Reality

Reality TV shows have given me cause to think about their value, importance and relevance. I really have enough of my own reality, I don't need the reality of a survivor, an idol, dancers and prancers, models, apprentices, people living in fear, a big brother, a bachelor or bachelorette. Likewise, racers, wife swappers, Orange County or New York or Desperate housewives or Laguna Beach teenagers are certainly not my reality.

The recent return of the Bachelor demonstrates that all that is rotten in realityland TV. Lies, cheating, using, shaming, stealing, hurting someone and selfishness all in the name of fame and fortunate. How unfortunate. This episode, this less than human-being crossed the line. But enough said and time wasted on this.

From 2000 to 2009 nearly two dozen reality shows have emerged. Does everyone think we are interested in their lives? Apparently so. Are we a society of voyeurs? Perhaps. Are our lives so mundane and uninteresting that we need to loose ourselves in that of others? I would really like to figure this one out.

Another interesting phenomenon of the last ten years is car chases. Of course, we have O. J. Simpson to thank for that I suppose. But frankly I don't find 20 - 30 - 40 minutes of cars and helicopters and police in pursuit of a lunatic newsworthy.

Now reality shows are not new to this decade. However in the 80's and 90's COPS was as real as we wanted when police and detective shows could no longer quench our burning desire for intellectual stimulus.

Going back a little bit further The Newlywed Show was one of the first edgy reality TV shows in the 1970's.

Hey, if everyone just did their own laundry, maybe there wouldn't be any time leftover to watch others airing their stinky socks or unwashed underwear.