Reality TV has long been a source of fascination, with its clichés, manipulations, and toxic tropes captivating audiences for decades. Despite facing criticism from critics, social scientists, and even its own fans, reality TV has undeniably left an indelible mark on culture, politics, and power dynamics.
From creating mega-celebrities like Kim Kardashian, whose net worth stands at an astounding $1.8 billion, to influencing the music charts with artists such as Harry Styles, Kelly Clarkson, and Cardi B, reality TV has permeated every corner of the entertainment industry. The genre’s impact extends to Hollywood, where Oscar-winning actors like Jennifer Hudson and Emma Stone made their early appearances on reality shows like American Idol and VH1’s In Search of the Partridge Family.
Interestingly, reality TV played a pivotal role in the political rise of the 45th President of the United States, Donald Trump. The article highlights how shows like The Apprentice were designed to make Trump appear wealthy and legitimate, echoing the medium’s guiding principles of conflict, chaos, and public humiliation, which he later brought to the West Wing.
The genre has not shied away from confronting societal issues, tackling topics like racism, LGBTQ rights, abortion, homelessness, and AIDS as early as the '90s. Reality stars have become central figures in debates around how Americans should live, influencing the perceptions of millennials and Gen Z, who expect to see their identities and struggles represented on ostensibly apolitical shows like Big Brother and Dancing With the Stars.
However, the winning streak of reality TV isn’t unequivocally good news for society. The article argues that, to some extent, the genre has contributed to the harsher, shallower, angrier, and more divided nature of the 21st-century United States. Reality TV is accused of normalizing cruelty, belligerence, superficiality, and disloyalty, rewarding those who weaponize such traits.
While acknowledging the entertainment value, the article urges a thoughtful understanding of reality TV’s impact on societal values. It emphasizes the need to hold the genre accountable for its frequent reinforcement of stereotypes and its potential to influence viewers’ perceptions of normalcy, difference, and sociopolitical norms.
In conclusion, reality TV, once dismissed as a noxious fad, has solidified its position as an entertainment industry institution. Whether one enjoys the guilty pleasure of reality shows or not, the genre’s influence is undeniable, making it imperative to comprehend the messages conveyed by its most influential seasons and storylines. Reality TV may not be here to make friends, but it’s most definitely here to stay, shaping the way we perceive ourselves, others, and the world around us.
What are your thoughts on reality TV? Do you like it? What reality show have you watched?
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