Blog 13: Revision of CAT #1

              Timothy Sexton, the author of “The Dangers of Reality TV”, starts off his article by stating: “Reality television reinforces several unsound messages that are molding the minds of its young fans”. He continues with pinpointing what reality TV really focuses on, which is: putting stress on the importance of competition, the irrelevance of our abilities, and that education is totally unnecessary. The author explains that in today’s economy competition is the key to success, that is why a lot of industries merge – “There isn’t a business in America that doesn’t want to become a monopoly serving the needs of 100% of consumers”. Sexton then explains that image is most important, and that usually during a competition the contestant with better appearance tends to win. People would rather watch someone attractive without a personality rather than an ugly brainiac. Lastly the author mentions that the education of Reality TV stars is not at all important, since all thy do is humiliate themselves, and by doing so they definitely live a wealthier life than a college graduate.

            I agree with Sexton when he states: “Reality television reinforces several unsound messages that are molding the minds of its young fans”, because reality shows are shallow, uninformative and brainwashing.

            Reality TV shows now a days are shallow. They are about everything and everyone – pregnant sixteen year olds, rich bachelors or self absorbed wives from New Jersey. I stay away from television, since to me it is just a waste of time. Sometimes, but very rarely I happen to watch a movie, but whenever I come across a reality TV show I either change the channel right away or turn the TV off.

            My sister on the other hand who recently became a mother does nothing else in her spare time than watching reality shows. I remember when one time I went to visit her and the baby and “The Jersey Shore” was on. Since I had never seen that show before, believe me when I say I was shocked! All this show consisted off was a bunch of half naked teenagers with fake tans, running around acting like animals (if not worse). Seriously all those kids did was drink, argue and make out. I know that kids of all ages what shows like “The Jersey Shore” and I wonder if their parents really think that by watching such shows their kids get a good example.

            Reality TV targets young people since they are the biggest audience. You would think that because of that TV producers would want kids to learn something from their shows, but in reality it is exactly the opposite. Reality TV shows become more and more childish. Reality TV stars usually come from a rich homes, they have whatever they want and their parents allow them to do everything. Whatever reality TV is showing is exactly what kids are learning from it.

            Instead of putting stress on the importance of education, as Sexton mentions, reality TV is all about competition, so “why go to school and face the difficulties of learning something” when all it takes is getting on a reality show to make lots of money in a short amount of time.

            Reality TV has a very big influence on young people, but not only. However young people are most naïve and tend to believe that whatever they see on TV is true. When I first came to the USA I met this guy – “Johnny Brooklyn”. He was very nice, but there was something strange about him. He spent his whole days walking the street of Greenpoint rapping to himself, but loud enough for others to hear it. I found out from my friends that Johnny’s behavior was influenced by a reality TV show he once saw about his favorite rapper whose name I cannot recall right now. The show was about the rappers entire life and it especially focused around his career. Before he became famous all he did was walk around and rap/sing to himself until one day a famous producer heard him on the street. Johnny Brooklyn was not as lucky. Seven years have passed and I still see him sometimes wondering around Greenpoint rapping.

            In conclusion I find nothing positive about reality TV. It is just a bunch of lies that is being played on TV for people that obviously have no lives. On the onther hand if it weren't for those people, producers of reality TV wouldn't have an audience and that is why they do not focus on education in their shows.