I have been pondering a theory about how all this reality television is playing into things in our culture going from bad to worse. It’s almost like these shows just normalize what was once shocking or fringe behavior, unfortunately making it less shocking and thus more commonplace.
The rise of the talk show (like Jerry Springer and such) seems to also tie into this somehow, too, normalizing the bad behavior it is supposed to be bringing into question.
And I know one could argue it started long before reality tv and talk shows but it just seems to me like this type of rubber necking, shock value, bottom of the barrel, worst examples of humanity programming is making things worse, and quickly.
What do you think? Is reality tv harmless entertainment, or part of the problem?
Notes From a Red Pill Girl 
I agree that it is part of the problem. But only part. Media is just a reflection of our society, after all. But it is a reflection magnified many, many times.
Im showing my age but I remember the first real world season on mtv. It was actually thoughtful and engaging in that it brought together people from different backgrounds to live together, and it was interesting how they interacted and dealt with cultural conflict. Then I think it was the season in Vegas where it turned into basically brewing stds in a hot tub and seeing who could yell the loudest in drunken arguments about who is most disrespectful for not doing the dishes.
Maybe I am showing my age but I remember the first day MTV came on the air! š funny how time flies, doesn’t seem that long ago!
Ha! Yep I can remember being about 10 and being able to call in and vote for videos on friday nights. The monster duel was Madonnas “like a virgin” or Duran Durans “rio”.
I quit watching television (I don’t have one) 14 years ago – when I moved out.
I should have put a disclaimer, I also do not watch television or have cable and haven’t for 10+ years. I have too many other more interesting things to do!
The reality TV shows came int existence becase of the lackof programming due to the writers’ strike.It stuck for two reasone it was chea to produce and people did watch.
Personaa, I have always found it unenjoyable.
Now good documentaeries are dead. I’ve gone to youtube.
That is interesting about the writers strike link, did t know that! I too am a sucker for a good documentary. And the occasional movie if the plot is interesting enough that you can’t guess the ending in the first five minutes. Otherwise I would rather do something in real life or if i want to relax, read a good book! š
It’s a good thing that the BBC does not enforce copyrights on their programs. There are a lot of them on youtube. Could it be that they feel it’s good to put this stuff out there and have it enjoyed by as many people as possible?
Another thing, advancing education through entertainment is fun. It’s a painless way to improve oneself.
Weird.
Dude thought you banned me?