The Reality of...Reality TV

I wanted to touch on two different things that are somewhat related and equally bothering me!

The first is all the negative talk about reality tv shows. In particular, I continue to hear negative talk about shows like Basketball Wives, Love & Hip-Hop and Bad Girls Club (all of which are shows that I watch faithfully). People keep saying things like “those shows are garbage; they depict black women in a negative light; they are embarrassing themselves; etc.” My response to that is this: Why don’t people take these shows for what they really are…entertainment? When I watch these shows, I see it solely as entertainment and I’d even go as far as to say I consider it all to be fictional entertainment. It’s called “reality tv” because it shows real people interacting in real settings. However, I never would think the situations are 100% real or the things that take place are truly realistic.

I think these women put on a show for the cameras and entertain the audience, which is their job when they are cast for these shows. We have to face the fact that the negativity and drama is what keeps an audience engaged and money in their pockets. I remember I was watching a particular show that was known for keeping the drama going. But whenever there was an episode that didn’t have as much drama, people would say things like “oh, that was boring!" I remember another reality show that was new and, because there was no drama in it, people naturally had no interest in it. The cast of that show were professionals and maintained positive activity but America simply had no interest in it! Why is that?

I don’t know why people are naturally drawn to the negativity on tv but it’s…the reality of our people. Please understand though that these shows are often staged, situations are put together by producers and things happen on these shows that we all know would not really happen if there were no cameras around. So why bash these people and these shows? Just like any other actor or performer, they are putting on a show for the entertainment of the masses. If you’re not entertained (or even interested) then quit watching it, quit discussing it and quit bringing it up! These shows should not be regarded or criticized any more than a dramatic or violent film would be. While you’re talking so negatively about these women and these shows, they’re still making thousands of dollars (if not more) and living their lives as professional business women and entertainers.