The Rules of Life by Richard Templar (Credit: Story of Bing website)
Admittedly I watch reality TV much to the dismay and bewilderment of a few family members and friends. They can’t seem to understand why I would waste my time watching this “type” of programming. In my defense I feel that at the end of a long day, it’s nice to sit back and partake in mindless entertainment. However, I have recently questioned my participation in watching what I’m now realizing is a slow and dangerous digression in human behavior.
After watching shows like Real Housewives of New York, NJ, Beverly Hills, Bridezillas, Jersey Shore, Jerseylicious, etc. I wonder about the example these “celebrities” are setting for the younger generation. While I am able to decipher between what is right and wrong in the treatment of others, perhaps those that are younger might not be able to and assume what they are watching is considered acceptable behavior.
Jersey Shore - The Situation throwing a woman out of his bedroom
As I watched a few episodes of the Jersey Shore, I was horrified at how one of the cast members who calls himself, “The Situation” spoke to and treated the women he met. His complete lack of respect for these women infuriated me. This guy apparently has a sister too! I wonder if he would appreciate some other subhuman treating his little sis like that! However, I must say that the “women” cast members out do the “gents” with their vulgar language and frequent bar brawls and one night stands. With the majority of viewers between the ages of 15 – 28, this seriously scares me. I know a few 13 & 14 yr. olds that watch and LOVE this show and this age group is young and impressionable.
Bridezilla Karen and her bridesmaid berating a hard working seamstress
For women between the ages of 20-35 there are the two very popular shows: The Style Network’s Jerseylicious and WeTV’s Bridezillas. In Jerseylicious we get to watch two hairstylists scream and claw at each other for what seems to be extremely trivial issues. There is such a lack of civility and respect between these two employees, I wonder if there really is a manager/owner at the Gatsby Salon where much of the show is filmed. In Bridezillas, we watch brides berate not only their friends and family but all of the vendors helping them achieve the dream wedding day they have held on to since the age of 5 years old.
All I can say about Bravo’s Real Housewives brand is that these women are old enough to know better. Flipping tables,
hair pulling and cat fighting amongst women who are supposed to be successful, educated women is out of control! Many of these women have children so how do they feel that this is the legacy they will leave behind or be remembered by? I find it so interesting that while they talk badly about one another to each other, they find success in writing books on “etiquette.” Really?
With each new reality show, the stakes seem to get higher for over the top bad behavior so that ratings sore and these individuals are definitely delivering. My question is at what cost? We are creating a global platform for the acceptance of mistreatment to each other!
So what do you think? Do you think these reality TV shows are negatively impacting society’s behavior towards each other?
