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Student Life

Watching Reality TV Doesn't Make Us Dumb

"Next time on..."

Noelle Murphy

Jun 20, 2016

Quinnipiac University

Watching Reality TV Doesn't Make Us Dumb

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Regardless of the way you feel about reality TV, it is something that is insanely popular in our society. As much as I hate to admit it, I am a reality TV junkie. If you hand me a remote I will either be flipping to E! or Bravo.

Reality TV began gained popularity in the '90s, and since then, it has taken the world of television by storm.

There have always been scripted comedies and dramas featuring a variety of characters. Well, when it comes to reality TV, there is a cast of people who get followed throughout their daily lives by a camera crew unscripted (or at least it's supposed to be unscripted). That doesn't mean the problems aren't real, though. For entertainment, production can totally beef up a show to make it the most drama-filled and entertaining piece as possible.

Reality TV has become a cultural phenomenon. With the constant addition of new shows and never-ending twists and turns, it’s safe to say that this genre is not going anywhere anytime soon.

I mean who doesn’t love to watch middle-aged women fight and scream at each other? Ever since I was little I can remember sitting on my couch watching these women fight. My obsession with reality TV has only grown stronger since then. As many will argue, this TV genre is stupid and ridiculous, and I can’t help but agree and disagree at the same time.

Sure it may be strange that I enjoy watching others people’s lives roll out on a television, but their daily drama is like a drug — once you start you can’t be stopped.

I have been watching "Real Housewives of New Jersey" (my favorite reality TV show) since it began airing. Since I am from New Jersey, I felt more included when watching these episodes because I knew all the places they were filming at. The famous episode where Theresa flips the table — yup, I know that restaurant.

You could compare it to when you are driving and you see a rush of police due to an accident, you can’t help but look at what is happening. This is how the producers of the shows lure in the audience such as myself.

There have been constant arguments over if these shows are actually scripted or not, but at this point I’m so invested in their lives it doesn’t even matter.

The endless drama, catfights, and crazy shenanigans may always be over the top, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Some say that reality TV is brainwashing our generation, but all I can say to these haters is you must live a very boring life.

I wouldn’t want all this drama in my life, but watching it happen in someone else’s life is where the entertaining part comes in.

There’s just something about going above and beyond to capture the most dramatic moments in someone’s life for another’s enjoyment, and it is undeniably addicting. Can’t stop, won’t stop.

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

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Watching Reality TV Doesn't Make Us Dumb

"Next time on..."

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No, I can't help you.

1. When a customer wants to return a product, hands you the receipt, where is printed "ALL SALES ARE FINAL" in all caps.

2. Just because you might be having a bad day, and you're in a crappy mood, doesn't make it okay for you to yell at me or be rude to me. I'm a person with feelings, just like you.

3. People refusing to be put on hold when a customer is standing right in front of you. Oh, how I wish I could just hang up on you!

4. Having the same conversations over and over again! To be honest I really don't even want to talk to you right now, or have this fake ass smile on my face!

5. Always having to have a smile on your face. I promise I'm not as happy as I may look!

6. Customers not understanding that sometimes, mistakes happen. I am a human being, we all mess up sometimes!

7. Having the boss from hell, it's their way or the highway! Even though I did my job correctly and efficiently, if I don't do it the exact way you do, I'm a piece of shit.

8. Having coworker who don't help out, who bend the rules just enough to screw you over.

9. Having to be at work after closing because a customer is taking forever and half! Not like I'd like to go home or anything!

10. Having shitty hours and more shifts than you asked for. Just because we don't have enough workers, doesn't mean I want to pick up every shift that you cant cover, oh great boss of mine!

11. Not having time for a social life. It gets old saying, "I can't I have work..." Every day of the week!

12. Having that lazy costumer who can't do anything for themselves... no please I'll get that, it's no problem at all!

It's just my face, I swear.

1. When you meet new people, they automatically assume you hate them or are rude.

2. People are constantly asking you if you're OK.

3. After being friends with someone for a while, they confess to you, "I thought you were so mean when I first met you," or, "I thought you hated me."

4. You get told to smile more, but they don't understand how scary that would be.

5. You're always labeled as seeming "judgy."

6. Passing a friend with your RBF in full force and not realizing you just shot them a death glare.

7. Being sarcastic, but everyone thinks you're outright rude.

8. Not knowing how mean you really look until you see a picture of yourself in resting face.

9. Your apologies never sound sincere because of your emotionless face.

10. Your "mad face" scares you.

11. And, lastly, people are constantly asking you if you are happy or having a good time because you look bored to death.

Please hold your blonde joke.

1. "Is Elle Woods your spirit animal?"

2. "Is that your natural hair color?"

3. "Oh wow, you get good grades at school?"

4. "You must really like the color pink!"

5. "You’re probably not into sports, right?"

6. "You must have such a bubbly personality."

7. "Your wardrobe must consist of all things preppy."

8. "What sorority are you in?"

9. "You were probably a cheerleader in high school."

10. "You look like you’re from L.A. because your hair is so light."

11. "You definitely like Pumpkin Spiced Lattes from Starbucks!"

12. "Do you actually think blondes have more fun?"

13. "You must encompass the typical “white girl” stereotype."

14. "Is that daddy’s credit card you’re using?"

15. "So all of your friends are blonde too?"

16. "I’m surprised about you; I thought you would be a lot ditsier."

The world's greatest university meets the world's greatest show.

1. When you get your acceptance letter

2. When you try to figure out how class enrollment works

3. When it’s move in day

4. When you arrive on campus and see all of the attractive people

5. FROG Week

6. When you find your squad

7. When you visit DHall (RIP) or EHall for the first time

8. When you take on way too many credits

9. When you go to your first party at JMU

10. When the rival school shows up for the homecoming game (or any game really)

11. Sunday Brunch

12. When you see the infamous “preacher” for the first time

13. The first snow day

14. Madipalooza

15. When finals week rolls around

16. When you have to say goodbye

17. And when you finally get to go back

Do you have a small get-together or throw a big bash?

1. Your family and friends ask what you want for your birthday, so you give them a list of options.

2. You're super excited about your birthday the week before.

3. Your family flies in town to celebrate with you.

4. Your siblings wake you up.

5. Your friends are so excited to be with you on your big day.

6. If you work, your office might throw a party for you.

7. For your actual party, you plan a small get-together with close family and friends ...

8. ... or large celebration with everyone you know.

9. You eat the best meal you've had in weeks.

10. You devour the first piece of cake proudly.

11. You embarrass yourself somehow.

12. You get the present you really wanted but thought no one would get you.

13. You are a little sad about getting older.

14. That feeling wears off and you realize how happy you are to have family and friends to celebrate this day with you.

15. The morning after your birthday looks something like this.

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