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Welcome to generation Jackass, an era of people entertained and ultimately influenced by the goings on of those involved in reality television. We live in an age in which reality TV programs such as 'Jackass' are highly prevalent and extremely popular. Evidenced in the fact that 'Jackass' had several series as well as two hit movies; it is clear that there is a mass audience for programs of this sort. In a sense, 'Generation Jackass' can thus be seen as some of those that watch these programs may attempt to recreate what they have witnessed on screen in these sorts of programs.

Programs such as 'Jackass' and other popular series of a similar sort such as 'Dirty Sanchez', 'Viva La Bam', and 'Wild Boys' have come about in the last few years and it is their popularity that can be seen to have spawned this Jackass Generation. It would seem that these programs are not new however, they are merely new to the mainstream. 'Takeshi's Castle', a Japanese game show that aired from 1986 to 1989 on the Tokyo Broadcasting System has in recent years become a hit in the UK. Originally shown on 'Challenge TV', the program was an unexpected success with Japanese contestants taking part in a whole host of ridiculous activities where pain is often inevitable. So then it can be seen that 'Generation Jackass' although seeming a recent occurrence has actually been in the making for a good 20 years now with the Japanese having come up with the concept way back in 1986.

As first mentioned in my opening paragraph; the problem with programs of this sort and the formation of a 'Generation Jackass' is that young people (and older people alike) who watch these sorts of programs will potentially attempt to mimic the things they see on screen and this can in some cases be extremely dangerous. If young people are exposed to programs of such a sort then they may be likely to copy the behavior that they see on screen as they will see these 'celebrity' types as role models and will inevitably wish to be like their role models. Although it is true that these programs are given certificates such as 18/R and are shown late at night, it is still more than likely that a younger audience will end up watching one or two of these programs at one point or another and so the potential is always there for the mimicking of behaviors. Younger viewers can easily come into contact with these programs as although they are shown quite late, they can sometimes be shown on standard terrestrial channels and the fact

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