Reality TV: The Good and Ugly - Research Paper Example

Wilkens Tegeny

Nova Southeastern University

November 15th, 2017

Reality Television

Reality TV: The Good and Ugly

(Provide background information related to my topic)

Today when we think about Reality TV, so many things come to mind such as drama, luxury, fame, sexual behaviors and most importantly life without privacy and embarrassment. These days every TV channel has reality shows everyone seem to be uncontrollably ecstatic about. Networks are willing to cross the boundaries, and the sponsors are ready to pour in money. Contestants of these shows are selected to perform dangerous stunts and do all sorts of absurd things in order to commercialize and boost popularity level. Celebrities are frequently invited to the shows to increase the TRP (Television Rating Points) of the show. The bitter reality is that there is very little reality in the reality shows. In fact, 75% reality shows are manipulated and edited. In this paper, I researched the extent of “Reality” in reality shows and examined what they can portray about us as a society.

Thesis

These days every TV channel has reality shows everyone seem to be uncontrollably ecstatic about. Networks are willing to cross the boundaries, and the sponsors are ready to pour in money. Contestants of these shows are selected to perform dangerous stunts and do all sorts of absurd things in order to commercialize and boost popularity level. Celebrities are frequently invited to the shows to increase the TRP (Television Rating Points) of the show. But the bitter reality is that there is very little reality in the reality shows. In fact, 75% reality shows are manipulated and edited. In this paper, I researched the extent of “Reality” in reality shows and examined what they can portray about us as a society.

An American Family was the very first reality TV show recorded; it was produced by Craig Gilbert. In 1973, television viewers watched dramatic life events unfold in the home of an American family in Santa Barbara, California. An American Family: Anniversary Edition is a 2-hour feature-length special capturing the most memorable and compelling moments of the original 12-hour public television series that made TV history. Not Rated In 1971, all PBS tried to do was set up mics, lights, and keep rolling for several months. This large "rich liberal suburban" family is a rare snapshot of the times. Although 1 or 2 family members\ do ham it up on occasion, their personalities are essentially intact. (Reality Television was not always portrayed as such once it all started. Better yet, Certain topics or conducts were considered too much of a Taboo to be displayed to the viewers in the comfort of their living room. Originally when reality TV started it was, thWhether it was a way for Celebrities or Individuals in the public eye to give their supporters an insight view on what their lives were behind the camera or a great tool used by them to contradict what was being featured in the Tabloids by giving them side of those controversial, entertaining and unflattering story. Back then, Reality Television was mainly created to make viewers understand that somewhere out there, there were people like them, struggling every day to succeed, doing their best to raise a family, learning life-teachable lessons through mistakes and trials. Nowadays, it all has been converted as “Cheap thrills”, “Fast Money” “Bullies being disguised as drama”.

• History (1973)
• An American Family was the very first reality TV show recorded; it was produced by Craig Gilbert. In 1973, television viewers watched dramatic life events unfold in the home of an American family in Santa Barbara, California. An American Family: Anniversary Edition is a 2-hour feature-length special capturing the most memorable and compelling moments of the original 12-hour public television series that made TV history. Not Rated In 1971, all PBS tried to do was set up mics, lights, and keep rolling for several months. This large "rich liberal suburban" family is a rare snapshot of the times. Although 1 or 2 family members\ do ham it up on occasion, their personalities are essentially intact. (Reality Television was not always portrayed as such once it all started. Better yet, Certain topics or conducts were considered too much of a Taboo to be displayed to the viewers in the comfort of their living room.

The term reality television is normally used to define TV shows which have come up since 2000, but the history of this category of shows goes back farther than most people can imagine. The term reality television is broad, and there are many ways in which it can be integrated into the daily lives and aspects. Since the start of reality shows, television has shown the lives of people through pranks, contests and dating shows which eventually gives reality television a broad history compared to what most people think.

The history of reality television created the basis for modern reality television, and one of the first shows which made an impact was Candid Camera directed by Allen Funt in the late 40s. The show became an instant hit since it contained humorous situations and funny pranks (“The History of Reality Television Programs from Candid Camera to Real World’, 2017). The show remained a hit for many years, and a good example of a modern reality show similar to that one is America's Funniest Home Videos. Other than prank shows, television shows which involve contests also became a hit with the first of its kind airing in the early 1950's. The first show was known as The Miss American Pageant, and it has become one of the most dominant themes in reality TV up to today. Some shows such Star Search focus on talents, and they are common in today's reality TV shows. Other contestant-based shows in today's television include The Amazing Race and Survivor.

• Original Intent

Originally when reality TV started it was whether it was a way for Celebrities or Individuals in the public eye to give their supporters an insight view on what their lives were behind the camera or a great tool used by them to contradict what was being featured in the Tabloids by giving their side of those controversial, entertaining and unflattering story.

• Development/Evolution throughout the years
• Back then, Reality Television was mainly created to make viewers understand that somewhere out there, there were people like them, struggling every day to succeed, doing their best to raise a family, learning life-teachable lessons through mistakes and trials. The 70's was a period which experienced the growth of shows which focused on how people became popular and where they started. One of these shows is An American Family which is a show which traditional family in America which was going through the pain of divorce (“The History of Reality Television Programs from Candid Camera to Real World”, 2017). New shows which focus on this theme include Newly Weds and The Dating Game which is a clear indication of how people enjoy watching the lives of other people including their dating life. Although there is a notable increase in the number of reality shows in the world, the themes are similar to those of the past. The history of reality television has created a good foundation for what we currently consider reality TV.
• The Major Shift

Nowadays, it all has been converted as “Cheap thrills”, “Fast Money” “Bullies being disguised as drama”. Over the years reality television have become very popular. Some plays have gone beyond their expectations. Bachelor, for example, has over one million views. With such kind of following reality television have made a significant mark and cannot be ignored. Unlike another kind of shows, reality shows have a concise history. An American Family was the first reality shows on the screens. It debuted in the 1970s. In the show, lives of The Loud Family from Santa Barbara are followed and documented for approximately seven months. The audience was exposed to a lot of drama. The major incidents in the show were pat asking for a separation from Bill, her husband. Another memorable event was the audience learning and being exposed to the lifestyle of Lance. He was gay. Lance was the son of Pat and Bill was gay. The show quickly stole the heart of many Americans as most of them could relate to it. The show was very timely and t roared during a time when America was undergoing economic, social and financial issues. At the time it was an explanation of the problems America was facing. Institutions that were not functioning such as marriage, The American dream were fiercely attacked. Currently, all reality shows are trying to the same. The American Family did not just set precedence for reality shows in America; It also revealed that viewers were after drama.

Relevance/Interest (Relevance to my audience as members of society)

• Personal Interest:

I have decided to write about Reality TV because as a big fan I find it very entertaining and alleviating after a long stressful day. I have decided to write about Reality TV because as a big fan I find it very entertaining and alleviating after a long stressful day. Nevertheless, there are also some great other advantages to in the world of reality tv. Unfortunately, the bad overshadows the good. Hopefully throughout my research I can create a balance where my audience can see the different sides behind such this growing global phenomenon. In my research, I am looking forward to exploring both sides, but I can deny reality is taking a major shift in our society mostly in a negative fashion.

• Relevance to my audience

Nevertheless, there are also some great other advantages to in the world of reality tv. Unfortunately, the bad overshadows the good. Hopefully throughout my research I can create a balance where my audience can see the different sides behind such this growing global phenomenon.

• What I am looking for?

In my research, I am looking forward to exploring both sides, but I can deny reality is taking a major shift in our society mostly in a negative fashion.

• Main Body
• First main point (Weakest)
• Arguments to support why Reality Television is not as bad as most people may think
• it is by providing:
• Classic Cultivation

Cultivation theory was coined by George Gerber who was a professor and dean at the University of Pennsylvania. In the 1960s he started out on a research project to establish whether watching television for long can influence one idea about everyday life (“Cultivation Theory."). According to cultivation theorists watching TV for long has long-term effects. They may be small, slow and not direct but in the end, it will significantly affect one’s life.

The theory in simple terms submits that television is responsible for formation shaping and conception of reality for the viewer (“Cultivation Theory."). The massive continued to explore with time changes the beliefs and views of the individual who translates to society and ultimately the culture. These values and customs being cultivated re already present in the community. The media disseminates this culture making it binding. The effects have been categorized into two. First and second order. The first rule is general views about life. Second order re results which are more personal. They include individual security.

Classic cultivation theory suggests that television is the main source of common socialization among diverse groups. The overall viewing pattern of the many types of television programs and genres and not the individual programs and genres contributes toward cultivation of a shared conception of social reality. Also, it is the long-term exposure of many hours that drives this cultivation. Cultivation occurs through the interaction of the viewer with the television message. Relative measures such as light, medium, and heavy television viewers can test cultivation where the impact of the heaviest viewers supports presence of cultivation (Gerbner, Gross, Morgan, Signorielli, & Shanahan, 2002).

• Social Growth (with sources to support second argument)

In most cases, reality shows are considered unscripted compared to other shows such as comedies and dramas. Reality shows usually have a specific agenda. Many people consider reality shows to have a negative impact on the society, but this is not true (“What Are the Benefits of Reality Television?”, 2015). Although they have their negative side reality shows, have their benefits. Most of these benefits are economic, and they focus on families, business, and companies which produce these shows. Stars in these shows mainly have a double income since they make money from the shows and they can make business contacts which would not have been possible without reality television exposure. However, it is not clear the amount of money reality shows star makes from these productions.

The cultivation theory focuses on establishing the long-term implications of watching television. The messages sent and images shown on reality television shows have a huge impact on how people see the world. This theory is positive, and it believes in the existence of positivity in shows. Reality shows have led to the growth of talent globally. Children are now motivated to discover their talents and showcase them to the world. Some of them get to advance their careers in fields such as dance and music.

• Additionally, there is a reduction in the number of teen pregnancies with an increase in viewership of teen mother shows on television (“What Are the Benefits of Reality Television?”, 2015). Young girls are getting to learn what happens when they get children at a young age and they are now able to protect themselves. The adolescent group of viewers gets more engaged in such shows, and it becomes a way of creating discussions both online and offline. Reality television can be considered an addictive phenomenon and most researchers believe that the society has become addicted to these shows. What happens in shows is what makes it addictive and producers intentionally edit the shows to increase viewership.
• On top of all the materialitics perks that come with reality Reality TV, these cast members benefits soemthing that is way more significant if and when they use it properly: a Platform. These TV personalities get to represent their social group whether it is from a cultural, religious, racial, ethnic, sexual preference and ecoomic aspect. Viewers are often presented with so many social issues that are not as visible in the court of public opinion. Let’s take for instance a TV show such as Botched, atlhough it is probably not as positive as one may want to see if, it features people from different background: Rich and Poor who either have suffered their whole life with some physical abnormalities and other times, people who are willing to pay it all and risk it all to enhance their cosmetic features in order to have what they think society might considered to be physically appealing.
• Second main point (Strong)
• Promotion of Bad Behaviors

Arguments so support why Reality Television play a role in society and affecting our growing young men and women negatively. Reality TV is associated with health attitudes and behaviors. With regard to sexuality and dating topics, increased attitudes of sexual permissiveness was associated with positive attitudes towards a reality TV show about (Playboy events. Cato, & Carpentier, 2010).

As reality shows become more popular young people are becoming obsessed with different shows which they can easily access. A teen spends an average of 28 hours in a week watching reality shows which are around 15,000 hours per year. The amount spent watching reality shows is more than the average time they spend in school in one year (“Reality TV’s Negative Effects on Teens ‹ Spirit Magazine", 2016). The more they are exposed to reality shows, the higher the chances of them acquiring the behaviors they see on television. Reality television has an impact on how female teenagers view themselves and this is based on a report conducted by Scouts Research Institute. Teenagers have access to shows which the artists portray physical appearance and beauty as a requirement to be successful. It gives young people the perception that the value of a person is based on their beauty. According to Dr. Adair who is a clinical psychologist, teenagers now believe that the best thing in life is to become famous. Young people now believe that fame should also go hand in hand with the riches which come with it. Reality shows have the potential to change how teenagers view life. Teenagers can no longer differentiate reality and fantasy due to the exposure to reality television.

Reality shows involve young beautiful and attractive characters, and when teenagers view this, they begin to compare themselves with the characters they see on television which is normal but in this case teenagers are left with a false understanding of how a person should look like (“Reality TV’s Negative Effects on Teens ‹ Spirit Magazine", 2016). Reality shows make the high standards bestowed on teenagers by society stronger by telling them that they are not beautiful or attractive if they do not look like the characters on television. Such cases make teenagers lose their self-esteem, and it may contribute the eating disorders noted in young women. These eating disorders are out of the need to have perfect bodies because society is exerting too much pressure on them. Society makes young women believe that they will be happier if they have the looks of celebrities on television. Consequently, teen develops insecurities which are clearly evident in today's generation.

• Geographical and Demographical Misrepresentation
• In 2006, Laguna Beach residents expressed concerns that the highly successful
• MTV sponsored reality show “Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County” was responsible for
• tarnishing city’s image of culture and beauty. The show followed the lives of a group of
• affluent teenagers in Laguna Beach, California, and depicted all aspects of their social circle,
• including personal conflicts, partying, and shopping. Kelly Steinhauer (2006).

Reality shows select characters that would sell the show. The bachelor is one of the most viewed reality shows. Women compete to be the wife of lucky bachelors. They are taken through some activities such as dates, challenges and field excursions. Lately, the show has been receiving a lot of backlash from its fans. Accusations are being laid on the producers for avoiding African American men for the fear that fans might stop watching the show. The bachelor seems to be portraying dating in an entirely white state. Most of the shows focus on Africans Americans. Nadra Kate a race relations expert explains the five types of stereotypes placed on black men (Riley, Ricky). These are domestics, brash women, magical black person, thugs and black best friend. The real housewives of Atlanta are a reality show. It portrays black women as angry. The Bad Girls club is also another reality show. For one to attain the title bad girl, the must be very loud, sexual, violent and unruly. In all the seasons the title of the worst girl went to a black girl.

• Bad Image Reflection Targets Cities
• Critics argued that the high profile of the show, which increased the city’s visibility
• worldwide as an oasis of wealth, in combination with the portrayal of the show’s cast members
• as wealthy, sexy, naive, underage drinkers made Laguna Beach vulnerable to increased crime,
• sexual predators, and substance abuse (Steinhauer, 2006).

The viewers have also been categorized into the light and heavy viewers. The point of focus is mainly on the heavy viewers who are primarily affected by television. They are profoundly influenced by how the world is framed in the programs. The most affected are those who have little or no information in the area being shown by the program. Light viewers are more informed. A survey was once conducted of New Jersey ‘s children. They were asked to give an estimate of the number of people involved in violence every week. 72 percent of the children categorized as heavy viewers overestimated the number (Holly Peek). Mean World Syndrome is the name of this effect. The survey also concluded that the massive viewers were more scare to walk alone at night.

• Third main point (Strongest)
• Common ground that can be found between both arguments
• Parenting
• What can parents do to create a midpoint where their children can still watch reality and differentiate the good from the bad?

Although the programming of reality TV can be highly entertaining, it’s important to be aware of the messages and values that these shows often portray. More importantly, it’s essential to be aware of what our children are watching so that we can teach them how to recognize and process the skewed values of television reality. Holly Peek (2014).

Parents should make clear statements and explain to their children the truth about reality shows. It is essential since children need to know what is real about these shows and what is false (Holly, 2014). Parents should additionally explain the consequences of watching reality shows to their children. As they watch reality shows, parents can start conversations with their children to try and understand what they think about these shows. Through this method, parents can establish what characters their children are trying to emulate or copy as the watch. It makes it easy for parents to single out which characters their children can emulate and which ones they should avoid. Once this is done, children can then reap the benefits of watching reality shows.

It is essential for parents also to ask their children what their friends are watching. Most teenagers watch similar shows, and this creates a basis for their conversations (Holly, 2014). Parents should also try and understand what their friends think about the shows viewed by their children. They can also try and understand what friends tell their children about certain characters and which characters they should emulate.

• Differentiate the Deception

This is tricky, as this programming easily deceives viewers into believing it is a true reflection of the real world. your child can ultimately learn not to accept what is portrayed on reality TV as the truth, but rather to think more critically about what the characters are doing, and why they are behaving in certain ways. This knowledge will give your child the tools to develop stronger values, and a more solid self-esteem that is free from the influences of reality TV (Peek, 2014)

Youth Cohesive Mental/Moral Development

• How can these men and women help each other understand the concepts behind what’s being portrayed on Television versus Reality?

Viewers do not question what they watch or why they enjoy it as long as it captivates them. Some shows like The Bachelor are just what one needs after a long tiring day. It provides laughter, drama, and suspense. The Reality television is a type of program that showcases real lives of people. Their day to day activities from the time they wake up to when they go to sleep is closely monitored by a camera. There are three types of reality shows namely talent shows, dating shows, and game shows.

Nowadays teenagers no longer want to stay kids for long they see these people on reality TV living an exciting life and they too want their life to be extravagant and exciting and they accomplish this by holding a semblance that depicts that of a reality TV star and doing things like themselves to a higher caliber socially or do things they wouldn’t usually take part of like drinking or smoking but because they see these reality TV stars doing these things and thriving they too want that fame and success. Kids now a day are exposed to so much more grown up content mainly due to all the reality television that is going around. With the number of hours spent in front of the television set increasing 6 percent annually (Nielsen Media Research, 2009) and the reality programming genre steadily growing, preteens and teens are more likely to be viewing reality programs.

Planting Bad and Good Seeds

More important, there is evidence that young people emulate the behavior of reality stars (Patino, Kaltcheva, and Smith)”. This statement shows that teenagers are spending more time watching television and reality shows more and more. With the rise of teenage viewers in reality television it no wonder on why our youth seems to be growing up faster and faster.

Research has indicated that reality shows have a significant impact on the lives of young girls growing up. Some standards portrayed by reality appearances are misleading. In one of the episodes of Kim Kardashian reality show, Kim is getting ready to have her baby. Instead of getting her bags and prepared and checking with the hospital she is with her glam team. She wants to ensure that during the delivery time her hair and looks will be perfect for the photographs. When her sisters are asked to comment about it, they say that is the typical Kim Kardashian (Holly Peek). Adults might be able to figure out that reality shows do not portray the reality but children will not.

What are the general trends found for this research amongst different authors?

• Data Analysis (Polls, Surveys)

For this portion of my outline, I will be using all the research data combined to make my analysis on the General Trend found while exploring Reality Television and use a reference to Nabi, Robin

L. “Determining Dimensions of Reality: A Concept Mapping of The Reality TV Landscape”.

Even though reality shows are very entertaining it is essential for one to understand the message and values it’s trying to sell. If children receive the proper guidance, they will be able to develop values that are strong. Their self-esteem will also be natural with no traces of reality television influences (Holly Peek).

• Public Opinions

It is very critical that parents talk to their children about reality shows. Parents should also watch these shows with their children. Find out which television realities your kids are into so that you can gauge if they are appropriate. While waiting with your children, make bold statements. They need to understand that these reality shows do not portray the reality. They look real, but they are not, just like other shows they also are scripted. Do some research to find out your child’s existence. Reality shows are the fashion setters (Gonchar, Michael). Parents should also guide their children to make correct responses to reality shows. You can use commercials or pause it to talk about it. Find out what messages they make out from the show. As a parent, you should seek to know if your child emulates the characters in these shows. It is vital that children accept themselves and not compare themselves with others.

From the discussion, it is important for parents also to understand which characters their children like and those which they do not like. Using this method, parents can easily determine which values their children and which ones they are not. Parents can then explain the benefits of having certain values and why other values should be avoided. It is important for parents to analyze why their children admire certain characters and determine why they are considered cool by their children. Parents can single out characters who are good role models in reality shows and explain to their children which characters they should copy. It is consequently important for parents to discuss the negative aspects of reality television with their children. The first step of ensuring that parents watch reality shows with their children. It is important for parents to determine if a show is appropriate to a child regarding age (Holly, 2014). Parents can also watch shows before they let their children watch them. It is recommended that parents can make comments or ask questions as they watch reality shows with their children.