Different Levels of Reality

When one normally thinks of reality TV, he or she will imagine a concept or idea constructed by producers meshed into some sort of theme or recurring situation. In the end, they think of some whacked situation which they can somehow turn into a lucrative TV program. There are many levels of "real" situations within the "Reality TV" genre.

I would consider the show "Cops" the most legitimate and concrete version of reality. When the show was created at the beginning of the 1990s, it was just cameramen following cops in various regions of the country performing their everyday duties. There would always be some crazy, unimaginable situations from episode to episode which ultimately made for good TV. Producers did come up with the concept and decide to put it on camera, but most of the show was pretty much as real as you can get. The events and people on the show are actual crimes. Chasing drug dealers with $10,000 worth of cocaine and oxycontins down the highway (sometimes the opposite side) going 80-90 mph... That's a screwed up, but a real situation. When they chase these people out the car, through the fields, and into the helicopter spotlight; you know that stuff's really going down. You can't stage this stuff unless it's a Tom Cruise film or something. I would consider "Cops" the most authentic version of Reality TV.

A show like the "Real World," I would call a deceitful type of reality. Yeah, it's people just living together as room mates having their lives taped on a day to day basis. Well, that's what it's advertised as. If you were in a house and cameramen were following you around and recording you at every moment, would you truly act as you normally do? No. You'd put on a show or twist things to make you seem cooler, funnier, smarter, whatever. The whole show is overly produced. Music doesn't play in the background of your life in the real world. You don't have two separate hairstyles and earrings in a minute long fight with your room mate. It's not the REAL WORLD. It's the edited world. And in the new seasons, the casts don't have job assignments! What's up with the that? That's not the real world. That's just living the high life paid for by MTV.

And finally I would consider "The Bachelorette" a distorted reality. Let's get real for a second. Do men actually chase after and flock to the same woman for her love and hand in marriage? I'm sorry, but it's usually women that are the needy ones doing the chasing. Men do not really go after women and compete for their love. Guys are more like, on to the next one. I have quite a few female friends and they're always asking me for advice about how to get this one guy. I always tell them to move on if he doesn't want you or show you the time of day. Yet, they still are all deeply attracted and attached to that one guy they're sweating over. Plus, our society considers women past the age of 35 who still aren't married desperate, or just a lesbian. This show is just a sorry excuse to attract female viewers who dream of this type of fairytale moment. All women would love 20 guys to compete for their love. In reality, chances of that happening are pretty slim.

Ethical Television: What's Socially Acceptable?

So as I was thinking of a topic pertaining to media studies, I began considering whether American television is indeed ethical. Or is it unethical? I don't know if you would consider this reality television, but I began thinking about Award Shows and Major Sports Events broadcast on TV. Although it is somewhat staged and produced, it's pretty much real life events. Singing for a group or show of people. Playing football for your crowd of fans. It's pretty much reality. Well, we only see a little bit of reality. We never actually see what physically goes on behind the scenes. I began thinking of a few examples of what has been seen on American television in relation to ethics.

The first example of what I would consider Unethical television is the Britney, Xtina, and Madonna kiss at the opening of the 2003 Video Music Awards. I know everyone either saw it or heard about it somewhere. It was all over the news and entertainment updates. So at about the middle of their show-stopping routine, Madonna (who's about mid 40s at this point & getting pretty tired) spins around both Britney and Christina, then kisses them each for about 2 seconds per gal. It wasn't just like a cutesy peck for the kids, there was tongue. It was basically MTV selling sex. But the best part about it all is that it was aired on television. Somewhere along the line, a producer or executive for MTV figured it was okay to feature three women kissing each other at the opening of a live show on television. It was shown all over TV as if the public was fascinated with what went down. If it were two famous gay men at the opening, it never would have went down. No producer or executive in their right mind would even dare consider it. Everyone would turn off their TVs. Right? Because two gay men are not as socially acceptable as two gay (or three) gay/bi women.

The second example I thought of is also Unethical television. When Janet Jackson's breast was exposed at the 2004 Superbowl. Well, technically Justin Timberlake ripped a piece of her black suit off and revealed her breast. But that was never really discussed in the media. Janet's a woman. It's her own fault. If you don't realize, I'm being sarcastic about all this. It's just as much Janet's fault as it is Justin's fault as it is MTV's (produced the half time show that year) fault as it is the FCC's fault. Once her breast was made public with piercing and all, it stayed on the screen for about 5 seconds. Where was the FCC on that one? They probably weren't even at their monitors or control room. Probably not even paying attention. Or I bet the men in charge were fascinated and lost train of thought. The fact of the matter is her breast never should have come out on television! Yet, it did. Even if it wasn't planned, the second you see Justin Timberlake's hand touch Janet's breast... You cut, fade to black. I still don't understand what actually happened. But I do know Janet got way more media speculation than Justin. Again, what does our society consider socially acceptable and ethical?

Representation of "Reality" on Television

The media tends to falsely represent reality to its audiences by carefully selecting ideas, constructing plot lines, and formulating situations for its shows. Often, what we see on television is a constructed idea or image which is represented as something different from one's own reality.

One may consider "The Bachelor" a reality TV show because it is represented and presented that way, but is it truly reality? Yeah, the idea of dating and falling in love is a reality that happens in most people's lives. But I wouldn't consider competing for the love of a handsome and wealthy doctor/athlete/businessman/pilot in a competition among 19 other good looking women an ACTUALITY. Life doesn't always work that way in a fantasy dream world where you get the opportunity to win a good looking and successful man's affection.

The show is portraying the wrong reality to young girls that bachelors are young, good looking, desired, unmarried men. That's an "eligible" bachelor, and clearly not every bachelor is at his prime. Plus these episodes are thoroughly planned out between the settings, the dates, and the rose distribution ceremonies. While this show is not entirely scripted and staged, I wouldn't call it a full reality. Producers continuously represent this notion of "reality" within dating shows as events only fantasized or dreamed of. There's a consistent plot and formula to each season of the show that keeps its female viewers watching.

Pitching a Reality TV Show

Reality TV Production:
Reality Show Pitching

So I was watching this video online with reality TV show producer, Mark Cronin, who talks personally about pitching concepts for TV networks. Mark Cronin's production company "Mindless Entertainment" joined with Cris Abrego's "51 Pictures to Form 51 Minds" to eventually produce way too many reality dating shows on VH1. It started with the "Surreal Life" where they filmed a house full of washed up celebrities AKA Vanilla Ice... and Trishelle from RW Las Vegas? Then Flavor of Love, I Love New York, Rock of Love, Charm School, and still hundreds of more invested shows to come. In the video, he explains that it is important to always have a compelling way to present the idea to whichever group of executives you are meeting with. He says you have to consider every person in the room who may be potentially purchasing your show idea, and convince them all or as many as possible that your show is good. His advice is to present an idea that will go in into the future, because networks love shows that go on instead of short lasting shows that cost them money (I'm sure they're all millionaires anyways).

He maintains that a good show must have some sort of repeated format with a continuous formula that will WORK. I could have told you that. Studios want something that will continuously pull the same profiting tricks... like "Glee." He describes his experiences pitching and says that he tries to make everyone in the room laugh and make them believe a concept or show is funny. Well yeah if you're pitching a funny show, it would probably be a good idea to aim to make people die laughing. Just pull out your tricks. That's what I would do. Cronin also heeds some advice to aspiring reality TV show producers, stating that most networks only talk to people who have agents. And the agents must be well-known in the industry because the execs don't have much time to waste. If they're going to waste time to meet with you, they better believe the agent when he or she tells them you're good at producing. My favorite line is this cocky one, "If you are not a professional (TV) reality show producer, you have an enormous uphill battle." I guess you have to be really determined, as well as have a really great and lucrative concept.

"The Hills" Finally Concluded as Fake

One of MTV's most popular TV shows "The Hills" FINALLY concluded a few weeks ago, and the final episode was quite the treat for fans who just wanted the producers to tell us all that it was actually fake and overly-produced. If you really thought after all these seasons that the show was legitimately these girls' lives, you were seriously mistaken and/or living in a dream world. From the long-shots of Lauren and Audrina sipping frappucinos at some chic Hollywood cafe from across the street to perfect head-on shots of Justin Bobby pulling up to the club in his motorcycle at 11 pm... There was just no way these events were real and just happened to be caught on film perfectly at the precise time. It was all planned and mapped out from the beginning. The jobs, situations, friends, and drama the girls had on this show were clearly made up by some clever writers and producers who knew exactly what would sell to oblivious teenage girls. Some of the things that went down on "The Hills" were so gossipy and dramatic that it was almost like a drug to keep young girls watching every week and see whose life was going to "dramatically change" as MTV would advertise.

After six seasons and the departure of "The Hills" original protagonist Lauren Conrad, MTV knew it was time to give it up and put this show to an end. Regardless of how popular and successful it has become, there were just no more situations producers could possibly think of. I'm not going to get into everything that went down on the hour-long snooze fest of a finale, but it upset a lot of fans including myself. The final episode ended with Kristin and Brody giving their sappy goodbyes to one another followed by Kristin driving away down the street off into the sunset of the Hollywood hills to a slowed-down remixed version of the show's theme song. Then, as no one would actually expect to happen, the set's background is pulled away on rollers and the viewer clearly sees it is a back lot of some production studio. With lighting crews, cameramen, and the Hollywood Sign being taken down by the show's production team; the last scene of the final episode finally acknowledges the fact that much of the show has been unreal and edited all these years. Kristin's car didn't even make it 100 feet down the street! It wasn't even a real street you find out! You clearly see her car (who knows if its even hers) stop in the middle of the set once the scene's falseness has been revealed. It was nice to know in the ending that the show was set up, but the producers really didn't need to go as far as essentially showing its loyal viewers the deception and lies that went into making each scene appear realistic.

Makeover Reality Shows

Makeover reality TV shows are probably some of the most demoralizing, shameful shows on television. The producers of these shows pick the most out of this world people who wear orange sweatpants, purple sweaters, and worn-out sneakers on a daily basis. Then, they'll tell these people (mostly women) they are due for a makeover and point out every single one of their flaws. Once they have torn apart their own individual styles... they will give these women free makeovers to "boost their self esteem." In reality, the hosts and makeovers teams on these shows are simply scrutinizing the participants and making them feel like they're the ugliest pieces of **** ever.

Anyone remember The Swan ? If you don't, let me just break it down for you. People with basically deformed faces and body parts would appear on the show and get free nose jobs, teeth re-alignment, eyebrow lifts, you name it. At the beginning of the show there would be like an interview segment with some pretty horrendous looking human beings. It wasn't their faults. Some got into accidents, were involved in burn incidents, or just born with disproportionate faces and hairy bodies. They would explain their story and ask the people (surgeons) of "The Swan" for help. At the beginning, they would look in the mirror and see a hideous person looking back at them. Basically, as a way for the staff to demean whichever contestant was lucky enough to get free plastic surgery. At the end of the hour-long show, the person would look like a model after about 5-10 different surgeries. Then all the transformed ladies would compete in a pageant, which none of America would watch. It was a rather scandalous show and was taken off the air immediately because it was just plain awful. Awful - in the sense... Not morally right.

British Epidemic on Reality TV

It seems these days like there's a plague of notably wealthy British people on reality TV. The outbreak has produced some of the most successful television shows in American history, which are mostly all spin-offs of popular shows in Britain. They already have millions of dollars, so why do these Brits come here and invade our television sets with new reality competitions? Because they have lucrative ideas we haven't thought of yet.

Simon Cowell - You love him, you hate him... Don't matter. Has anyone ever wondered why this judge is the head of the judging panel, gets the heftiest paycheck, and is giving his opinions on AMERICAN Idol? He's not even American! Who are you to judge and tear American people apart, Simon? Probably because him and Simon Fuller co-created the show as well as co-founded the Spice Girls. This man's loaded and he knows what works on television and what will sell. He came across the pond simply to expand his reality TV empire, and he's pretty much in control of the TV industry at this moment in time.

Gordon Ramsay - This guy has to be one of the loudest, meanest, and rudest people on television. He comes to America, like Simon, and just tells everyone on his show to **** Off. Usually when you go to another country, you try to make a good impression. Not Gordon Ramsay, he'll tell you like it is. If your corn is burning on the broiler, he'll take the hot corn over to you and throw the pot full of hot water at the wall. Then these poor contestants have to start over every time he's dissatisfied. I honestly don't care if you're American or British; there's no need to completely lose it every time a contestant makes a mistake. It makes you look bad as a professional chef who owns a restaurant. I wouldn't want to work at your restaurant anyways. Why do people even go on Hell's Kitchen?

These are just a few examples of Reality TV Brits. Others include:

Jo Frost - The stereotypical British nanny from "Supernanny" (like Mary Poppins)

Len Goodman - Judge on "Dancing with the Stars" (was originally head judge on the British version "Strictly Come Dancing")

Piers Morgan - Judge on "America's Got Talent." Does anyone actually watch that show?

Media Moguls

I consider a "media mogul" to be someone well known in the media industry that has risen to great success and has branched off into several other areas of artistic work within the industry. It's someone who has pretty much worked their way to the top from nothing. You know how the story goes. These types of media mogul celebrities have launched numerous brands in their names, have worked in print, music, film, fashion... you name it. They're ultimate goal is to invest in new products, make millions, and work their way to the top of the Forbes 100 each year. As these already insanely wealthy people make their ways towards new endeavors, a new trend is producing and directing their own reality shows to air on the cable network with the highest bidding price.


First Case: Kimora Lee Simmons

I don't know if anyone watches or keeps up with "Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane" on E!, but let me just tell you... this woman has no need for anymore income in her home. With the amount of money shooting into her bank account every minute, there is no need to be a diva ALL the time. She has about a million staff workers which she provides with crazy demands and outrageous deadlines. She started out as a model in the 80s (worked with Tyra in Milan; she's only said it about 10-20 times on her show), married the co-founded of Def Jam music label Russel Simmsons (immensely wealthy also), divorced him, and used all of his assets to expand her own empire. She basically used all of poor Russel's money to invest in the fashion line HE created, Baby Phat. Well, now that Kimora's Presient and Creative Director of Baby Phat she really has no financial concerns to worry about. She's just constantly building mansions, appearing in print, promoting Baby Phat, and on TV. Although she has a major tude, girl knows how to get down to business.


Second Case: Diddy (P. Diddy, Puff Daddy, Puffy)

He's definitely a media mogul, but at times very obnoxious. He has his fashion line "Sean Sean" (which is outrageously overpriced at Macy's unless you go to Burlington Coat Factory), his own cologne, record label, and other pointless enterprises. He's had at least 3 reality competitions on MTV looking for singers, rappers, dancers for whatever hip-hop group, girl group, or R&B male group he wants to sign to his label next. He'll barely be in an episode of "Making the Band." His segments are mostly prerecorded because he's most likely away in other countries promoting himself and negotiating new business deals. The show is lame because no matter how hard he tries to make money, the members of the groups he picks suck! There were way better contestants he let go because they had small boobs, couldn't get donations in the streets of NYC, or couldn't make it across NYC in a day to his office. Every time he's on TV, he just seems so egotistical and cocky to me. He tells people what to do all the time like Kimora only cause he's got the money. Wish I could promote my name and image on vodka and get paid for it. Must be a tough life for him.

Celebreality

While many often try to get their shot at fame by going on Reality TV, celebrities realistically get hired for money to let cameras enter their homes/environments and document their "everyday lives. The celebrities are obviously already famous so one must wonder, "Are they going broke and desperately need the money? Is it for attention? What's the deal?" There are several reasons both explained and unexplained as to why celebrities agree to appear on reality television. Celebreality shows, in my own definition, is essentially --- a show documenting a mediocre famous person or persons' lives which is usually portrayed as "normal" and "real."

Yet, episodes of Nick and Jessica going on weekly getaways AKA vacations paid for by the production crew (MTV), is not really what one would consider an ordinary occurrence. Nick Lachey (of 98 Degrees fame- "I Do (Cherish you)," & "The Hardest Thing") and Jessica Simpson (of her father's employment "I Think I'm in Love with You" & "With you") are prime examples of how television can ruin a marriage. Did anyone notice when "Newlyweds" premiered in 2003 both their albums were coming out? Jessica came out with a bunch of singles, toured, promoted her album on the show, performed at the VMAs, and her and Nick hosted Saturday Night Live as a couple.

Um, hello, Jess clearly knew no one was buying her obnoxious over-singing albums. She had to promote herself somehow. She put on the Dumbo act, her father booked the appearances, and she did whatever she could on "Newlyweds" to hype a new single. I was probably 15 or 16 watching Newlyweds in my room and I'm watching her film the music video for "These Boots are Made for Walkin." And I'm thinking in my head "How much more exploitation and trashier is this girl going to get to make it to the top?" It was basically like MTV was promoting the show as a documentary style 30-minute look into the life of a famous, glamorous "celbrity." Whether or not anyone considers Jessica Simpson a celeb is up for debate. Personally, she's done. Dead to America. Go eat some more of Regina George's chocolate weight loss bars and travel the world with whatever desperate boyfriend you have going for you.

After a while, both America and Nick were getting sick of Jess' obnoxiously unintelligent & over the top personality. She is very good looking, or was, I will totally agree with that. But she just needs to give it up. Her singing is mediocre. Live, in concert, she belts out tunes like a broken radio losing reception. Just because you have your own show doesn't mean the world's fascinated with you. Basically, to sum up the idea of "Celebreality" --- It's just when famous people are financially not in a good place and need a promoting tactic to get their faces seen, voices heard, artistic work made available to the public. You get the idea. The reason the public is so interested in celebrity reality shows is because they are curious to know about what actually goes on in a celebrity's life. But after 3 or 4 seasons; America's interested in a new, cooler, funnier celebrity show like "Kendra" and "Holly's World."

There are multiple other examples of shows like "Newlyweds" which have helped and/or destroyed a celebrity's career. I simply chose to discuss "Newlyweds" because it's a prime example of how these celebrity shows may bring in money, but ultimately when the show's over and the cameras stop rolling these celebrities have nothing. No visual medium to get them seen and talked about. They have to rely on the public's likability at that point. But usually after a celebrity's reality show ends, he or she becomes a hot mess train wreck.

Kourtney & Khloe Minus Kim

Ok, so no matter what kind of television you watch.. Even if you HATE the Kardashian sisters, I'm sure you all have at least flipped past E! on your remotes and watched "Kourtney & Khloe Take Miami" for at least 30 seconds. So I love them & I think Khloe is the best one workin her curves and all... But let's start from the beginning.

Who are these girls and why are they famous again?

Oh yeah. Kourtney (oldest), Kim (middle), and Kourtney (youngest) are the daughters of Robert Kardashian and Kris Jenner as she is currently called. Robert Kardashian was one of the attorneys for O.J. Simpson. I know, I know. Why is O.J. still roaming the streets? Let's move on with the Kardashians. Has everyone been keeping up? LOL. They have a brother named Rob who used to date a Cheetah girl. He's a Kardashian too. Robert and Kris divorced in 1990. I'm pretty sure they're all of some sort of Armenian descent.

Their paternal mother Kris remarried Olympic athlete Bruce Jenner in 1991, whom they have two daughters with. Kendall and Kylie. Bruce has a son, Brody Jenner, from his second marriage before Kris came along. Brody was the one who dated Kristin Cavallari during Laguna Beach (she was obsessed with him). Her and LC had drama, and that's why Lauren got her own show "The Hills."

Basically, fast forward 12 year's from OJ's murder trial to 2007 and Kim is making huge headlines on national television for a scandalous sex tape with R&B singer Ray J. He had his own dating show on VH1, and may I just add he is gross. Then that same year in October, E! premiered "Keeping Up With the Kardashians" (produced by Ryan Seacrest's production company). Kim made bank off the tape I'm sure, the two other sisters got their exposure, and now they have their own spin-off show in Miami. And Kim is pissed, but still famous.

But anyways, Kim is considered a celebutante and adored by girls and women around the world. Everyone knows how the guys feel. I don't need to go there. It seems like anyone who lives in Los Angeles and has a family member who was at one point in time in the media... can somehow score their own reality TV show. They have multiple clothing stores and a clothing line. They're featured in magazines everywhere I go... Always at CVS. They wear designer clothes all the time and drive Porsches. They're rich and everywhere!

And here I am sitting here writing this blog for my "Foundations of Media Studies" class, trying to get a degree. And these girls got famous and rich because:
a) They're father appeared in a historical trial
b) Their mother remarried another semi-famous guy with money.
c) Kim had a sex tape.

The fact of the matter is, fame has different meanings and interpretations to everyone. If you consider someone who's had face time a "star," you need to get real. Fame is something you earn, work hard, and give your all to achieve. You must be focused and driven. You must create amazing work to be recognized and set your goals extremely high. You must give back in some way or form to society. That's my idea of a famous celebrity. Someone who has established their mark in the industry in whatever field they passionately love. Someone who is highly renowned around the world for good things. As I stated before I love them, but the Kardashian sisters got lucky. They may be famous, but their fame ultimately has no value to any of us other than pure entertainment for men AND women. They will continue to saturate the media until all the media consumption has worn us out. As for now, I'll watch them to get a good laugh until something better comes out.

My Favorite Reality TV Family & Profanity

My absolute favorite show in middle school was The Osbournes. Whether you do or don't condone much profanity in your life or enjoy obscenity, you still have to admit this was one of the funniest reality TV shows MTV has ever had. It was also the realest of any family to appear on television at the time. It was a huge phenomenon and I still have seasons 1 & 2 somewhere in my closet on DVD. Also, the whole show was based around a family with an already famous father, Ozzy Osbourne, the Prince of Darkness.

Although there was pretty much a swear and a bleep at least every 5 minutes, you really saw this family behaving as their normal dysfunctional selves at home. At times I would think to myself "OMG. Did Sharon just really call Kelly a **** (Figure it out)?" They would exchange some of the most awful words to one another, but at the end of every segment their love for one another overcame the arguing. At least once every episode you would see the family together at some activity or event, still being dysfunctional, but always supportive of one another. Whether Ozzy called Jack a ****ing Idiot or told Sharon to **** Off, you just knew this family was not putting on an act or playing games.

The profanity was always censored, but it was just hilarious because everyone knew what they were really saying. I completely understand that the censoring is so children don't learn these words at a young age, but its still so blatantly offensive. It's just funny to me because a lot of people watched and enjoyed the show for several seasons, but no one ever really sat down and thought about the how this family was treating one another like viscious enemies. This could easily cause a child to act in these ways towards his parents. But many just don't really care or think about it. To me, it totally doesn't matter at all. If I ever have kids, I know sooner or later they're gonna be exposed to the world and learn these things. Why restrict them? Overall, I give The Osbournes an A+ for reality.

Reality TV's #1 Villain... OMAROSA!

Whether you agree or disagree, it's pretty obvious that Omarosa made the 1st season of The Apprentice a hit. By "hit," I mean it had more viewer's than Hell's Kitchen at the time (Gordon Ramsey's a major douche bag too) and Donald Trump's toupee was the talk of the town. The real reason why the show was originally watched be so many was because of Omarosa's feisty attitude and bitchy remarks, which drew viewers in week by week. For some reason, Americans love seeing a bitchy black woman in action. Why the show has continued on for this long and even features celebrities now...(Don't they already have jobs?)no one really knows for sure. But he matter of the fact is... this scam of a show not only put more money into Donald Trump's pockets, but created reality TV's most shamefully infamous villain of all time.

Omarosa has taken advantage of her "fame" and has appeared on countless other reality shows, talk shows, and guest spots on television. And on whichever show she appears, she somehow manages to offend and aggravate whomever invited her there in the first place. Every reality show has at least one villainous person thrown into the mix, but it just so happened that Omarosa's extremely vindictive behavior gained her some extra publicity which is EXACTLY what she wanted. Everyone knows it's either her way or no way. One thing I could never stand about her was her ability to always come up with some reason for why someone is being racist towards her. Sometimes I just want to jump into the TV screen and tell her, "Listen. It has nothing to do with your race... You're just a completely vicious, atrocious, and obnoxious human being. Why are you so rude to every damn person you encounter?!"

Yet, the media and the public can't get enough of her (Not in the good way). Six years after her first appearance on television, she still invades our homes with her bullshit and ridiculous nonsense. She is not a good representation of what she considers herself as a "strong businesswoman." Professional businesswomen at least have class. She is what one would consider the epitome of a "Reality TV Villain" and a Fame Whore(Not in the sense of being promiscuous, but more starving for attention).

Product Placement on Reality TV

So I was thinking the other day about how easy it is for well-known and influential brand names to promote and place several products in hour-long reality competitions, as opposed to a scripted drama or sitcom. As many people just don't bother watching the commercials (between bathroom breaks and snack time); it makes much more sense for many popular brands to secretly advertise their products through the duration of the actual show. By "secretly" I mean none of this kind of advertising is rehearsed, scripted, and made into a commercial; although it is still quite apparent that episode after episode a number of popular reality shows continue to promote the same products.


The simplest example is American Idol, which is notorious for plugging a number of items and products each and every season. I'm sure everyone has realized by now that Coca Cola sponsors the show in some way, as the judges are ALWAYS drinking out of the same classic red Coca Cola cups. Whether it's at the auditions or the Kodak Theater, Simon is always taking a sip out of those cups as he tears each contestant's dreams apart. Coke is advertised so much throughout the show brainwashing its audience with repeated images of the hugely popular cola brand. It's basically a marketing tactic to give the brand some sort of credibility. When the American public sees the Coke cups being used (even though they are most likely filled with water) by the judges over and over again, it may persuade some that it is a much preferred and accepted product.

Also, Ford Motor Company always advertises its cars in the later stages of the competition. Each week, the contestants make some musical commercial of them driving a Ford car with a new location and situation. Ryan Seacrest always gives behind-the-scenes looks at these upcoming commercials and always previews into a new one. Yeah, they're technically commercials... but the audience is too easily convinced that it's part of the whole "Becoming Famous" theme of the entire show. The Ford commercials are portrayed as a part of the whole selection process and who can succeed on camera, even though they have pretty much nothing to do with the singing aspect of the competition. It's just another scheme for a huge corporation to advantageously place a product in a popular reality show where it will be seen and noticed.

Real Reality Vs. Faux Reality

Educational television channels such as The Science Channel and The History Channel have shows such as "The Deadliest Catch" and "Ice Road Truckers" which illustrate and provide insight to real people doing hard and dangerous jobs. This is not to be confused with an ABC program such as "Dancing With The Stars" which is rehearsed, scripted, produced, and even sometimes prerecorded before the actual "live" recording.

Before Phil Harris (RIP) died earlier this year from a stroke, every time watching his show you would know this is realistic and not planned because it takes place in nature. There are crabs the size of someone's head!! In huge nets, in 50mph winds rainstorms.. Crabs everywhere so him and his team can provide us all with some crab meat! Also, on Ice Road Truckers you would think some of those men driving those trucks are lunatics for agreeing to go on those missions through Alaska, in legit CRAZY blizzards, to transport some supply for the oil industry up North near the Arctic Zone. They were driving on ice in huge trucks carrying pipes and stuff. That's dangerous and informative! All for a couple-thousand dollar paycheck. Come on, you cannot tell me that is not some real reality. Some people may say all reality TV is fake, but History and Science Channel promote authentic, credible content. How could any of that possibly be planned? Unless they were psychic...

If you know a show such as "Laguna Beach" (Sorry to all the Laguna Beach fans, but that shit was definitely planned out by Lauren)is somewhat planned out and rehearsed... that is fake reality. It may look like a real situation, but those girls talked on the phone about what they were gonna say on camera while Laguna was being filmed. Also, Super Nanny is NOT real reality!!! That is a just a plain stereotype of an ol' British nanny just like Mary Poppins. The woman on that show was hired.

Reality TV's Ability to Turn Contestants Into Celebrities

Every once in a blue moon, a renowned contestant on a reality series will break out from other contestants on the show and make a name for themselves. Yet, no matter how popular or successful they may become... They are also recognized for and linked back to the show which somehow made them famous. Here, I present a few cases.

Elizabeth Hasselbeck - After appearing on "Survivor: The Australian Outback" in 2001, Elizabeth became a popular co-host and enthusiast on The View during its 2002 season. Following Lisa Ling's departure in 2003, Elizabeth was asked by Barabara Walters herself to become one of the official hosts of the show and serve as the conservative, right wing nut at the table. Despite her many uninformed discussions and controversial opinions during "Hot Topics," you gotta give this woman credit for not only marrying a former professional football player, but becoming such a widely recognized villain on television even causing Rosie to quit early!

Lauren Conrad - I'm sure everyone can agree that MTV's "Laguna Beach" and "The Hills" are a bunch of boloney (Or however you spell it. Think "Oscar Meyers"). Although considered real-life situations in the early stages of promotion and advertising for Laguna, everyone eventually figured out those high school kids were being followed by camera men. Is that what happens in reality to you on a daily basis? Anyways, "Laguna Beach" followed with "The Hills," which documented the notorious LC leaving Laguna for the Hollywood Hills to attend fashion school in L.A. and work at Teen Vogue. Basically, she has her own fashion line now, cosmetic line, and brand that has carried her name for several years. You may despise her, but Conrad is fairly noticed by teens and adults around the country.

Adrianne Curry - After appearing on the 1st season of "America's Next Top Model," she pursued a modeling career and eventually broke away from Tyra's antics to appear on VH1's "The Surreal Life." On that show, she showed America her true craziness and even met her future-husband Christopher Knight AKA Peter Brady. Her and Chris got their own spinoff show on VH1 titled "My Fair Brady," which ultimately bombed in the ratings and no one watched. But hey, she managed to marry someone with $$ and a little bit of fame. Good for her!

There are many other examples I could go on about, including pretty much every American Idol winner (minus Taylor Hicks), but that would take forever. The fact of the matter is reality television every now and then has the ability to produce a celebrity of some degree. These characters portrayed in the media sometimes carry enough charisma and energy to represent for all the struggling, wannabe actors/singers/models/talent praying to make it big like Elizabeth.

Negative Stereotypes of Women on VH1

It's quite obvious that a number of reality shows, past and present, on VH1 have presented some of the most negative stereotypes of women on television. The producers definitely have a consistent formula in which they pick the most shameful, dramatized, and outlandish women to appear on some phony dating show. It's not only demeaning to women, but it portrays them as popular & wild party girls which can be misleading to young girls. We all know how girls often compete with one another to fit in. It's the scandalous representations of women on shows such as these in which people accept and adopt overtime.

WARNING
This post contains some offensive language, but only for the use of informing. It is not intended to attack or degrade women. If you don't enjoy reading such content, I would suggest not reading any further.
WARNING

As I watched all three seasons of both Flavor of Love (with Flaaaaavooorrr Flaaaaav!) and Rock of Love (with Bret Michaels from Poison) religiously on a weekly basis, I have pretty much broken down the classical stereotypical roles taken on by some of the relentless women on these shows. I will go over just a few which I find to be the most detrimental perceptions of women.

First we have the most awful, yet frequent stereotype of all. Let's get this one out of the way. The "Dumb Slut" is often the girl who's insecure, all over one of the nasty leading men of the show, and doesn't know her right from her left. Yes, this role is deplorable, but it's persistent and often discussed about on TV. Female contestants looking to get their big break on reality TV will confess of their numerous sexual experiences and, as odd as it seems, promote their stupidity.

Second is the "Gold Digger," who is the one who really has no physical attraction to the leading man and pretty much hates every person in the house. Her main and only objective is to somehow win and get some money out of the experience. This stereotype is represented of women all the time. You know. "Why go to college or work when I can just find a hot, wealthy businessman to take care of me?" It's a deceptive and distinctive trait viewed of many women. I know women are smarter than that and don't all think such delusional thoughts. Reality dating shows love to flaunt and draw attention to these inexcusable money-hungry women. By the way, not that my opinion matters... But money is just an object. It will not buy anyone happiness. It usually creates a lot more problems and misery. Just personal experience.

There's also the "Huge Bitch" who overpowers and tries to intimidate everyone. Come on, you see the banner of my blog. New York is the HBIC. The "Ugly Duckling" is the one who's sweeter, nicer, and more intelligent than every other girl competing; but gets eliminated within the first few episodes because her face isn't symmetrical or body's not proportionate. Basically, whatever the guy defines as "attractive." I don't have to explain anymore. You all know and realize that stereotypes of women on television are insensitive.

Jackass: 'Copycat' Behavior

Several seasons on the air and two hit movies, the popular MTV television show Jackass has undoubtedly attracted a generation of viewers young and old. Overtime the show has not only become a prominent media success, but infamous for its revered personalities and their crazy, foolish antics. Jackass' mass audience has clearly been influenced by some of the ridiculous stunts on the show, often attempting to mimic or recreate the actions of their favorite characters. Much of the targeted juvenile population that has grown up watching the hilarious program have come to view the "celebrity" type figures on it as role models. Essentially, these young Jackass viewers see Johnny Knoxville and Steve-o as fun, outgoing, likable individuals which ultimately causes this sort of copycat behavior. There have been a number of news stories and even YouTube videos depicting teenagers attempting to be like their perceived role models.

It seems as if even with the blatant "Don't Try This At Home" warning before the opening credits, the behaviors of Jackass' main audience are powered by the representation of coolness and confidence. The media produce this kind of activity that is known to be well-liked and admired among particularly young males. Yet, many of the outrageous stunts are continuously hyped up with the comedic result overshadowing the dangerousness of the actual exploits. Seeing others do outlandish things and inevitably hurt themselves in the process is seemingly fun to watch. In reality, this outward behavior would attract more negative attention than recognition.

Cast of Jersey Shore Asked to Delete Their Twitters Before Filming of Season 2

Recently, MTV has employed a number of new and altered tactics in order to keep the details of the popular hit "reality series" Jersey Shore under wraps. As a strategic move to keep the hype going for Season 2 this summer, MTV executives have forbidden the cast from using social media while in the production and post-production process. While social networking is considered by some networks as a great method of maintaining the viewers' interests during the airing of a show, MTV insists that Twitter updates will harm the success of the 2nd Season.

During American Idol, contestants are allowed to update their Facebooks and Twitter accounts to interact with their fan base. But, producers overlook all updates and statuses before being officially posted online. Once something is on the world wide web, it doesn't matter if it's on there for 30 seconds and then taken down... Someone (out of the billions of people who browse the web a day) will read it and spread the word.

Obviously though, Jersey Shore isn't in the same format as Idol which is usually aired live. Once the airing of American Idol is finished, the public already knows what has happened. Therefore, the use of social media is permitted to keep fans interacted and quenching for more. With Jersey Shore, the production process occurs over several months allowing only the cast and crew to know what has gone down. Prohibiting the use of Twitter is most likely a discrete line of attack to protect the "story" from being revealed. The less that is disclosed to the public, the better the odds are of Jersey Shore Season 2 becoming more discussed on Twitter than ever before.

"The Real Housewives of New York City" Season 3 - Highest Rated Finale in Series History

On June 3, Season 3 of "The Real Housewives of NYC" scored the highest-rated finale in the history of the series. It even beat out the finales of Atlanta and the notrious New Jersey season. Remember when that crazy Italian woman flipped the table at her own dinner party when Danielle called her out? CRAZINESS! 1.76 million adults within the 18-49 age category tuned in for the drama-filled season finale, with an estimated total of 2.64 million viewers altogether. That's a lot of Moms and young, aspiring housewives. Bravo's newest innovation, the "Talk Bubble," allowed fans to chat with one another and gossip about the final episode via Facebook, Twitter, and their mobile phones as the finale aired. The Talk Bubble, as stated online, receives a remarkable 1.89 million page hits a day. A "hit" is just another word for "views," made up by some computer geek somewhere. Bravo is corporately owned by it's parent company, NBC Universal Cable Entertainment. And of course the media conglomerate Universal Studios owns NBC.

The Talk Bubble is not only an excellent marketing device for attracting viewers, but a part of one of the newest crazes on television. The internet, especially blogging, has become the hottest trend right now in social networking. Hit reality shows such as "The Real Housewives" and many others are now able to obtain the public's opinions on what part of the shows their audiences love, hate, and could do without. The media advantageously promotes their cable networks' own Twitter and Facebook accounts as a scheme to advertise and endorse related products. Have you ever noticed Bravo and NBC often air commercials for films produced by Universal Studios? It's all in their master plan to gain media attention, such as this show becoming the highest-rated finale in Housewives history. This news, although not relevant to one's own life, is all over the internet. If you haven't read or heard somewhere about the reports surrounding this post, you're obviously living under a rock. The ability to simultaneously chat with other fans and viewers as your favorite show takes place has granted a show like this high recognition and publicity in the media.

Survivor... Edited in the Wilderness

As many see on television, Survivor depicts average people surviving in the wild and competing in eliminations to see who can last the longest. It may look like they are alone and no one is around to help them, yet is this what is actually happening? While they are generally interviewed all day long and do express "real" thoughts, the producers and editing team work their magic to make theses survivors seem as dramatic as possible. Several of the veteran survivors have revealed they were asked to discuss certain events and topics about the day. The editing team and the producer work together to edit only dramatic, entertaining scenes into the final cut, while the general public rarely sees what is going on behind the scenes. The filming crews and people standing nearby for aid clearly says that they are not truly survivors...

America's Next Top Model AKA Tyra's Time to Shine

So Season 14 of America's Next Top Model recently ended (Thank God!), and as reported the finale was the highest-rated program on the CW for its target audience of women ages 18-34 since last Fall's premiere of Season 13. HA! Does that even count... merely beating last season's ratings? Only 3.77 million people tuned in for the finale (Hey, it's more than last year) and many continue to wonder, such as myself, why this show still exists. I'll tell you why. Tyra absolutely LOVES taping the show over and over and over again... So she can go home to watch herself sport a new outfit/weave/gay friend at the judge's panel every episode. Listen, I am gay and I adore all my strong black women. Do not take anything I say seriously or assume it's out of prejudice. That's simply not my taste, nor style.

All I'm saying is the show is most likely still on the air because whatever Tyra says goes. If she tells the executives at CW that Top Model WILL go on strong, it is in their best interest to agree with her to green-light the show for another season. Do they really want the feisty, aggressive side of Tyra to come out? No. I don't think so. The matter of the fact is that Top Model is pretty much one of the few shows that the CW is recognized for. If these people want to continue making money and attracting viewers, I think they need to develop a newer, better show with an even more famous, more attractive celebrity. Cause you know Americans always give in to the sex appeal. Everyone's sick of Tyra's antics, including me. And I loved the first 3 seasons (Eva was my favorite), but I'm over this show continuing on far too long. The media has saturated us with enough Tyra. Unless she can come up with more innovative, fresh, appealing ideas for the 15th Season... Up and coming models will soon have to go back to the old ways of setting up a booking and hiring an agent to actually become famous/recognized.

Kate Gossellin Full of Herself

These days, it seems like Kate Gosselin will do anything and everything in her power to attract media and tabloid attention. Now that Jon is out of the picture, Kate has cleverly worked what is left of her "celebrity status" to continue paying the bills. TLC recently announced that a series of specials will air this summer titled "Kate Plus 8." Most likely, the show will be more chaotic and out of control than "Jon & Kate Plus 8" ever was. Now that Jon isn't around to watch, play with, feed, and take care of the kids' needs while Kate complains and moans about motherhood in the background; the show will probably capture Kate having some sort of a mental breakdown. Of course the show has gained popularity because of it's general message that parenting isn't easy, but with love and patience anyone can get through. It also helps having eight adorable children to captivate and attract viewers.


But wait, there's more Kate Gosselin to satisfy your hunger for the unstable mother of eight. In TLC's delusional world of "reality," the executives of the channel figured it'd be a great idea to debut a new show at the end of the Summer/early Fall tentatively titled "Twist of Kate." From what I have read, the show will deal with Kate stepping into the lives of several other Moms and observing the ways their families function. A statement from TLC declares that Kate will be "experiencing firsthand their (Moms of America) challenges and triumphs." Basically it's just another attempt by Kate to get out of the house and away from her children so she can have a pity-party for all the struggling mothers out there. It just works out perfectly to fill more homes with Kate Gosselin right around the time the "Kate Plus 8" series of specials, as TLC has described the hour-long episodes as, will be ending. Between the magazine tabloids, media headlines, talk show appearances, and multiple TV shows... How much more Kate Gosselin will consume our daily lives before Americans decide to stop giving in to these ridiculous temptations?

American Idol, Season 9 Finale

So I don't know if anyone watched the American Idol finale, but in my opinion it was a 2-hour long circus of ballads, duets, and of course constants farewells to Simon Cowell throughout the show (No need for crazy Paula to come out and say goodbye). Ryan Seacrest was talking so fast, and trying to introduce as many performances and guests as possible within the allotted time frame that it was very demanding and difficult to keep up. One cool part of the show was when all 8 American Idols sang together, up till Kris Allen came out. Personally, there is only one American Idol and her name is Kelly Clarkson. Carrie Underwood is a little too prissy for me and has that "over-achiever" attitude. Kelly's sold more records, but Carrie did make it huge in the country music scene. But come on, don't you think Kelly Clarkson's voice is very soothing to the ears and quite beautiful? I love her nurturing and genuine attitude about life and being famous. It was like a huge flashback of my high school and college years watching American Idol. The show has become such a huge phenomenon on television in the United States. When I saw Jordin Sparks, I got a little emotional remembering all those times me and my friends would call in to vote. Although, it seemed as if the Fox network was getting a little too aggressive with other channels to score high in the ratings.

HERE'S MY REVIEW

The finale was very unorganized, too flashy, and fast-paced. Yet, it has remained as one of the most popular shows on television in the last 9 years. There were so many acts and celebrity friends of Ryan Seacrest that were presented on stage; it didn't have much to do with the two finalists and the winner at all. Honestly, I swear I watched the ending when Ryan announced the winner, but I can't remember his name. I know it was a guy who won and definitely not that girl with the dreads and vampire teeth. I think the show was originally better when it had less attractions and commotion all over the place. They have added so many segments and montages to the show over the years that it seems to me like Idol may get a cancellation from Fox in the near future.

What do you think about American Idol's representation of one's dreams to "Become a star?" Do you think the American media, such as a show like American Idol, influences our perceptions and impressions of reality?

This is a Test

I am just seeing how this works because I've never used a blog before.