I've had the same dilemma. While I don't like what reality
TV shows present, I think I would still work for one. I don't want to be a
screenwriter, so if I was working crew I would probably comfort myself by
saying, "Well, they needed someone anyway.... I'm not really contributing
to the problem." But that's the problem, isn't it? People need money, and
they'll do what they have to to get by (or get what they want). That, besides
the desire to be famous, has to be the reason the subjects of reality TV shows
subject themselves to being filmed all the time. They've seen other reality TV
shows. The cast of Duck Dynasty and Honey Boo Boo must know they won't be
presented in the most favorable light. But they need the money. I think it's
sad that people have to do that, both in front of and behind the camera, but
that's how the world works I guess.
On other hand, I always assumed most if not all people
understood what was really going on when they watched reality TV. I was
surprised to learn from this class that that is not the case. I know the
knowledge that reality TV is in no way reality didn't just come floating into
my head by itself, but I can't remember where I learned it either. I've known
it for so long now that it seems like the ever-present truth that everyone
already knows. But sometimes I learn that other people don't actually know that
yet, and I'm forced to think from a new perspective.
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