Critics of reality TV programming think that
watching reality TV numbs the mind of any intelligent thought and contributes
to the dumbing down of America.Jay Rifenbary’s article, “Ponder This – Reality TV
is Dumbing Down America”, claims that the dominance of reality programming as a
source of entertainment is indicative of a destructive trend of encouraging the
masses of the television viewing audience to escape from reality, rather than
participating in it. Such negative influence can contribute to the dumbing down
of America.
What
is Reality TV?
Reality TV is a kind of television programming that
aims to depict how ordinary people behave in everyday life. Sometimes situations
are often created by the television programmers and are intended to represent
everyday life.
According the the CBS News article, “The Real Deal
on Reality TV”, the decade-old program, “Survivor”, is credited with being the
reality TV program that changed television programming to its core. The success
of “Survivor” prompted the creation of many programs of similar format.
Television programmers discovered that the reality
TV format had become a successful craze. They also discovered a different and unexpected
TV viewing appetite. They discovered a desire to watch people with no
perceptible talent and no apparent insights, but who are perfectly willing to
be seen and heard doing pretty much nothing of importance. Programs such as
"Real Housewives", "Girls Behaving Badly" and the
"Jersey Shore" are some prime examples of such programming. Producers
discovered that TV audiences enjoyed watching people in situations that were at
one time considered inappropriate. Producers also discovered that reality TV programs
were much cheaper to produce than regular programming.
How
Does Reality TV Contribute to the Dumbing Down of America
Reality shows continue to increase in popularity.
Jay Rifenbary’s article, “Ponder This – Reality TV is Dumbing Down America”,
expresses concern regarding the obsession of both viewers and producers of
reality TV. He is fears the obsession sends a negative message as to what our
society’s priorities are. He fears that wealth, fame, notoriety and vanity are
becoming the priorities of society.
One reason, according to Rifenbary, that reality TV is dumbing down
American audiences is that the programs are a welcome distraction for viewers
from having to take accountability for their own personal and professional
issues and problems. Reality TV programs provide an opportunity for viewers to
judge, ridicule and debase others, and, in the process, falsely boost their own
sense of self-importance or self esteem.
In conclusion, the impact of reality TV can be
debated, but, quoting Rifenbary, “The reality is that there must be a
foundation of perspective when deciphering what is presented. If no foundation
exists, then any individual is vulnerable to what reality television presents
and defines as success and happiness. That would be an uneducated understanding
of reality.” That would indeed contribute to the dumbing down of America.
Picture credit:
MJImages
