In regards to questions about my deeming reality shows a “waste of time” over other entertainment:
My opinion is a bit biased, as I consider such shows as Friends and CSI a waste of time, as well. I prefer to learn from my TV viewing, if at all possible. (One could argue that I could learn something off of CSI. I’d prefer such knowledge to come from the horse’s mouth; in this case, an unbiased documentary.
My waste of time comment could also be taken to mean a waste of air time; that is, my opinion that better, worthy programming (mindless, perhaps, but not in a “voyeuristic” quality) could be allotted in the time slots that these shows currently occupy.
I feel that so-called “reality shows” were clever in the early 90’s, when they first seemed to be popular. Now, it’s like one crappy pop song after another. YMMV.
Gah! That is worrysome to me. That’s like saying you use Jerry Springer as your therapist.
IMO, these programs show the not-so-nice sides of human behavior. The competitive, back-stabbing, actions by the cast (and yes, I believe they are mostly contrived drivel) is nothing other than disturbing.
Good point, Ruby! That’s another thing I’d be surprised if people care about any more: analyzing these people and saying, “She’s a user; I hope she gets booted; he’s a jerk; I hope he gets booted; she’s really nice; I hope she wins; OMG; how did she win…” BFD.
I know what you’re saying, but I don’t think the two situations are comparable*. 9/11 was tragic, and upset people so badly and thoroughly that they needed escapism. Plus, it was footage of the same thing, over and over, about which people could do nothing. And there was no “taking sides”; just grieving. This war, and the attendant controversy, is ongoing. It’s not something we can smooth over with fluff programming. It’s not something we should want to. And that’s whether you’re for it or against it.
*I also wish people would stop using analogies. You can’t compare this war to any other war; it wasn’t begun for the same reasons, and we don’t know if it will play out in any way similar to other wars. You can’t compare it to 9/11 because 9/11 was a case of us being blindsided. It is what it is; analyze it on its own terms.
Since that was me you were quoting, let me respond – I’m not saying I emulate or admire these people, I’m saying that watching other people interact is always of interest to most of us, and that, for me, this is part of the appeal of these shows. Obviously I don’t use The Bachelor or Joe Millionaire to get tips on how to act with my SO.
Also, I think certain distinctions can be made amongst the reality shows – my favorite, Amazing Race, isn’t about humiliating contestants or putting them in (potentially) a bad light – but watching the interactions within and among the various teams, seeing how they negotiate decisions, how they deal with frustration, etc., is part of what makes the show so riveting. This is, IMHO, less the case with the dating-type shows.
I’m not going to defend the genre as intellectually stimulating or morally uplifting – I’m just suggesting that one of the main appeals of the genre is people’s fascination with other people. Reality TV provides us with the opportunity to ask ourselves, “what would I do in that situation?” Your answer seems to be “Well, not being trailer trash, I wouldn’t be in that situation” – but I think that’s a facile dismissal of the phenomenon.