The younger generation think that is what they should do since that is what they see on TV and the internet. Divinecaroline.com state “Reality shows have become very popular and teens have begun to realize that you can become famous just by being a bad girl, teen mom, or a crazy party animal who likes to do nothing but drink and “smush,” like the cast members on Jersey Shore.” Shows like this are giving teens the wrong idea. Why should the cast be paid so much for setting a bad example? This country is supposed to be looked up to as a great clean country. With shows like this on air for the world to see it is a disgrace.
The Merchants of Cool An undeniable paradox: “coolness” for teens coincides with the culture of media and is extremely difficult to separate. Frontline was able to open a window into the teenage world through their documentary The Merchants of Cool to attempt to decode this mystery; however, news correspondent, Douglas Rushkoff, found himself coming to the understanding that teenagers and media are chasing after each other in order to discover what “cool” really is. The popular culture formula and “Funhouse Mirror” images both grasp a hold of this concept. The pop culture formula states that something will be more popular if it reflects the society’s zeitgeist, or spirit of the era. In this film, for example, when MTV emerged onto the television scene it was popular.
Although the critics of reality TV are highly outspoken, there is also the counterargument of the benefits of the genre on its participants and audience. For the people who volunteer themselves for the likes of "American Idol" and "America's Next Top Model," winning the show is potentially a life-changing experience and a springboard to a career in the entertainment industry. The reward is there for the taking, but it's often not just the winners who can make a name for themselves. Tocarra Jones, a participant on season 3 of "America's Next Top Model," may not have won the show, but she is still a working plus-size model today signed to the largest modeling agency in the world. Whether we approve of reality television or not it will
Steven Reiss’s article, “why America loves reality TV”, explains that Americans fantasize about being famous. Many Americans believe that if others can achieve fame, so can they. Reiss clarified that contestants from different television shows compete everyday to get the highest ratings out of viewers. Reiss stated: “what seems real about reality TV is that it allows Americans to fantasize about gaining status through instant fame”. According to Reiss reality TV educates viewers its shameless behaviors that are shown by the contestants.
South Park Influence on America Controversy over the show named South Park erupted ever since it aired on television back in 1997. South Park is an animated sitcom about four foul-mouthed children named Stan, Cartman, Kyle, and Kenny. The creators of the show are Matt Stone and Trey Parker. Due to the shows success it is now one of the highest rated shows on television. It also airs in more than a dozen countries.
With TV broadcasters that are free to edit their footage, and with viewers who watch reality-TV just to catch a break and turn off their brains for a few minutes, it might not always be completely ethical. But on the other hand many participants in this show feel that their participations have been a great experience, and behind the screens the viewers are really enjoying these shows. Reality has gained a lot of popularity lately, so why is there a problem? Boys and Girls Alone has received some discontented letters from concerned experts, and also some answers from educated people who cannot see the issues on the show. Andrew Mackenzie is Head of factual entertainment on Channel 4 and he sees no reason why Channel 4’s new show should be considered unethical, and states that “Reality television show on children did not pose a hazard to their welfare”.
Amber Anardi Poe ENG 151019 2/14/12 South Park’s Effectiveness on Mocking Important Issues Society has taught us to avoid making a mockery of important issues, but what if a television series with a million count fan base, gets sky rocketing ratings by using impertinent humor on worldly concerns? The fact of the matter is that using disrespectful humor to present issues common to our generation gets the best ratings by the public. South Park is a leading example of effectively using profane humor to entertain and get a point across to its audience. Given the media hype of today’s age, many of our youth’s presumptions on important issues are influenced by what they see on TV; the show South Park showcases multiple outlooks on each issue therefore giving the viewer the opportunity to formulate their own opinion on the matter. South Park effectively enlightens viewers on concerns that are relevant to daily life, while keeping their attention through bold humor on the issue presented in the episode.
Those most affected by these trends and ideas, as delivered through mass media, are youth and young adults. The balance of this society can be considered non-mainstream and more traditional and practical in their thinking. Product and concept companies utilize the media in promoting their ideas and trends, and they use famous celebrities, musicians and sports stars to deliver these messages. Pop culture defines a perception on what we should look like, how we should live, thus how we should behave in today’s society. A prime example of falling victim to this influence comes from television production companies and what they air.
These days there is a growing trend towards reality TV shows that are based on external shallow values. With the appeal of junk food, it has a powerful hypnotic effect even on the strongest minds. But while reality TV may seem like a harmless form of entertainment, the damage (which is done so subtly) is very powerful and therefore it deserves a closer look. Reality television has become one of the biggest revenue makers for television channels and is one of the most popular genres of media provided by television, with pay TV now having niche channels just for reality TV. One of the biggest reality TV shows to hit the world in recent years has been Big Brother, in 2008 Australia had it’s 8th season and other countries clocking up to 16 series.
Reality Television: How Have They Changed Television Viewing Habits? Pamela Parker English Composition II Prof: Erica Ellsworth February 4, 2013 Reality Television has affected the moral fiber of our society dramatically. It portrays negative manners toward our younger generation, but ultimately it simulates the entire audience in some perspective. In today’s society Reality programs have become such a fad for American television serving an important part of people everyday life. A brief definition of reality television can be detailed in many ways, but basically its real life situations being displayed on television, which are also considered good money makers for the producers as well as the actors.