have a lightbulb moment and say "Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh i get it and agree!!!"

Cause right now i just dont.

Isn't it human nature to be curious? Isn't it our lifestyles now to be entertained? I'm not talking about sick-o stuff like stupid torture crap, but like well, the show, sister wives for example. It's a reality TV show that i like and look forward to. Does that make me a bad person? These people sign up for this and get paid big time for this and it's just...entertainment. I don't believe everything i see or hear, i'm not that gullible. I know a lot of it is acting as well.

But, here's the thing...

I feel i should be ashamed because i like reality TV shows. I'm not obsessed but i like them. Sue me.

We don't watch much TV at all. Bully watches political things, of course. We read a lot for entertainment, play on the puter and talk about things. I watch just a few things....Survivor, Sister wives, American Idol, The Walking Dead, Big Brother which are all seasonal and not on at the same times and that's about it. The daily hum drum sitcoms bore me to tears and i dislike all of the violence with the detective shows and stuff. Oh and i watch an occasional movie maybe once or twice a month.

How does that make me, and people like me bad? It feels like maybe some of you think that would make me not suitable for society or not decent person. How? Honest question, not being snippity. Really trying to understand.

What is the difference in watching Survivor or reading what everyone is doing on facebook, or even here for that matter. I realize here and on facebook we have "friends" but some of the stuff we all have read we don't know these people. Isn't it all just entertainment, enlightenment with different cultures and people, education at times, understanding of how other people live and what they are about?

I really think i'm missing something.

[tantalizingfemme]

Isn't it human nature to be curious? Isn't it our lifestyles now to be entertained? I'm not talking about sick-o stuff like stupid torture crap, but like well, the show, sister wives for example. It's a reality TV show that i like and look forward to. Does that make me a bad person? These people sign up for this and get paid big time for this and it's just...entertainment. I don't believe everything i see or hear, i'm not that gullible. I know a lot of it is acting as well.

But, here's the thing...

I feel i should be ashamed because i like reality TV shows. I'm not obsessed but i like them. Sue me.

We don't watch much TV at all. Bully watches political things, of course. We read a lot for entertainment, play on the puter and talk about things. I watch just a few things....Survivor, Sister wives, American Idol, The Walking Dead, Big Brother which are all seasonal and not on at the same times and that's about it. The daily hum drum sitcoms bore me to tears and i dislike all of the violence with the detective shows and stuff. Oh and i watch an occasional movie maybe once or twice a month.

How does that make me, and people like me bad? It feels like maybe some of you think that would make me not suitable for society or not decent person. How? Honest question, not being snippity. Really trying to understand.

What is the difference in watching Survivor or reading what everyone is doing on facebook, or even here for that matter. I realize here and on facebook we have "friends" but some of the stuff we all have read we don't know these people. Isn't it all just entertainment, enlightenment with different cultures and people, education at times, understanding of how other people live and what they are about?

I really think i'm missing something.

I watch reality shows. I had a huge fascination with Real Housewives of New Jersey. Not a thinking person's show, but fascinating to me. And entertaining.

I don't think there is anything wrong with it.... any talk show that has guest stars is kind of a reality show in my mind because people go on public television to display their lives. Does anyone think Ricky, Oprah or Dr Phil watchers are bad? No.

And Facebook and Twitter and MySpace are pretty much the same thing....people putting their lives out in public for all friends/ and the public to see, every single day, all day long. To me there is no difference between social media and reality shows.

I won't feel guilty or ashamed because I watch reality tv and no one else should either because there is nothing wrong with it. Hey, I'm a nosy person, I love to know about other peoples lives and if I get that with reality tv, then so be it.


And darn it, I will never be ashamed of my love for Judge Judy.

[Gemme]

Belle, I'm missing the 'you're a bad person if you like this stuff' part of the conversation.

For me, if a reality show is damaging and/or useless (granted, these are relative things), I have no need for it. For example, Honey Boo Boo and Toddlers and Tiaras. I feel for the kids. I think they are being taught some pretty damaging lessons. I find The Housewives of... and the Kardashian shows useless. They teach me nothing and irritate me that people are being paid so much money for nothing. They are famous for being famous. That's it.

Now, reality shows driven by talent (or lack thereof) are more my vein. AI, The Voice, AGT and X Factor. Does that mean they are more 'credible' or 'acceptable' than another reality show? No. That's just my cuppa.

We all have our poison. Television is a distraction. It takes us away from our lives; allowing us to escape it for a while. Is this necessarily harmful? No. A little break is a good thing. Spending 8 hours a day watching TV and following FB (thanks for bringing that up...that counts too, for me) is damaging. That's far too much escapism, imo. Everything in moderation, right? Except our society doesn't know where to stop. Everyone and everything pushes harder and harder to find the newest, best, most unusual....whatever....

For me, it's less about the specific shows and more about what it says about our society. Reality TV encourages judging others and taking yourself out of your real, day to day, life. I don't think that's a good thing.

[Luv]

I watch TLC alot..Sister Wives,The Little Couple,Little People Big World..also the History Channel and Animal Planet oh and true tv's Baitcar..I wont watch the beauty pagent kids or Honey BooBoo or the Kardashians

[princessbelle]

Ok well, maybe i'm being too defensive. I guess the reason is i like reality TV shows. I don't like them all. But i like them. Just because i don't watch one doesn't make someone else that does any less of a human, imo.

Just as i stated before, whether you watch the Kardashians, or old Carol Burnett reruns or don't turn your TV on and get entertainment from online, i just don't see the difference AT ALL.

Not saying any of it is great. Heck we could all be out helping build a new community center with the time wasted for "entertainment" but i agree with Gemme, that everything should be in moderation.

Feels glad i don't have to figure out why i should feel guilty. Cause i tried and i just don't. lol.

I think honestly i get my fur raised when i start hearing "omg we are such bad people and it's all society's fault because we do such and such. How dare us all." That really gets me going. We've come so far as humans, realizing we have screwed up a lot with the environment, ect, but at least on the subject of media and communication links we have the ability to watch or turn it off. Either way is fine. I think we are doing pretty darn well as a society and the best is yet to come.

Of course i am a hopeless optimist, i will give you that. :)

[Gemme]

You are definitely an optimist, Belle, and I love that about you. I disagree with some points, but overall, you and I are pretty much on the same page. A little bit of whatever your preference is is fine, be it about singers or wives or ditch diggers or dogwalkers. I don't think that there should be any shaming attached to entertainment, as long as it is not hurtful to someone else.

[nycfem]

There's a lot of good and bad and complex outcomes that arise from reality t.v. imo. And I think it also depends on what we label reality t.v.

Some good:

Shows like "Intervention, "Obsessed," and "Addiction," sometimes touch me in how they have the potential to turn a life around for the good. It's sad that it takes a show to get someone the help they need, whether it be drug addiction or OCD, but to change one person and their family's life in such a profoundly positive way is a good thing no matter what IMO.

Sometimes reality shows bring different identities out of the closet so there can be a sense of relating especially for young people. In the MTV true life series they've covered kids who are gay, Deaf, stutter, have seizures, and a whole host of differences in a positive way.

Some bad:

It's been hard for Cindy and me raising Jacob and him seeing this plethora of MTV reality shows that center on filthy rich kids. It makes him demanding and expecting of things we can't provide. That may sound simplistic but it's how I experience it.

I know there was a mentally ill (maybe Bipolar?) young woman on AI who committed suicide after being put down after her singing.

There was a straight guy who went on the Jenny Jones show because he was told someone had a crush on him and wanted to reveal it on air. It ended up being a man who had a crush on him. The straight guy happened to be someone with a psychiatric history felt humiliated and killed himself. Then Jenny Jones was sued.

Some more complicated:

I read the memoir of the Beverly Hills housewife who said that she chose to be on the Real Housewives series because she was in the midst of a marriage with kids where she was victim of extreme domestic violence, and she figured she'd be safer with the t.v. crew around and everything public. Then during the series it did come out, along with all the shady things her husband was into (scams, etc.), and he ended up committing suicide. When someone's dirty laundry is public for the whole world to see I do think that's a big trigger for suicide.

[Bleu]

And darn it, I will never be ashamed of my love for Judge Judy.
Me either, LOVE JUDGE JUDY! She should run for president!

OK, so I know for a fact that I am not a bad person... I watch a few things here and there. Project Runway, FaceOff, America's Funniest Home Videos, and dare I say it? Reruns of The Girls Next Door. Those are the more reality type shows I watch. (Well, the first two are really more competition shows.)

But, What I find myself doing is comparing myself to these people and what would I do differently - or the same for that matter. Would I have used the silk chenille or gone with an impish feline-like monster theme? I digress...where The Girls Next Door show is concerned ...I just like nice asses.

It's all about the people I am watching and a thing called social anthropology.

Am I curious what my neighbor does? Hell yeah. I want to see if they do things like I do or do they have a better way of washing windows or a better way to set up the furniture in an L shaped room or if they have a better way of being romantic? Yeah, I wanna know. But I have my line.

I watched Toddlers and Tiaras a couple times...but I just ...can't ...watch it. It's not the little girls that get to me so much as the snarky moms. But I do HATE the hyper sexualization of those little girls Ugh! It's gross. Yes, they look like little dolls and I am sure for some of them it is kept in check, but in THIS society in THIS world where it is already so hard for girls, and in turn women, to have healthy self images, WHY I wonder, WHY ON EARTH would any woman put her daughter through something that might further skew her self worth and self image?

I HATED the Real L Word... I thought... damn, ya'll I've been a lesbian for almost- OMG, uh, ok- a really long time- and I have NEVER seen women like this and the catty, crazy crap they dish out onto one another.

As far as HRH The Queen of England prank and the suicide that followed...well those people should be ashamed of themselves for doing it, but I doubt they ever thought it would end like it did. (I am not excusing their behavior, but simply stating that I seriously doubt either DJ woke up that morning with a plan to prank someone in hopes it would end in a tragic death.) But, maybe their previously base choices that center around preying on unsuspecting others, for sheer entertainment, will change due to it. (One can only hope.)

In the end, no matter what the world throws at us, we each have the ability to make choices about it. Whether we watch reality shows or not, or how we let the things that the media bombards us with change us. We have a choice on how we let it all effect us. It's up to each of us as individuals to take the information or not and let it seep into our psyche and change us...for better or for worse.

*whew* I need chocolate.
:eatinghersheybar:

~Bleu

P.S. I love Sister Wives, but I think it is because I have poly tendencies. I find them to be so complex and beautiful and deep. Wow.

[princessbelle]

There's a lot of good and bad and complex outcomes that arise from reality t.v. imo. And I think it also depends on what we label reality t.v.

Some good:

Shows like "Intervention, "Obsessed," and "Addiction," sometimes touch me in how they have the potential to turn a life around for the good. It's sad that it takes a show to get someone the help they need, whether it be drug addiction or OCD, but to change one person and their family's life in such a profoundly positive way is a good thing no matter what IMO.

Sometimes reality shows bring different identities out of the closet so there can be a sense of relating especially for young people. In the MTV true life series they've covered kids who are gay, Deaf, stutter, have seizures, and a whole host of differences in a positive way.

Some bad:

It's been hard for Cindy and me raising Jacob and him seeing this plethora of MTV reality shows that center on filthy rich kids. It makes him demanding and expecting of things we can't provide. That may sound simplistic but it's how I experience it.

I know there was a mentally ill (maybe Bipolar?) young woman on AI who committed suicide after being put down after her singing.

There was a straight guy who went on the Jenny Jones show because he was told someone had a crush on him and wanted to reveal it on air. It ended up being a man who had a crush on him. The straight guy happened to be someone with a psychiatric history felt humiliated and killed himself. Then Jenny Jones was sued.

Some more complicated:

I read the memoir of the Beverly Hills housewife who said that she chose to be on the Real Housewives series because she was in the midst of a marriage with kids where she was victim of extreme domestic violence, and she figured she'd be safer with the t.v. crew around and everything public. Then during the series it did come out, along with all the shady things her husband was into (scams, etc.), and he ended up committing suicide. When someone's dirty laundry is public for the whole world to see I do think that's a big trigger for suicide.

OMG i remember that about the Jenny Jones show!!! Had forgot about that. Yes there are times that Reality TV isn't great. But, such is life. Every aspect of our lives has good things and bad things. You take the bad with the good, isn't that the saying?

People do need to be responsible and they do need to be careful when they are dealing with real lives. Just as in our everyday lives and sadly some of that is also for entertainment, but just for themselves and not for the world to see.

I will continue to be selective, no i don't watch Honey Boo-Boo, saw it once that was enough, but if someone likes it...good for them.

I also agree with tantalizingfemme who alluded to the lack of intelligence in that show and other shows about kids, should actually be directed to the parent that allowed it. Not on the people who watch it, necessarily and i totally agree. People will watch anything. Have you seen some of the youtube video's out there?

Selection and moderation....good rules for all parts of life.

I'm glad i'm not alone as someone that loves reality TV.

Anyway, good dialog and now i'm off to watch Sister Wives soon!!!!

[nycfem]

Isn't it better in a way to watch real people then to watch the Brady Bunch and leave it to Beaver and all these sanitized scripts?

[princessbelle]

Isn't it better in a way to watch real people then to watch the Brady Bunch and leave it to Beaver and all these sanitized scripts?

That's what i think!!!! And those detective shows with all the murders and blood and guts? At least no one has died or been shot on any of the reality shows i watch. Closest thing was Robyn and Cody having a two week honeymoon and the other wives were a little put out.

I would have been too...dang two weeks? Yeah buddy i don't think so, get your Daddy butt home where it belongs and help take care of these kids.

Anyway, as i always say....


To each his/hys/her own. :)

[tantalizingfemme]

Isn't it better in a way to watch real people then to watch the Brady Bunch and leave it to Beaver and all these sanitized scripts?

Oh yes!!! So much more fun to watch. And how many times have I watched something and said to myself "thank goodness I/ my partner/my friends don't do/ act like/ that". And how many where I have thought, "hmmm I'm not the only one......"

[Greyson]

Belle, I do not think you or anyone else is "bad"for watching reality T.V. maybe I am being to general with the term "Reality T.V." There are some shows, and not Sister Wives, Survivor, nor Amazing Race that has gone beyond the pale, IMO.

I will have to admit, I have never watched some of these reality shows all the way through because I just could not. I still think some of them serve no purpose, not even entertainment. Like many things in this world, perhaps the pendelum has swung far in one direction and will come back to the middle.

Bleu, I did not realize "Judge Judy" was considered to be reality T.V. I watch her too. Everyday if I get home from work early enough, I turn her on and watch her for one hour. I am amazed how Judge Judy can hear some of this stuff and keep a straight face. I do worry at times that some of this ignorance she must hear and rule on day in and day out is going to cause her to stroke.

[Bleu]

Isn't it better in a way to watch real people then to watch the Brady Bunch and leave it to Beaver and all these sanitized scripts?

Yes. But, I think the types of shows that are available are like art, in a way. They are indicative of a collective path that society is taking. My curiosity is how do we, as butches and femmes, on a very specific sub-culture site, such as this lovely Planet, how do we filter all this?

I do not think we (BFPers) are really exactly part of mainstream society. I am thinking, I could be wrong, but... I think the way we think and feel is inherently different than your average person on the sidewalks of America. We were raised in the mainstream, very probably mostly by mainstreamers, but we are not of it.

In it, but not of it.

I dunno.... anyone, anyone? Bueller? Bueller? ;)

[nycfem]

I think of reality t.v. as everything that is not ENTIRELY scripted. So reality t.v. imo includes court shows (love Judge Judy!), talk shows, documentaries, and anything that isn't 100% actors spouting memorized lines.

[DapperButch]

Oh yes!!! So much more fun to watch. And how many times have I watched something and said to myself "thank goodness I/ my partner/my friends don't do/ act like/ that". And how many where I have thought, "hmmm I'm not the only one......"

Dude! Where am I when you are watching all of these shows? :blink:

Things you learn about your girlfriend on the internet....:|

[tantalizingfemme]

Dude! Where am I when you are watching all of these shows? :blink:

Things you learn about your girlfriend on the internet....:|

We see each other friday through sunday.... I have a whole lotta time in between. And you know how much I love my judge shows.... And Maury when I am home during the day. :)



Thank goodness, at least that 's out in the open now.

[princessbelle]

Dude! Where am I when you are watching all of these shows? :blink:

Things you learn about your girlfriend on the internet....:|

LOL this was funny on so many levels.

Hey leave TF alone. She enjoys good TV.

;)

[nycfem]

Reality shows BB refuses to watch with me under any circumstances: Wife Swap, Trading Spouses, Real Housewives, and My Shopping Addiction :|

Dude! Where am I when you are watching all of these shows? :blink:

Things you learn about your girlfriend on the internet....:|

[Bleu]

Bleu, I did not realize "Judge Judy" was considered to be reality T.V. I watch her too. Everyday if I get home from work early enough, I turn her on and watch her for one hour. I am amazed how Judge Judy can hear some of this stuff and keep a straight face. I do worry at times that some of this ignorance she must hear and rule on day in and day out is going to cause her to stroke.

Oh well, see, I am thinking she is a pioneer of reality TV. She is a strong and intelligent vessel that shines a huge spotlight, a magnifying glass really, on the stupidity and pettiness that can infect some people. I find her fascinating in that she can spot a liar or a cheat in a second and her logic is flawless.

I dunno... that is how I take it.

[DapperButch]

We see each other friday through sunday.... I have a whole lotta time in between. :) Thank goodness, at least that 's out in the open now.


:overreaction: :hospital-snoopy:

[tantalizingfemme]

:overreaction: :hospital-snoopy:

See honey, we are having a reality tv-like moment right now in front of everyone.

[DapperButch]

See honey, we are having a reality tv-like moment right now in front of everyone.

Yeah, I figured I should do something to entertain Belle to make up for judging her and all....;)

[princessbelle]

Yeah, I figured I should do something to entertain Belle to make up for judging her and all....;)

You DID entertain me. As a matter of fact....

It was like watching our own little reality TV show with queers et al from BFP.

Hey.....WHAT A GREAT IDEA!!!!!!!

[Bleu]

See honey, we are having a reality tv-like moment right now in front of everyone.

And we are learning things AND being entertained... it's a win-win. :)

[Soft*Silver]

Do not mess with the Brady's....I loved that show growing up. And the Beav...and Andy Griffith. I am So Aunt Bea as I get older...lol


Isn't it better in a way to watch real people then to watch the Brady Bunch and leave it to Beaver and all these sanitized scripts?

[macele]

i didn't watch tv today. the lady vols didn't play. they play next sunday, ... and the game will be telecast. this is of great importance to me. just sharing.

but yeah, i roll like that. i miss days. i don't watch tv every day.

i'm out of the loop. i really am. on purpose. i did not even know who the kardashians were until last year. and honey boo boo a couple months ago, ... i've never watched the show. i've never watched survivor. american idol. the voice. etc. the one show that comes to mind that i absolutely dislike watching the advertising for, ... i've never watched the show, ... is dance moms. i'm not a big fan of reality. well, not some one else's reality. especially when they are getting paid for it and my reality is not. so i just lust.

i watch what i watch. sometimes it's reality. sometimes it's just dirtysweet.


p.s. i just remembered. i did watch frosty the snowman on youtube.

[Soft*Silver]

I watch some reality shows as well. But I was referring to those shows that are debasing to someone or a group of someones. HoneyBoo Boo comes to mind immediately. Another one was the Fear Factor. Eating reindeer balls, having 200 spiders crawl all over you. There is an adolescent one (or damn close to it) about some kid who does all these dangerous stunts. Come on. Really? A simple "dont do these at home" isnt enough warning. If he can do it, kids think they can too.

The reality shows I like are Oddities, Storage Wars, and Pawn Stars. I hated Flavor Fav and his campaign to find a GF. But then I detest all the Bachelor, Bachelorette shows. Cattle calls. As does Millionare Matchmaker. Its not any different just because the featured person is privelaged with money.

television is a main tool of socialization, and it does pass along a culture's beliefs and values, and therefor can and does create new ones. Dont think so? Think of Jennifer Aniston's haircuts. On a deeper level, Ellen D's bookstore sitcom changed our culture forever. Why do you think there were/are so many groups opposed to allowing homosexuality on tv? Because once its on there as an approved and accepted lifestyle, its only a matter of time before it becomes an entrenched cultural value.

[Bleu]

I watch some reality shows as well. But I was referring to those shows that are debasing to someone or a group of someones. HoneyBoo Boo comes to mind immediately. Another one was the Fear Factor. Eating reindeer balls, having 200 spiders crawl all over you. There is an adolescent one (or damn close to it) about some kid who does all these dangerous stunts. Come on. Really? A simple "dont do these at home" isnt enough warning. If he can do it, kids think they can too.

The reality shows I like are Oddities, Storage Wars, and Pawn Stars. I hated Flavor Fav and his campaign to find a GF. But then I detest all the Bachelor, Bachelorette shows. Cattle calls. As does Millionare Matchmaker. Its not any different just because the featured person is privelaged with money.

television is a main tool of socialization, and it does pass along a culture's beliefs and values, and therefor can and does create new ones. Dont think so? Think of Jennifer Aniston's haircuts. On a deeper level, Ellen D's bookstore sitcom changed our culture forever. Why do you think there were/are so many groups opposed to allowing homosexuality on tv? Because once its on there as an approved and accepted lifestyle, its only a matter of time before it becomes an entrenched cultural value.

I agree and I think this is how in a way it is a form of art, shaping and changing the way people feel and think and SEE. Ellen D's bookstore is a perfect example.

[Gemme]

Isn't it better in a way to watch real people then to watch the Brady Bunch and leave it to Beaver and all these sanitized scripts?

Nope. I think it's six of one and half a dozen of another. Both present unrealistic images. Maybe the reality TV stuff is a little worse because kids these days aren't watching anything Mayberry. They're watching what's on the air now and, for the most part, it's teaching younger generations how to act like big ole posturing jerks or that girls are just to look pretty and have big boobs or that money is what is important in life.

Except Judge Judy. I join the bandwagon for her. She tells it how it is, so her style of reality TV is more like a reality check on TV.

Reality shows BB refuses to watch with me under any circumstances: Wife Swap, Trading Spouses, Real Housewives, and My Shopping Addiction :|

I'm totally with BB on all of those.

You DID entertain me. As a matter of fact....

It was like watching our own little reality TV show with queers et al from BFP.

Hey.....WHAT A GREAT IDEA!!!!!!!



No.

I see your wheels. If they spin any faster, you will combust.

*stern look*

:|

[tantalizingfemme]

television is a main tool of socialization, and it does pass along a culture's beliefs and values, and therefor can and does create new ones. Dont think so? Think of Jennifer Aniston's haircuts. On a deeper level, Ellen D's bookstore sitcom changed our culture forever. Why do you think there were/are so many groups opposed to allowing homosexuality on tv? Because once its on there as an approved and accepted lifestyle, its only a matter of time before it becomes an entrenched cultural value.

Television has had a hand in influencing our society from it's inception. What is different now? I wonder how many women were influenced by June Cleaver? How many people thought blending two families may be as uncomplicated as the Brady Bunch? Talk about debasing.... my mother thought I Love Lucy was the worst show ever because of the way Lucy acted to get what she wanted.... she thought it was insulting to women. We weren't allowed to watch it. (We would sneak it because we loved it) Yet, look at how beloved that show is and Lucy is.

I was influenced by a lot of television shows from the 70s and 80s.

And games shows of the past.... The gong show, the Dating Game, Hollywood Squares....Embarrassing? Debasing? Influential? All reality Shows in a sense. People getting on television for their 15 minutes of fame and saying and doing whatever would keep them there. (I loved Hollywood Squares because of the racy chatter of the "squares".)

And talk about racy, what about the Newlywed Game? Yowza

[princessbelle]

Television has had a hand in influencing our society from it's inception. What is different now? I wonder how many women were influenced by June Cleaver? How many people thought blending two families may be as uncomplicated as the Brady Bunch? Talk about debasing.... my mother thought I Love Lucy was the worst show ever because of the way Lucy acted to get what she wanted.... she thought it was insulting to women. We weren't allowed to watch it. (We would sneak it because we loved it) Yet, look at how beloved that show is and Lucy is.

I was influenced by a lot of television shows from the 70s and 80s.

And games shows of the past.... The gong show, the Dating Game, Hollywood Squares....Embarrassing? Debasing? Influential? All reality Shows in a sense. People getting on television for their 15 minutes of fame and saying and doing whatever would keep them there. (I loved Hollywood Squares because of the racy chatter of the "squares".)

And talk about racy, what about the Newlywed Game? Yowza

True dat. Remember the word whoopie they used instead of the word sex? As if renaming it made it better somehow and we younger folks in the audience didn't have sense to know what they were talking about?

And Gemme, you know me too well. I will topstay on the planned show for the lanetplay.

I loved Lucy. Ha. But i did. I can be her at times, ok more than times, i am her a lot, so i'm told. More than once. :|

As we know, there is a whole thread or two on the June Cleaver shows and how they affected us.

Did anyone ever watch Dark Shadows? It was, i think, the first soap opera, or one of the first. I believe it was in black and white (showing my age here) but my mom would watch it every afternoon when i was a wee one and i got into it as well. A vampire soap opera. It was great. I know there is now a movie based off of it. I need to watch that...it's on my list.

[Greyson]

This was random. I came upon this today when reading morning news. Apparently a U.S. Senator from West Virginia says "Enough." Buckwild is a new show about Appalachia. The article says "Appalachia with a Jersey Shore twist."


Senator urges MTV to pull the plug on 'Buckwild' series, calling it a 'travesty'


http://theclicker.today.com/_news/2012/12/10/15816018-senator-urges-mtv-to-pull-the-plug-on-buckwild-series-calling-it-a-travesty?lite

[macele]

i've never wanted to be like june cleaver or mr. cleaver. i may have found myself being jealous of shows at times, like say of their material things or the way their families bonded so well. growing up, i found a lot of television to be make believe.

that very well could be how reality tv evolved.

[Sachita]

I have not had a television in 10 years. It is a mind sucking, poor replacement for life. That is just my opinion. I have friends who complain of the things they need to do, say how bored and dissatisfied they are........and then tell me about the 4 hours they spent watching tv.......


I agree with this BUT I also really enjoy TV. I love reality TV. I hate shit like Honey Boo Boo and Toddlers and Tiaras because I think this shit exploits children.

My mind is pretty expansive and I have huge responsibilities. Nothing pulls me out into a nothing zone quite like TV. Ok, maybe meditation but its different. But I don't feel like i need to sit in front of it every night. I also don't feel I need to be online drowning in social media. Everyone has their own form of relaxation. Then again I'd love a good distraction any day!

[Duchess]

Ink Master
MasterChef
Top Chef
Iron Chef (prefer the Japanese broadcast)
Celebrity Ghost Stories
In The Life
Hotel Impossible
The Layover
Nova
Taboo
Abby's Ultimate Dance Competition
Antiques Roadshow
Kitchen Nightmare's
Mystery Diner's
Explorer

[homoe]

I saw a clip of this and just shook my head:|

[Sachita]

This was random. I came upon this today when reading morning news. Apparently a U.S. Senator from West Virginia says "Enough." Buckwild is a new show about Appalachia. The article says "Appalachia with a Jersey Shore twist."


Senator urges MTV to pull the plug on 'Buckwild' series, calling it a 'travesty'


http://theclicker.today.com/_news/2012/12/10/15816018-senator-urges-mtv-to-pull-the-plug-on-buckwild-series-calling-it-a-travesty?lite

This show is really loving the controversy. When it happened to Jersey Shore it actually increased the ratings. I'm not crazy about the show but I love Snookie! She's such a cute little train wreck.

But this Buckwild show is going to create big media buzz, get a lot of free advertising and its most likely going to be stupid. It almost reminds me of those stupid guys from Jackass.

I love all the Real Housewives. Lately Miami is my fav. I love Top Chef, Diners, Drive-In's and Dives. Actually there are quite a few Food Network shows I love.

[morningstar55]

..... interesting thread......
the shows i watch
Chef Ramsey's shows .. im a big fan..
pawn stars
judge judy ... she is tough
judge mathis ... i like his sarcastic sense of humor

[Sparkle]

I'm not a huge fan of reality television, shock jock radio or "entertainment news" - generally. Almost all of those shows make me uncomfortably embarrassed for the people participating in them. I can't even watch the 'Amazing Race', which is a great concept, because the amount of xenophobia that many of the contestants spew every time they're in a foreign culture makes me cringe and change the channel.

Don't even get me started on "real housewives" or "mob wives" or the Kardasians... or the billion dollar birthday parties for pre-teens ... or the spray tanned children ... What do those shows say about how we view women? And children? And what our values are? :|

...But that's me. they make *me* really uncomfortable.

I don't begrudge anyone the right to decide which shows to watch, books to read, magazines to buy, radio stations to listen to. BUT I do believe that we perpetuate it by "buying it". For example, the paparazzi only exists because magazines pay $100s of $1000s for photos of public figures, and magazines only pay that much for a single photo because those photos sell magazines.

I don't think there is anything wrong with enjoying shows or magazines or internet sites - but make no mistake your choice to participate as a consumer is not negligible, your participation is counted, it does impact what type of television shows are made, how far a photographer will go for a shot, how outrageous a act has to be in order to gardner audiences - it impacts what policies are in place and where the boundaries are...

The "entertainment news" industry is colossal and a multi-headed Hydra.

Murdoch himself has taken a huge hit in the past couple of years, his empire is starting to fall to pieces from the phone-tap scandals, but there are no lack of morally bankrupt media outlets ready to fill the gap.

The prank call that precipitated this tragedy was incredibly distasteful and indicative of how dehumanizing the "cult of celebrity" has become.

The radio hosts should be deeply ashamed of themselves because not only did they successfully invade the privacy of a person at a very vulnerable point in her life; they also acted with utter disregard, and a total lack of respect, for the medical professionals with whom they were speaking... all in the name of entertainment. All for a joke. Their act was distasteful and ill conceived and they should be held accountable for some of the blame for this loss of life.

Both of the nurses involved in the prank call would have been in serious trouble both legally and professionally. The UK does have very stringent laws (equivalent to HIPPA) surrounding patient confidentiality and access to health records. Those laws were violated. Their professional credentials and livelihoods would have been on the line, not just their jobs at that hospital. And while the nurse who killed herself may not have disclosed the information regarding the morning sickness she would have been complicit by the very act of passing the call on to another colleague (an admission that the Duchess was a patient). Beyond the legal violations of disclosing personal health information - the hospital administration would have been publicly embarrassed, they would be in the news for all the wrong reasons, they would have likely lost the patronage of the Royal Family, they would be facing legal fines for the disclosure, and it is quite possible that portions of their funding could be on the line because of the scandal; the hospital administration would have been looking to take swift and severe action against the staff involved.

I think there should be no doubt that this nurse would have been under considerable personal stress at the time she took her life.

[macele]

i just remembered seeing a reality show about whitney houstons family. i am a whitney lover. she is the voice of inspiration, ... the absolute greatest. i love whitney! but i can't watch the show. it is reality, ... but i don't want to see her daughter drunk, drugged, and disrespectful. i don't know who allowed this to be shown, ... it's very heartbreaking.

[Sachita]

i just remembered seeing a reality show about whitney houstons family. i am a whitney lover. she is the voice of inspiration, ... the absolute greatest. i love whitney! but i can't watch the show. it is reality, ... but i don't want to see her daughter drunk, drugged, and disrespectful. i don't know who allowed this to be shown, ... it's very heartbreaking.


I thought that too. Just too soon for this shit. I have not watched it and I don't think I will.

[DapperButch]

I'm not a huge fan of reality television, shock jock radio or "entertainment news" - generally. Almost all of those shows make me uncomfortably embarrassed for the people participating in them. I can't even watch the 'Amazing Race', which is a great concept, because the amount of xenophobia that many of the contestants spew every time they're in a foreign culture makes me cringe and change the channel.

Don't even get me started on "real housewives" or "mob wives" or the Kardasians... or the billion dollar birthday parties for pre-teens ... or the spray tanned children ... What do those shows say about how we view women? And children? And what our values are? :|

...But that's me. they make *me* really uncomfortable.

I don't begrudge anyone the right to decide which shows to watch, books to read, magazines to buy, radio stations to listen to. BUT I do believe that we perpetuate it by "buying it". For example, the paparazzi only exists because magazines pay $100s of $1000s for photos of public figures, and magazines only pay that much for a single photo because those photos sell magazines.

I don't think there is anything wrong with enjoying shows or magazines or internet sites - but make no mistake your choice to participate as a consumer is not negligible, your participation is counted, it does impact what type of television shows are made, how far a photographer will go for a shot, how outrageous a act has to be in order to gardner audiences - it impacts what policies are in place and where the boundaries are...



<Big clapping hands emoticon we don't have here>

True dat. Remember the word whoopie they used instead of the word sex? As if renaming it made it better somehow and we younger folks in the audience didn't have sense to know what they were talking about?




Speak for yourself!

<--- was sheltered

[Gemme]

<Big clapping hands emoticon we don't have here>





Will this one do?

:clap:

[Guy]

I think this reality show is on Monday nights at 11pm on MTV.

It's called Catfish. The truth and lies about online dating. Max Joseph helps turn couples online relationships into a reality.

I've watched it a few times and enjoyed it

[homoe]

Granted I only watched the first episode, and I admit I did fast forward through most of it, but does this game show have any point to it? I mean other than showing the greediest, most deceptive, and best lying contestants?

[alexri]

"Reality television" isn't reality. Just my humble opinion.

If you're into these shows for the entertainment value, and it makes you happy, rock on. I don't watch them; I barely watch TV. I just don't think they're worth my time.

I like the quote from Professor David Irving, chairman of the television and film department at New York University: "television is entertainment" and that "the lines between fiction and reality are always blurred."

I sincerely doubt in many of these shows that the outcome isn't planned and/or the events aren't scripted. Again, if it's being appreciated as entertainment, that's one thing.

These shows push their work as "reality" when they are really edited/adjusted to portray the perception of reality some tv executive wants you to see; the things producers want to you believe so you'll watch the show. But in actuality... just a few examples...

Man vs. Wild: admitted some scenes were staged, and the star of the show was found spending nights in hotels when he was supposedly roughing it out in the wild.

Survivor: has admitted faking and reshooting scenes.

In the news today: Former 'Storage Wars' Star Files Lawsuit Claiming Show Is Fake
http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/storage-wars-star-files-lawsuit-claiming-show-fake/story?id=17948408#.UMpzQHf9xXI

I also have an aversion to hero and media worship of people that do absolutely nothing to contribute to society. The impact these shows have on society and culture is scary. I've never watched Jersey Shore, but I know who Snooki is. Can I tell you the name of the ambassador that was killed in Libya off the top of my head? No.

/gets off soapbox

[macele]

i like storage wars. but i've never thought it was completely real. it's entertainment. and i still wish i could do it for a living lol. barry is funny. thank you barry lol. as far as dave, the show made him famous. he is richer for it. let it go.

[Random]

I watch

Face off
Top Chef and all it's lil spin offs
Project Runway (when I remember)

Face off is the only one that I actively try to follow...

I do occassionally get sucked into the kardashian world... I don't know why... I really don't have a clue as to why I like them...

I watch a lot of hgtv and food network... I really love home design /real estate and my partner is a foodie..