Unreal reality
Once again, it has happened. Sitting in front of television, waiting for something decent to come on after the countless commercials whose tunes I have running through my brain, another bomb drops into my comatose world. While it isn’t an unusual sight, the mere ridiculousness of it makes me raise my eyebrow and think that there is a chance that there may be no decency on this planet. Flipping through the countless channels we all pay the mega bucks for so we can describe our cable as “the best,” it is inevitable that they will come at you like a spider monkey. They are reality T. V. shows.
This archived article was written by: Janine Thompson
Once again, it has happened. Sitting in front of television, waiting for something decent to come on after the countless commercials whose tunes I have running through my brain, another bomb drops into my comatose world. While it isn’t an unusual sight, the mere ridiculousness of it makes me raise my eyebrow and think that there is a chance that there may be no decency on this planet. Flipping through the countless channels we all pay the mega bucks for so we can describe our cable as “the best,” it is inevitable that they will come at you like a spider monkey. They are reality T. V. shows.
While I will admit I do find it entertaining to see how normal and mundane my life is, while watching the out of this world circumstances people will throw themselves into for money, I am starting to believe that the “realness” of my television set needs a bit of fiction to balance my overwhelmed brain cells. Although I have laughed and sometimes cringed at the images they plaster the screen with, it was the new game show, Moment of Truth, which really had me wondering. While the concept seemed interesting and somewhat funny, it was the commercial that came on only a few nights ago for the winning question. As the girl sat there, the “moment of truth” hit not only her, but also her husband sitting in the background. Having an ex-boyfriend come on the show, he asked if the possibility of her leaving the husband for him was a reality. At this point I didn’t truly care what her answer was, but I did find it more than odd that putting your life and failing marriage on T.V. is now a hit show.
Changing the channel to see if anything with even an ounce more of intelligence would cross my path, the shows poured over me. It is amazing how this “reality” fad has taken over, and given this country a new sense of the measures we should take for a buck or two. It started with “seven strangers” and the intense game show to prove “fear is not a factor,” and has now evolved into a mind boggling beast. It is incredible the stunts and “truths” that people are paid to portray. Three years ago, it was the fad to have the nanny come in to “train” the children, then some opted to find their true love through rose distribution and a rich lifestyle. As time went on, a young lady was paid mega bucks to fake her engagement to a lousy, fat, obnoxious human being. She then faded into post-celebrity weight loss and rehab.
I can say I have found myself caught in the networks’ hoax of drawing people in. I can also say that “reality” has turned into a ridiculous charade. Although I know as I plop on the couch for my nightly ritual, I will be inclined to see whether or not my favorite Brady boy will be bringing a new one into the world, I still can’t say that I won’t be draining brain cells out of my left ear as I await the long anticipated arguments.
Knowing full well that I am not alone in my obsession with these “real life experiences,” I do have to say networks are going a bit far, and I find myself in serious doubt of those who feel the need to participate to the fullest.
