Reality Show Values

I have a rule in my entertainment choices – do not engage shows that manipulate feelings merely for plot strategy.

You can tell which shows do this. With so many channels and networks available on cable, shows compete for ratings to boost ad rates. That means dollars in the pockets of both producers and networks. With popular shows running several years, storylines constantly seek unique and riveting plot lines. The best succeed; the worst become copycats and manipulative.

Grey’s Anatomy is an example that won for many years, then finally succumbed to soap opera standards of manipulation. Bones did the same. Every now and again we see it in Blue Bloods, and NCIS. This is Us did it early in the game and is the reason we no longer watch it. Even HGTV shows have fallen prey: Love it or List It, Property Brothers, and a few others.

Manipulation is not real; thus the ‘reality’ is a sham.

The value structure sells out for commercial reasons. Like game shows, the lure becomes more important than the substance. Same for many shows trashing entertainment line-ups.

With TV screen as life-mirror, it is no wonder that a ‘reality star’ was elected to the White House. Of more interest is how ‘fake news’ the reality star has spouted has taken root on the political scene. Furthering his theme, he latches on to whatever he wants the public to think and believe as though it truly is real. It isn’t, of course. It is not real. To him it may seem real; and that's the real danger. 

It is a small step of fiction as fact. The ‘emergency’ is not so; the rampant criminal acts of immigrants – legal or illegal – are not true. All made up. So too many facts that populate his off the cuff speeches and news conferences. They are a stage to mislead or present a pretend world as real. But nothing can make them true.

It isn’t long before others try the same tactic. Jussie Smollett seems to have staged a homophobic and racist attack; for what motive we can only imagine – ratings for his role on Empire? Attracting audiences to his live shows? Who knows?  Latest news based on true journalism paints a sorry picture of opportunism and fakery by Smollett. 

I hoped it was not true. I cringed for Chicago’s reputation as an open and tolerant city for diverse populations. Smollett is an attractive and talented artist. I did not wish either his or the city’s reputation to be shaded. But now……

The real story here is that the American audience of news shows, entertainment productions and documentary journalism are not certain of what is fact and what fiction. This permeates every facet of our social media today.

Now that’s a sad reality.

February 19, 2019