When People Stop Being Polite by Chuck Klosterman is primarily focused around the reality television The Real World. But that's the question, how real is reality television? One of the main points that caught my attention the most from the reading was when he [Chuck] mentioned on pages 36-37, "They have to behave as if what they're doing hasn't been done before. Real Worlders, always get into arguments, but you never hear them say, 'Oh, you're only saying that because you know it is going to be on TV,' even though that would be the best comeback 90 percent of the time. [...] The kids talk directly into the camera every single day, but they are ceaselessly instructed to pretend as if they are not being videotapped whenever they're outsie of the confessional. Most of all, they never openly recgonize that they're part of a cultural phenomenon; They never mention how weird it is that people are watching them exist."
I don't understand the cultural phenomenon The Real World has brought to America. Why do we as American's find it so exciting to watch other people exist? I, along with the majority of other people, can agree that we act differently and talk differently while we're being recorded vs. when we're unaware of being recorded. That's the problem with The Real World though, they know that they're being recorded. How can they actually be themselves? I see this as minimal proof of reality, we are just watching people exist, but not act like themselves. The Real World cast members are all strategically placed in the show for some reason; Just as all the members of the seasons have been. I think The Real World is responsible for the newest popular show, The Jersey Shore. The two shows share a similar concept, but yet still have their differences. The Jersey Shore is a house full of strangers, trying to learn how to exist with other people. However, this show is more focused on partying and trivial drama. The Real World still is a bit like that, but with more down-to-earth cast members.
Recently, I was reading or listening to something, somewhere, and it mentioned that the cast members of Jersey Shore don't actually live their lives as a giant party. They are more down-to-earth people as well, when they are off the camera and the set.
I agree that these shows are probably minimal proof of reality. I think you said it best by saying that most people act differently when they know they are being recorded or even just being watched. I know I do. I, however, like these type shows.. most of the time. But I can also see how they may be scripted sometimes.
ReplyDeleteDo you think it would be preferable if the people on reality television could act like themselves? It would cretainly change the television shows quite drastically. I don't know if there would be an audience for that.
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