The Corruption of Television

Published on June 24th 2011
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We all know that most reality shows are in fact scripted and exploit drama. Drama, like stupidity and sex, will sell.  We are also all aware that we should not believe everything we see on T.V because people will say or do anything for ratings or to get known.

But what about the opposite side of things? What about the real, honest, passionate people who have a specific message they want to share with the world? The ones who work hard at what they do and end up with T.V. shows where they can finally get their message across to viewers? The ones who want to make a difference and provoke questions? They unfortunately get looked at as fake. Their PhD? fake. Their passion to help others and show the world the reality of addiction? fake. The scientific evidence captured while trying to understand the after life? fake.  Everything suddenly becomes fake.

When I mention some of my favorite T.V shows to people the normal reaction is to question everything about the shows for the simple fact that it is on television. Everyone is an actor and everything else is special effects. I can't tell you how much this upsets me. Not only are these shows and their hosts totally disregarded but without watching it for themselves people will automatically judge something because of the stigma the words "reality" and "television" have left behind. People will also go as far as believing what they hear and jumping on a banwagon without giving the show/host the benefit of the doubt first. Not many people actually give shows a chance because they just immediately think "television = bullshit".

I do agree that a lot of shows on T.V. are, for lack of a better word, crap.  Maybe it is a bit hypocritical of me, but I do not think I need to give "Jersey Shore" a chance to know it is a typical reality show that I want nothing to do with.  The shows I feel deserve chances are the one's that have a meaning to them. Shows that show you the ugly truths of the world that most of us try to pretend don't exist. Or the shows that document someone seeking answers to a question that a lot of us don't want to face. Shows with depth and meaning. Shows where you can learn something. Where you can learn about places, people, things, and maybe even start to learn more about yourself.

I do understand a lot of people do enjoy their Jersey Shore and Rock of Love and hey to each their own. I also know that it is good to be skeptical- to a point. I just wish that when someone honest becomes successful that their name, character, and everything they stand for isn't tainted because of the label "reality T.V."