American reality shows that gained popularity in early 2000, like American Idol and Survivor, continue to be watched and every season a new twist is added to give the audience something difference to look forward to. Prime time reality shows put the spotlight on all these ordinary people, making them stars. William Hung, auditioned for American Idol, and was not even a talented singer but he still made a considerable amount of money from remaking Ricky Martin’s video for “She Bangs.” Richard Hatch was a corporate trainer from Rhode Island, before winning the very first Survivor. He became well known when he won the prize of a million dollars. These examples of reality show sensations prove how we buy into what the TV shows produces and we take it as reality, and our television programming is now a reflection on our society.
What else is going behind the cameras? More reality shows have been produced since 2000 because viewers will watch what is more familiar to them, and many shows have been created to cater to certain groups. An older age group of retired middle class women may be drawn towards shows such as Wife Swap, the Bachelor, Dancing with the Stars, etc. Is this really reality? Do the people being filmed act differently when cameras are rolling? We can never be sure if these shows have a positive effect on us.
Like I said before, I know I am bias and cannot appreciate the entertainment aspect of reality shows. Viewers may be ignorant to what they are seeing and do not think to ask questions on what they are watching routinely. Looking at reality shows, can help understand where our societies priorities' are, and how our youth are being corrupted to be something other than themselves.
"The television screen is the retina of the mind's eye. Therefore the television screen is part of the physical structure of the brain"
