Im going to use reality TV as my example and more specifically the UK series of Big Brother that just ended its final series this past summer. Although an incredibly popular television show, it provokes negative media attention very often. In the summer of 2005 Big Brother housemate, Kemal Shahin, was 19 when he entered the house. His family are Turkish Cypriots but he was born in London. Theatrical, openly gay and exuberant, Kemals wacky style and an addiction to conflict caused him to be the most discussed man in British television at the time. His face covered the front pages for weeks as stories were uncovered from his past and following his outrageous antics in the house, he was evicted 6 weeks into the series. Kemal caused a controversy from day one as he entered the house in golden stilettos and a sari (long dress). Here is Kemals highlights of his time in the house.
So looking at this and the results he held over a nation through reality television, i think i can conclude that there is some way a drawing to reality with media. If people can get a sense that its real and they feel like they are there, it entraps them and keeps them entertained.
Another realism subject i look at is "professional wrestling" and how its popularity has risen in the past 2 decades. Millions watch it world-wide and yet its a form of entertainment and not a sport. So how is this? We know its scripted to a point, but the rest is free flow action. So is that reality television? Or is it Hollywood involvement? Or is it both. A good example, i think you'll agree, of the fine line between the two.
In closing, i think i should touch on the way we perceive media in its form when it comes to realism. How much are we as the consumer, meant to see as real and what are we meant to see as fake?
Adam, these are great insights and good examples. One of my friends from grad school wrote a whole book on professional wrestling and the way it is constructed as a drama, with characters and a plot, etc. And the Big Brother example is excellent.
ReplyDeleteI think it's interesting how producers of various reality shows will engineer drama and conflict for ratings. A family friend I know recently went for a trial in American Idol. It was remarkable how people, who were certainly less talented, were chosen over her, probably for the sake of their personalities and chance to boost ratings rather than their ability.
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