The Reality behind Reality TV

By Michelle Giametta on 05/11/2009

Question: Are we aware of the cultural influences of reality television?

"Reality television is a genre of television programming which presents purportedly unscripted dramatic or humorous situations, documents actual events, and usually features ordinary people instead of professional actors" according to wiki-definitions. Notice the subtle choice of words inside this definition of reality television, such as "purportedly unscripted" or "usually features..." Is Flava Flav really falling in love on VH1's celeb-reality hit Flavor of Love 1 , 2 and 3? Does he really feel "unscripted" in front of the camera? As the public watches, what do they think of all the exaggerated name calling, aggression, and emotional drama?

Regardless of the complex influences of reality television on the American public, it is now more popular than ever before. According to the website Reality TV World, because of "...the success of its "Celeb-reality" reality programming lineup, VH1 now ranks in the top five basic cable networks in primetime on Sundays. The network currently sits in fourth place, averaging a.8 rating in the Adult 18-49 demographic." VH1 has essentially centered all their programming around these rating-grabbing television shows. It's as if they have thrown caution to the wind and will do whatever it takes to create controversial and entertaining programming. Nothing seems to be too risky for these dating shows.

Flava Flav started a popular trend on the first episode of his dating show when he decided to name each female contestant based on their appearance, hometown, or favorite hobbies. Flava Flav came up with names as controversial as "Delishous" to as random as "Somethin'." What woman in real life would settle for her boyfriend calling her "Somethin'?" This trend continued through all three seasons of Flavor of Love, into the first and second season of I Love NY, and finally made its way into For the Love of Ray J- the newest addition to these celeb-obsessed dating shows.

Could it be that these contestants are actually positioning themselves for future fame by doing something completely outrageous so that they will be remembered? There are clearly no boundaries when it comes to the content of these television shows and some might even argue that this kind of behavior is encouraged by the producers to garner publicity and higher ratings. The amount of physical fights on these celeb-reality television shows is unprecedented and the baseless acts of sex seem to get more and more risqué as each season progresses. In one of the more popular episodes from Flavor of Love, one of the women actually defecates on the stairway which is highlighted in the show.

So what is it about the culture of reality television that has America so wrapped up? As reality TV becomes progressively more shock-based, does it play on the minds and habits of American youth? Or is all this programming a form of escapism? Do these contestants have specific motives other than to fall in love?

Regardless of how we approach looking for answers to the ubiquity of Reality television, one thing that cannot be disputed is that it is largely a cultural marker for our times. In a hyper media age with new forms of expression and exposure, the American viewers have shown their preferences for the plight of manufactured "reality" over manufactured fiction.

[Additonal Photos: "Flavor of Love 2" VH1, 2006; VH1 "Celeb Reality", 2008]