Reality TV is So Bad, That it's So Good

Reality TV is supposed to be real. Though, many people, including myself have removed their blinders and realized that, reality TV is actually pretty far from realistic. Knowing this, I still indulge, because let’s face it…it’s addicting. Plus, I’m not the one on national TV, getting drunk, getting laid or trying to marry Ray-J; it is some other person's son, daughter, niece, nephew, whatever, you get the point.

For our viewing pleasure, these reality “stars” choose to place themselves in our living rooms. Unless they’re naïve, concerning the media, they know that their words will be edited and spliced, their embarrassing moments will be honed on, and their morals and values will be judged; analyzed and re-articulated (in or out of context) within the media (and in turn, amongst their peers).

I can accept reality TV, because of the reasons I stated above. I understand that I am not watching real-life. I know the general population would be bored to death watching raw Jenna Pere TV, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. I also know that the crap that I’m giving in to is, for the most part, scripted. Reality TV is the everlasting trend of the 2000s. Unfortunately, all trends, whether withstanding or not, attract “haters”.

Why watch reality TV? The argument always comes up, whether it in the news, around the dinner table or over a few beers. New programs (like my grandmother would say) like the Jersey Shore, stir the pot, and the cycle of analytical banter continues. I know quite a few people who are appalled by the idea of reality television. They’re so put off by it, that during discussion they behave as if the reality TV viewer is a legitimate enemy. They make it seem like every time I turn on Tough Love, a puppy is murdered. They argue that reality TV is dumb-ing down society, and creating negative role models for adolescents. (Because bad parenting within a private household can’t have the same affect?!)

More than likely, their next point is, by watching, we are feeding the egos of undeserving individuals. (Undeserving, because they have no other accomplishments then appearing on reality TV.) Of course, I agree, we are fueling these “stars” egos, but I don’t give it a negative connotation. Why not enlarge their egos? We’ve made George Clooney, Leonardo DiCaprio and Ray Romano recognizable and rich for portraying fake people for our enjoyment… why can’t we accept it, in order to do the same for a person playing themselves? Just because you or I don’t want to make money getting black-out drunk on television (the way you present yourself, is the way you will be perceived) does not mean I mind if someone else has no shame.

If you think about it, because reality TV is altered (whether right from the beginning, or in the editing room) we’re simply watching a drama. Though, it’s not over-dramatic like soap operas, anything on ABC Family or Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Perhaps people find it more irritating because the situations displayed within reality TV attempt to mimic real life. And let’s face it, drama in real life is terribly annoying, energy-draining and time consuming.

Regardless, Reality TV “haters” also have to recognize this… Shows like the Jersey Shore, or the Real World cannot be scripted (take this lightly; I know there are discrepancies within that statement). Episodes have climaxes because they’re edited to, but the drama ensues because they have been positioned that way. Production companies work with the networks and sift through thousands of applications from individuals, vying for their fifteen minutes of fame. These shows are merely human, behavioral experiments. The persons chosen are positioned purposely, and painstakingly to guarantee maximum entertainment a.k.a drama. Based on personality (attitude, openness, and attractiveness etc.), child hood trauma, financial status, political views and without a doubt “view-ability” the conflicts can be assumed.

In a nut shell: The boys from the Jersey Shore are ignorant. The Bad Girls Club hosts girls that are trashy beyond trashy. The Real World kids are embarrassing their parents. Anyone cast on any looking for love shows make themselves seem terribly pathetic. And I love every minute of it.

Patronizing Female Seeks Readers - 22

I’m a college graduate. I did an internship that was exhausting, and sucked up most of my savings. Thank you internship for working me as a slave, having no funds to hire me and paying me solely in experience that, with time, runs dry. So now, I work for Daddy, and look for jobs in between customers. Ideal, isn’t it?

My job gets boring. I sit by myself, with a television, maybe some brain-cell ruining tabloids and the internet. Thankfully the internet has become the world’s number one resource for job hunting. So I spend half my day sending out my resume and cover letter, and cover letter and resume and resume and cover letter. Although it takes practically no effort, for me it’s an anxiety ridden process. To kill time in-between unemployment heart attacks I started poking around in the Craigslist.com personal ads. Here are some examples and a few of my own thoughts, which you can laugh at, or hate on, either way you’re still reading. Craigslist is set up by date, with postings portrayed by headlines first. Personal ads are basically self promotions. Here are a couple of my recent favorites…

Men Searching for Women

“Looking for my future ex wife – 28”; Besides the fact that this headline is generally distasteful, we can all bet a lot of money that he’s never even been a relationship. And if he has, this headline is why he is single.

“WEL HUNG BLACK MAN FOR WHITE WOMAN - 32”; Rumors that black man have bigger penises than white men have been running rampant since forever. Obviously it’s the head on your shoulders that’s not attracting the ladies.

“Miss having a girl in my life – 22”; Being desperate doesn’t work in person. If anybody actually responds to this dudes ad and throws him a pity party, than they belong together.

“GREAT FOOT MASSAGE BY HANDSOME, SANE M…PLEASE B 4 REAL!! – 40”; SERIOUSLY?!?!? If you are announcing in your headline that you are sane, it’s more than likely that you are not.

“tons of bud light! Ladies free beer! – 47”; Someone call "To Catch a Predator"...quickly.

“All women on CL are fake—prove me wrong!!! – 53”; I'm jumping on that bandwagon. Let's go ladies?

Besides the headlines being some of the funniest things I have ever read. The bodies of these ads are even more spectacular, pure gems. If you're ever bored, I suggest you peruse a couple. The majority of them are pathetic ramblings from lonely dudes, who don't think to use spell check or punctuation. Be warned, when you get to the posts that have pictures attached, if you don't run into a photo that is stock/generic like a clip-art rose, or beach scene it's, without a doubt, going to be an unsightly view of their junk.

WOMEN SEARCHING FOR MEN

"J.Lo booty with a heart of gold - w4m - 22"; Good thing the body of her ad talks about how she only wants NSA (no strings attached) sex and to have fun...because that's all she's going to get.

"Did you right ma nayme on tha overpass? SWF - W4M - 25";What does this mean??? Honestly this whole ad is too good, and too confusing not to post the whole thing. If someone can translate this for me, I'd love to know what the hell she is actually asking for.
"Hi I'm slim, petite and very highly sexed in a loving cuckold relationship with my partner Mark. I am seeking a special friend for longer term sexual friendship, someone who is comfy with the idea of me cuckolding mark. Looking for a genuine fun loving guy, preferably who can me in front of my partner, but not essential. Seeking a genuine guy who wants to be my main source of fun, who is prepared to on occasions stay with me at my partners. "

"Hot pussy girl - w4m - 27”; I think she got her point across.

"Neglected, Pregnant and extrmely - w4m - 28”; UM, this one scares me. I'm sorry unborn child.

Until next time....