By Juana Diego
Staff Writer
Have you ever found yourself lounging around in front of a television without anything to do? Maybe not in college, but if you ever do, why not channel surf?
One day at a friend’s house, I caught myself doing this. I ended up watching the season premiere of “Real World and Road Rules’ Battle of the Sexes.” From then on I was hooked.
Why would anyone in their right mind actually watch something that is considered to be a reality show and know that it really is not reality? I still ask myself this question today.
Women are not normally so lonesome for a soul mate. But when a man who is supposedly worth $50 million announces his search for a lover, they jump at the chance to be a candidate. They are delusional and out of touch with reality.
And Joe Millionaire is as desperate as these women for him to actually go on a national television program to find someone who will love him for who he isn’t.
According to the Reality Television Fans Web site, about 18.6 million people watched the “Joe Millionaire” premiere Jan. 6, sadly to say, myself included. This makes the show the highest-rated debut for any network series this year among viewers ages 18-34.
It’s no wonder the Founding Fathers made the law that all Presidents of the United States must be at least 35 years old. “Joe Millionaire” is almost as bad as “elimiDATE” and the other shows that treat romantic relationships so casually.
Is it reality when couples who are having problems volunteer to escape to a resort set in Hawaii to publicly embarrass each other?
In “The Last Resort” couples try desperately to bring back the passion they once upon a time had for each other. Not only is it embarrassing, but also degrading to those involved and the show makes it seem as if couples cannot work out their problems like reasonable adults.
For those who like to live in the past, “High School Reunion” is a great reality program to watch.
The characters are obviously still stuck in their high school days. They don’t face the present, they want to go back and show their fellow classmates that they have become someone or that they are as great as they were in high school. It’s as if they don’t know how to go on with their lives.
So what attracts Americans to such pathetic reality shows that are not actually reality? In a forum for viewers on www.women.com, a few answers were provided.
“I saw last season’s version of the ‘Last Resort.’ It was so excellent. I can’t imagine taking my problems on TV, but I don’t mind watching other people do it,” commented a viewer.
Another upcoming reality show with a premiere date to be announced is “Supermodel.”
It will star international model Tyra Banks and a bunch of eager and hyperactive wannabe models.
Together they will live in a house as they compete for the championship title in weekly tests that reveal who is cut out to be America’s ultimate model, determined by the show.
It’s as if people cannot face their own life or don’t want to deal with it, hence they view others taking reality to the television. As long as we remember what “real” truly is, there is no problem with watching an episode of “Tough Enough.” But get a reality check, don’t be delusional.
February 13, 2003