Comments on: The Tyranny Of Reality TV

By: Rose

Rose — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 20:53:36 +0000

Hi Katy, I guess I really like to write too. And I seem to have an opinion on everything. So your blog was my unsuspecting victim this time!

By: Katy

Katy — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 17:26:36 +0000

So glad to know I’m not the only one!

By: Katy

Katy — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 17:25:37 +0000

Wow, Rose – that’s some heavy-duty analysis! Now I’m wondering if I really DO have a problem! However, I think your “if it’s entertaining, that’s good enough” conclusion is the right one. Life’s hard enough as it is, what with jobs and relationships and assorted other challenges – if I choose to unwind with guilty-pleasure reality TV and someone else chooses to unwind with a guilty-pleasure Lifetiime movie, the end result is the same, isn’t it?

By: Katy

Katy — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 17:19:29 +0000

I see your point, Nick – I haven’t found anyone to root for yet this season, and I’m getting REALLY sick of “Touching Backstory Idol.” And yet, I still watch…

By: Rose

Rose — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 05:26:22 +0000

I meant reality is BAD and so is fiction.

By: Rose

Rose — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 00:36:33 +0000

Hi Katy, This is making me think… I didn’t realize *So You Think You Can Dance” was a reality show. I thought dancing was art. I would like to watch it, but it’s a no for my S.O. He LOVES *Deadliest Catch” and true crime stories. I feel bad for the crabs all crushed together. It makes me not want to eat crab. And the true crime is just depressing. I used to like it, but I realized it was bad for my head. What I DO like is America’s Funniest Home Videos. If you fall, I will laugh. That’s it. I don’t know why. Some would say I’m sadistic. I also love “happy” movies, like Clueless, Legally Blond, Bride Wars, Pretty Woman, Steal Magnolias, even House Bunny – OMG! – girly stuff. It totally grosses me out to see people eat bugs. And I struggle enough with my own weight to want to watch people in diet competition. How do we know they’ll keep it off? THAT’S the REAL contest. My point here is, are my tastes any more admirable than yours? The movies aren’t “reality”, but they’re entertaining like the reality shows. They’re NOT education. Although, personally, I think there’s a lot to learn from Elle Woods’ perennially perky attitude and good deeds done in the face of dour law students. Not to mention Cher’s realization of her self-focus and attempts to change in Clueless. But many will disagree. It’s fluff and pop. It’s not REAL! Ha. So we can’t win either way. Reality is voyeuristic if it’s entertaining. And so is fiction if it’s not REALISTIC enough! In the end, for any of us, I think it’s worth analyzing WHY I am attracted to certain types of entertainment, but not worth feeling guilty. Something about these different shows feels good to us. I think that’s the only point of entertainment. And now that I think of it, I think I’m going to be GRATEFUL that I have the luxury of entertainment! Yes, thank God for that Tivo! My only last thought is that it’s certainly worth analyzing the shadow side of our culture that may be hiding behind these forms of fun. But that is really a job for a trained sociologist or psycho-sociologist if that exists. I think it would be hard to do without some background. Ok, I gotta go! But you really made me think!

By: Nicky

Nicky — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 23:26:54 +0000

Hey, I think i can help you out with your addiction! I think this season of American Idol is pretty awful There are no good singers as far as i can tell. I was a huge fan of David Archuleta and there’s noone even close to him (although there’s a Mexican American who looks exactly like him!) Plus, i think Cara is wackier than Paula. Simon’s on his way out, so i really think we’re watching the death spiral of the show. I think we can safely miss this season if you ask me.

By: Renee

Renee — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 03:53:14 +0000

I spend a little more time on the computer at night. But when I do watch something, it is Idol (and I am glued, don’t even try to talk to me) and things like Mystery diagnosis and things like that. I am also a sucker for Lifetime movies! Your not alone Katy, there are many like you, if there weren’t, they would not have the shows!

By: Katy

Katy — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 02:41:54 +0000

It was an oversight, I assure you!

By: Nicole

Nicole — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 01:01:44 +0000

Katy, I love it!
BUT….How did Make Room For Multiples NOT make it onto your list of “must see Reality TV?!”
xo