Random: October 2012

The first ever reality show I watched was Survivor. I was seven or eight at the time, and when my parents told me that what I was seeing on the screen was really happening somewhere else in the world, I nearly fell off the couch in disbelief.These were real people, and they were doing real things. My second-grade mind was spinning as I watched the tribes compete for reward and immunity.That was in 2004, and since then, reality TV has become a huge industry.
Many people have wondered: what's the allure of busty Armenian socialites and New Jersey/Orange County/Atlanta Housewives argue and scream at each other? I happen to believe that it's pure and utter escapism. Knowing that you're not being told you have been eliminated from the race, or that your singing voice is terrible seems to have a positive effect on most people. They find solace in the fact that they aren't the people in the confessionals, that they aren't being trailed by a camera crew 24/7.
But the biggest question is: has reality TV changed the industry for better, or worse?
I believe that it's for the better. On reality TV nothing is scripted and the characters are flawed. There are no makeup artists, stylists or set decorators. Audiences see the people as human, and that's important. Studies have shown that people who develop a routine with a reality TV show are more less likely to become depressed, and that make sense to me. How can someone be depressed when watching Toddlers and Tiaras? Forget about it. Four year olds dressed like showgirls can be pretty freakin' funny.
In conclusion, I feel that reality TV has changed the industry for the better. It makes people feel better about themselves, their relationships and their lives in general. And who doesn't want that?