Thursday, September 8, 2011
Morals of Reality TV
Reality television is something that has made headway into our every day lives. From its humble beginnings of "Survivor" to the smash hit "Jersey Shore" it seems reality TV is growing in popularity and finding a way to reach nearly every target market. So what makes reality TV so interesting to people? Well who wouldn't want to watch people on TV screaming at one another. There is however a much more serious side to reality TV. Take the show "Jersey Shore" for example. It depicts Italians as loud and obnoxious people with no disregard for their "friends" let alone cultural values. While this show may be very popular in America it is actually viewed as disgusting by people living in Italy. In fact, this past summer the cast was booed by residents upon landing in Italy to shoot a new season. These reality shows put the wrong ideas in our heads and teach us its okay to do whatever you want at others expense and often glorifies things that shouldn't be glorified, such as teen pregnancy. Even more disturbing is the use of children in these shows and bringing cameraes and abnormality into what should be a normal childhood. These shows reflect badly upon us as a nation and reflect bad morals that shouldn't be followed by anyone.
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You bring up an interesting point--that perhaps our own cultural values don't mesh with those of others internationally--and as a result we are judged by our "entertainment." The fact the "Jersey Shore" cast was booed is fascinating when American singers sell out concerts in Italy and films are celebrated in Italy--but the offensive stereotyping of the TV show truly was insulting to Italians. I wonder if it's the same in the U.S: Do we judge OTHER countries based on their "pop culture?" What do you think?
ReplyDeleteYou raise an interesting point here, but I need to admit, I am a reality tv junkee! I find people fascinating and what better way to people watch with ready access to my bathroom, comfy slippers and Coke Zero than reality tv? Does this make me amoral? Isn't it my responsibility as a moral person to be aware of the morality around me, recognize glorification and select role models that emulate moral behavior. One could, and I would, argue that if a person selects Snookie or any of the other treasures on Jersey Shore as a role model, well, then, they did not begin with a strong footing.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the fact that we need to be aware of the morality around us but at the same time being aware of something isn't the same as participating in something. Someone can be aware of drugs but that doesn't mean they have to do them. The behavior depicted on many of these reality shows isn't in fact REAL at all. I'ts all hyped up and played out so that it's extra dramatic so as to attract more viewers. Reality TV is a classic example of marketing NOT reality.
ReplyDeleteCoolness, I like how you took a different angle on this and brought in reality tv. Tv plays an important piece in life today from spending time with family to a source of entertainmet. As such Tv is starting to play a role on how we develop our morals. Life you said in many ways it does not help, however do you think there are TV shows that help to shape good morals?
ReplyDelete-Cody Davey