Reality TV & Society

The immense popularity of reality TV in America has not yet seemed to subside. My understanding is that such programming is booming in other countries as well - even in regions where one wouldn't typically expect.

Is this reality TV trend something that Objectivists should welcome or shun? Or should we simply remain indifferent? Philosophically and aesthetically speaking, what sort of commentary or evaluation on our society and culture can be made in response to reality TV's widespread success?

My own view is that reality TV is neither moral or immoral in and of itself, yet there's something that troubles me about its popularity. I generally don't watch these shows, but I have on occasion gotten sucked into a few programs. I must admit they can get you hooked into an episode (I simply want to watch people fulfill their prophecy as an idiot, it's a sort of non-sexual voyeurism).

Thoughts, anyone?

Post 1

Monday, January 17, 2005 - 11:52pm

Personally, I love American Idol and The Apprentice.

I would think that Objectivists, especially, would like The Apprentice--it's a show about *business*, of all things, and it's one of the most popular shows on TV. The theme song for season two was "Money, Money, Money"; as prizes for winning the weekly tasks, the winning team gets to do things like buy expensive jewelry, eat at expensive restaurants, or hang out in Trump's ultra-luxurious apartment with his supermodel girlfriend--as an example of what their lives may be like if they are as successful as he is. There's no shame about the profit motive here. For me, the main enjoyment of the show is seeing these truly impressive contestants in action--the feeling is admiration. What a great show.

Post 2

Tuesday, January 18, 2005 - 6:11am

Much of reality tv isn't about reality at all. It may not be scripted before hand, but with the editing that goes on after, it might as well be.

The romance (Bachelor/Bachelorette) tv shows say a lot about social metaphysics and self hypnosis (majority of contestants, actually convince themselves that they are in love with the "Prize"). I suspect that they are "in love" with the attention, the competition, and the exotic locales.

That said, I enjoy somewhat the achievement oriented shows (The Apprentice). I would rather that the eliminations be more objectively based (on results more that popular vote).

I find myself watching less and less tv these days.

John

Post 3

Tuesday, January 18, 2005 - 10:23am

Mr. O'Connor, you're very courageous to admit that you like American Idol -- I can tell you're an honest man. :-)

To be more specific, I am referring to the love/relationship shows. I consider The Apprentice and American Idol to be high level game shows.

Post 4

Tuesday, January 18, 2005 - 4:59am

I like The Apprentice. Its a good pro-capitalist show. I also like to catch The Osbournes occasionally just because I'm a rock fan. Sharon and Jack were on Dennis Miller last night. Jack lost a lot of weight and looked fabulous. I also caught The Restaurant a couple times and liked it too. What I could live without is stuff like Fear Factor and Survivor holds no interest for me.

Post 5

Tuesday, January 18, 2005 - 2:05pm

deleted post

(Edited by George W. Cordero on 1/18, 2:20pm)

Post 6

Tuesday, January 18, 2005 - 6:29pm

Mr. O'Connor, I, too, like American Idol. In fact, I love it. It is my one television indulgence.

None of the others are worth watching.

And don't get me started on The Restaurant. Those of us in the industry were embarrassed all around. What a contrived piece of crap, not to mention what I've heard about the food from my colleagues. Reality my ass.

Ok, done venting. :)

Post 7

Tuesday, January 18, 2005 - 8:17pm

How's this for courageous--I voted for Jasmine Trias.

Post 8

Tuesday, January 18, 2005 - 9:15pm

Why, do you suffer from a hearing problem?

Heh heh. :D

Post 9

Wednesday, January 19, 2005 - 12:54pm

And here I thought Jasmine Trias got us far as she did because of affirmative action. All my Filipino relatives voted for her because . . . well . . . she's Filipino.

Post 10

Wednesday, January 19, 2005 - 6:46pm

I hate to change the subject, but OH MY GOD, don't you people know about the greatest reality TV to grace my screen?

JUNKYARD WARS!!

If you don't know about it, two teams of oddball, genius, ingenuitive engineers and designers have ten hours to complete a challenge of building a machine from junkyard scraps.

The real meat of the show lied in the creativity of the challenges, the creativity of the team, and the thrill when the machines, literally welded together from junk, worked magnificently and were tested to the limit against the other team's machine.

Each week for as long as eighteen months, until we couldn't afford cable anymore, I watched teams build giant metal trebuchets to fling small cars, build boring machines, construct missiles, tug-of-war dragsters, airplanes, scuba diving gear, hovercrafts, rapid-fire golf ball launchers, and all manner of vehicles to traverse land, sea, and air. It was an endless source of inspiration and engineering goodness. Does it still come on TLC? Does anyone remember this phenomenal show?

Instead, network reality TV is an endless parade of psychlogical manipulation and mindlessness. Don't give me any fear, survival, too-many-people-in-one-apartment/house, relationship, dating, wife-swapping, father-marrying, challenge, money, travel, or talent reality shows. We need more stuff like Junkyard wars. please please.

I didn't like American Idol primely because of its senseless abuse of sexuality in its 'music.' Nor do I favor bland musicality in regards to composition and imagination, or vacancy in regards to ideas. So I can't imagine myself watching it; sorry.

We need more Junkyard wars, that is all.
-Michael

Post 11

Wednesday, January 19, 2005 - 8:47pm

"My wife is a scrumptious not quite 5' and I wouldn't want her any other way. I'm 5'6" and quite satisfied with my below average height."

As long as your feet reach the ground...;)

Post 12

Wednesday, January 19, 2005 - 9:14pm

I think the question is "what is reality TV?" Is something like American Idol a gameshow, or is it reality TV. Or is it both?

Post 13

Thursday, January 20, 2005 - 6:23pm

I will answer your burning question, Pete. American Idol is just a rehash of the original TV reality talent game show.... The Gong Show.

Post 14

Friday, January 21, 2005 - 9:49am

I was filmed twice for Making the Band, but the film was not used in the United States. My step-grandson was a member of O-Town.

He has an album coming out any day now, and the CEOs tell him there are five potential singles on it. He wrote them all himself.

Post 15

Friday, January 21, 2005 - 11:45am

Rodney, what is his name? I hope he does well with it.

Post 16

Friday, January 21, 2005 - 12:55pm

Thanks! He's Ashley Angel. Here is his entry at TV Tome:

http://www.tvtome.com/tvtome/servlet/PersonDetail/personid-171391/

He prefers however to go by his full name, Ashley Parker Angel. He'll soon be starting his own website.

Post 17

Friday, January 21, 2005 - 8:17pm

Oh yeah, I remember him! I remember that his father was opposed to him joining the band, though I don't remember why. He wasn't overbearing about it, but thought he was not making the best decision. I would swear there is no way the guy is 6'2" though, like his bio says, but maybe I am mistaken (or he kept growing?).

Post 18

Saturday, January 22, 2005 - 8:51am

No, you're right. I've looked it up and changed it. I hope six feet is correct--I'm not a good judge of height and I don't see Ashley often.

(Edited by Rodney Rawlings on 1/22, 8:53am)

Post 19

Tuesday, January 25, 2005 - 6:31am