Reality TV - a contradiction in terms

[wagstaff]

One thing that has annoyed me in recent times is how the tag 'reality show' is tagged to virtually any new type of show that uses "real people".

My query with this is: why are these shows deemed to be "realistic" when a look at their structure suggests that they have nothing to do with reality? To use one example, the show 'Chains of Love' saw one woman chained to a group of men for an inordinate amount of time, until she was matched up with the man she preferred the most. When does this situation happen in "real life"?

These shows should generally be called "contrived TV", they're really just the modern form of the game show, given a working-over to provide the impression that they somehow provide an insight into modern society when they in truth act as a diversion.

What are other people's thoughts?

 

[footy_fantic]

why cant they be called game shows?

 

[footy_fantic]

why cant they be called game shows?

its a game right?

 

[The Power Guy]

I think that is a valid statement. I myself can't figure out what the definition of 'reality TV' realy is, as most of the 'reality'shows are just game shows.... using people for more than half an hour like most other game shows. So, who knows.

 

[Bucks]

Originally posted by wagstaff
One thing that has annoyed me in recent times is how the tag 'reality show' is tagged to virtually any new type of show that uses "real people".

My query with this is: why are these shows deemed to be "realistic" when a look at their structure suggests that they have nothing to do with reality? To use one example, the show 'Chains of Love' saw one woman chained to a group of men for an inordinate amount of time, until she was matched up with the man she preferred the most. When does this situation happen in "real life"?

These shows should generally be called "contrived TV", they're really just the modern form of the game show, given a working-over to provide the impression that they somehow provide an insight into modern society when they in truth act as a diversion.

What are other people's thoughts?

if your referring to new "people" shows are ..Big Brother..Temptation Island..Mole..Survivor and those kind of shows.. its called Reality TV shows cause its real life... they talk about real issues and real deals, nothing is rehearsed and everything is spur of the moment. Thats why it REAL!

 

[Squeak]

I've been chained to 4 half-decent looking women many-a-time.

 

[wagstaff]

Re: Re: Reality TV - a contradiction in terms

Originally posted by Bucks


if your referring to new "people" shows are ..Big Brother..Temptation Island..Mole..Survivor and those kind of shows.. its called Reality TV shows cause its real life... they talk about real issues and real deals, nothing is rehearsed and everything is spur of the moment. Thats why it REAL!

Real issues? What are the real issues in Big Brother? Who is going to become a celebrity? Who is going to win the enormous cash prizes on offer in these shows? Please.

As I said previously, these shows act as a diversion from infinitely more signifcant social and economic problems gripping the Australia and the world at large.

They act for people as an escape from the realities of life, by precisely avoiding anything of substance.

 

[Bucks]

Re: Re: Re: Reality TV - a contradiction in terms

Originally posted by wagstaff


Real issues? What are the real issues in Big Brother? Who is going to become a celebrity? Who is going to win the enormous cash prizes on offer in these shows? Please.

As I said previously, these shows act as a diversion from infinitely more signifcant social and economic problems gripping the Australia and the world at large.

They act for people as an escape from the realities of life, by precisely avoiding anything of substance.

no, you are missing the point. Who is going to win the money is not always the focus. Its only the focus for people who are greedy. Real Issues are Life experiences... Issues relating to Life. Like... death... marriage... family troubles... etc etc.. not everything is about the money, half of them are there for the experience.

Real Issues are about What they talk about on the show, not what goes on behind it.

 

[wagstaff]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Reality TV - a contradiction in terms

Originally posted by Bucks


no, you are missing the point. Who is going to win the money is not always the focus. Its only the focus for people who are greedy. Real Issues are Life experiences... Issues relating to Life. Like... death... marriage... family troubles... etc etc.. not everything is about the money, half of them are there for the experience.

Real Issues are about What they talk about on the show, not what goes on behind it.

The 'Real Issues' entirely depend on what the TV network deems to be the most viable for providing the maxium interest and ratings. Also the Networks pick and choose the types of people that will go on the show in the first place that they believe will be of greatest audience interest. It's not as you describe it and the contestants talk and act in any way they want. They're no doubt aware that if say, they have a certain gimmick like wearing rabbit ears or as having a sexually adventourous character that this is more likely to get the attention and fame they are seeking. These contestants invariably adapt themselves to the needs of the competiton. The networks control what is and isn't "reality".

You say that half of them are there for the experience, but they want the experience so that, even if they don't win the comp, they become a celebrity and get to make their own record or appear on Neighbours.

The fact that you think these shows are "reality" shows that the people behind these programs are doing their job very well.

 

[daddy_4_eyes]

I can't stand reality TV. Can't wait for it to go out of fashion. Reality TV is a new way of shocking people.
*In the 1950's it was Bikini's (showing skin was new)
*In the 60's it was the badboy image of the boy groups (The Beattles, real rebels of their time )
*In the 70's it was the p0rn (James Bond movies
*In the 80's it was slutty looking performers (Prince, Madonna, etc)
*In the 90's it was the constant discussion of sex related topics (in sitcoms it seems everyone gets laid at least twice a day )
*and now its "reality TV".

 

[Booze Hound]

Anyone who thinks shows like "Big Brother" are reflect 'reality' need their head read.

The fact that these people are being observed, and they know it, takes any sense of reality out of it.

Let's face it. TV Executives round the world love this type of programme because it is dirt cheap to make but if the can get the media behind it they can build it up as 'important' and get big ratings. There are always morons about who don't mind being spoon fed drivel.

I can sit around with my friends and discuss all things from the inane to the profound, and have a great time, but I wouldn't expect anyone else to watch it.