Reality TV is not Real TV | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Reality TV is not Real TV

Have networks like MTV and E! taken television to far?

435
Reality TV is not Real TV

"Keeping Up with the Kardashians," any of the "Real Housewives" shows and "The Hills" are just some of the reality TV shows that I strongly dislike. I'm an over-thinker. During every episode I watch of these shows, all I think is, Why are there cameras in your house? and There's no way this isn't scripted-- nobody talks about these things at the kitchen table. These things are probably not what the network has in mind of things I should be thinking when filming these shows.

What I'm wondering is, why do these shows get millions of viewers each week?

Maybe I'm the crazy one. Maybe I'm insane for not seeing the entertainment in TV shows like these. Although I am guilty of watching shows like "The Bachelor/Bachelorette," I, along with the men and women on that TV show, are all clued into the insane situation those people are in. The Kardashians, for example, actually seem to think that they are worthy of these lights and cameras.

For example, I watched two seasons of "The Bad Girls Club" and I felt like these were women who could only, and I mean only, make it on a television if their only job is to argue with each other and take trips to the beach. It's a mind-numbing series, so I can see why it's easy to binge-watch something like it, but to actually like it? Nope, not me.

Let me put it this way: for the majority of your time living with your parents, you were rewarded for good behavior and scolded for bad behavior to some extent, whether it be in small or large doses. Reality television basically rewards bad behavior. We are raised to be acceptable human beings, to maybe graduate high school and go to college, maybe get a degree or maybe just get a job and become a part of society - but while we are doing this, we are watching these TV shows where girls get cameras pushed in their faces for punching their housemates in the face and doing illegal activities.

Apparently if it's on television, it's totally okay to do.

So I'm not 100 percent bashing all reality television shows that have ever aired. The recent evolution of reality television, though, has unfortunately taken a turn for the worse. Game shows like "Family Feud" and "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" used to be all the rage. Now "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" and "The Bad Girls Club" are the basis of most reality television shows. Those shows that exploit people's "real life" issues, like "True Life: (insert life event here)," are not putting society in a positive light.

I see Kim and Kanye in the news more often than the presidential candidates. WHY?!

Oh, that's why.

I didn't necessarily grow up in a household that sat up on Saturday nights watching old-time game shows, but I know that these new versions of reality television shows are affecting those just flipping through the channels at home. They degrade family values, encourage selfishness and unhealthy relationships and promote negative body and self images - and there is the obvious and sometimes illegal behavior that just shouldn't be acted out in real life.

This topic is just one out of a dozen that explain why I don't have cable and haven't had it in a very long time-- but that's just my two cents.


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Adulting

18 Things I Want To Do Now That I'm 18

I'm technically an adult, so I'm legally required to live a little, right?

1698
Happy Birthday Cake

For the entirety of my high school career, I was always seen as the goody-two-shoes. I never got in trouble with a teacher, I kept stellar grades, and when I wasn't doing extracurricular activities, I was at home studying. Even when I did go out, it was usually with a bunch of fellow band geeks. The night would end before 11:00 PM and the only controversial activity would be a fight based on who unfairly won a round of Apples-to-Apples when someone else clearly had a better card (I promise I'm not still holding a grudge).

Now that I'm officially an adult, I want to pursue some new things. I want to experience life in a way that I never allowed myself to do prior to entering college. These are the years that I'm supposed to embark on a journey of self-discovery, so what better way to do that than to create a bucket list?

Keep Reading... Show less
Featured

10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics

The holiday classics that shaped my life

1028
Flickr

The holiday season is full of stress, debt, and forced conversation. While we rush through the month of December, it's important to take a step back and enjoy the moments before they're gone. Most families love to watch Christmas movies, but these beloved films provide more than entertainment. Here are 10 life lessons that I've learned from the holiday classics we watch every year.

Keep Reading... Show less
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

200240
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading... Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

20905
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading... Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading... Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments