Reality T.V.

[Mickey]

Well, Survivor was disappointing last night. Dh was home and watched it with me and he eventually said, "I just don't get this." I asked him why and he said that it's depressing to watch shows like that where they pit people against each other for our entertainment. Then he mentioned that he couldn't believe that the Temptation one ever got on t.v. He said, "What's next? Throw some poor people into a lion pit and film it for our entertainment?" That really surprised me! I do realize that Survivor isn't really about finding out who could most likely physically survive the elements and situation. I know it's more about which one is the sneakiest, most conniving back-stabber, but I never looked at it in such a negative light until last night while talking to dh. He said, "There's just enough animosity and negativity in the world...I don't want to come home and watch it on t.v."

What is it that attracts us to these reality t.v. shows? Why do I wake up on Thursdays and think, "Survivor's on tonight!"? What made me sit with my mouth hanging open watching that boring Big Brother show night after night? Why did I watch "The Mole" when I really didn't care for it? I'm not a big t.v. person, but some of these shows really suck me in and don't know why.

[Amy2]

Well Mickey I can only speak for myself but I watch Survivor because I think it's funny. I think it's funny that all these people watch it and say things like "I can't BELIEVE Alicia got booted" or "Gee, I wish Gretchen would have won" or whatever. I love having this common thing with so many people that we all have our opinions about. I watched a couple of episodes of Temptation Island, but thought it was really stupid. I mean, wasn't their whole adventure like, a week? I'm sorry, but I think I could be faithful to my hubby for seven days!! Plus, they were all whiny kids to me. But, I digress. I think we watch "reality" shows because we maybe put ourselves in their position and wonder what we ourselves would do. I think Survivor is kind of cool because the challenges are innovative and it's fun to see how people behave under pressure. Last night was all about the bull s*** because there was no immunity challenge and no vote, so it was more pointless than normal. Also, I think the first Survivor didn't seem as kniving as it does this time around, but because this was how Richard Hatch won, everyone is being a Richard wanna be. I think it's an interesting psychological phenomenon. Especially now that these remaining ten people are going to vote for the winner. You have to be ruthless while also being like able. I dunno... Could it be that our lives are so pathetic and dull that we need something to make us feel more interesting? Oh please, God, not that! Amy

[jello]

Well I like Survivor because in this day and time many people are kind of fake and they use this "mask" and are nice to people, but are really backstabbers. I'm sorry if this doesn't really make sense but my main point is that Survivor is a reality in a way because these people are acting exactly how would to survive and get through life? Does that make sense? I'll try to explain better. Like they are backstabbers because they have to trick each other to survive for themselves. Sorry again if this post is long and confusing but I just can't figure out the right words. But anyway another reason people like it is because it is real people with real emotions, not just some drama where things are unrealistic and just plain kooky.