by Carol Gioia

Created on: July 07, 2008

Reality television does reflect reality. The reality that in our society we get what we are willing to pay for in all aspects of consumerism.

If television networks can churn out low budget, uncreative programming and continue to attract advertising sponsors and high numbers of viewing audiences why would they be motivated to do differently? It would simply not be good business practice to cut into profits to provide upgraded and creative fare when the public appears satisfied with the status quo.

Many years ago Allen Funt and his Candid Camera introduced the concept of catching people unaware and watching their reaction to being surprised and perhaps embarrassed in compromising situations. That was our initial introduction to reality television. The comedic side of human nature was explored and revealed in contrived, but somewhat ethical situations for our amusement. We identified with the unwary victims on Candid Camera and the show was a hit.

Today the programming continues to be contrived and not necessarily ethical. The idea of putting people in situations that are humiliating and embarrassing seems to be considered cutting edge programming and there is no outcry of protest from the viewing public to refute this premise.

The reality is that our society is rampant with individuals willing to sell their pride and priorities for money and attention. There appears to be an abundance of those childish enough to "take a dare" without weighing the consequences. Narcissism, blatant greed and exhibitionism are no longer taboos. For some they are a ticket to 15 minutes of pseudo fame.

It is also a reality that we are curious enough to look. Ratings and sponsor success attest to the fact that we are watching with fascinated interest and morbid amusement. Media has always reflected the reality of what is going on in our world. Apparently there are enough of us who want to see others fail or look ridiculous to keep the entertainment industry busy inventing new and more daring challenges for our viewing curiosity.

Television networks and corporate sponsors are cashing in on human nature and mob mentality. Just as a crowd will gather and yell "jump" to an unfortunate suicidal person out on a ledge, or traffic will jam as curiosity seekers rush to watch a burning building; we will collectively sit in front of our televisions in denial and say, "Isn't that crazy?" but have no impetus to look away. The reality is that we cannot resist the urge to witness the pushing of the envelope, the raising of the bar, the stetching the limits of the negative human condition.

Unless we are willing to take affirmative action in regards to decreasing the production of reality shows and encouraging the media to branch out and exercise creativity, and by doing so, increase the entertainment factor we will continue to be dissatisfied channel surfers settling for inferior programming.

By refusing to buy sponsor related products and by writing letters of protest to media and advertisers we can send the message loud and clear that we want to escape reality and be truly entertained. When ratings plummet and displeasure is reflected in the financial bottom line of these television and corporate entities, then we will begin to see increased effort toward producing variety and creative writing and acting in the future viewing seasons.

Reality television will continue to monopolize the airwaves as long as it is profitable to do so. Until we are willing to turn off the television and boycott the products of the advertisers of this type of "entertainment," reality shows will continue to be our reality.

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