Reality Bites

The Following will be published in the 2/25 issue of The Recorder

Reality TV's roots can be traced back to MTV's first season of “The Real World" back in 1992. From there, such shows as "Road Rules" and later CBS's "Survivor" were born, turning the private lives of individuals into primetime human peep shows.

While "Survivor" revolutionized the modern game show, popularizing the concept of reality television, it opened the floodgates of filth. It wasn't long until broadcasting companies like FOX had to trade a few raunchy sitcoms in for completely grotesque unscripted shows centered on the embarrassment of unsuspecting people.

Reality TV has lost its steam; however, in an effort to leave ts mark on the reality TV industry, FOX has morphed its concept into a continuum of lewdness. Its latest creation, "My Big Fat Obnoxious Fiancé" focuses on a beautiful bride-to-be attempting to convince her unsuspecting parents of her plans to marry an annoying, obnoxious and obese man for a million dollars. To be successful, she must make it through vows at the altar. The six-episode series began airing on Jan. 19.

The fact that a young woman would embarrass herself and her family on public television for a million dollars, and that Americans would watch it, only demonstrates how American society and its concept of decency are de-evolving. Another example of FOX's tread along this line is their new show called "Playing it Straight" which will first air on Mar. 12.

The show breaks the ethical barrier by creating an environment in which a woman must determine who of fourteen bachelors is gay. As FOX puts it, she "must determine which side of the saddle these guys ride on." If the straight guy is the remaining bachelor after the rest are eliminated by the woman, the couple will split a million dollars. If a gay guy remains, he walks away with the entire prize.

The show places its entertainment value on the sexist stereotype that homosexual males are different from heterosexual males. When the FCC argued that Janet Jackson's wardrobe malfunction defied the laws of decency, where does the public humiliation of homosexual or over-weight individuals fit in? Apparently the lure of money is more important than ethics.

Providence College's newspaper, "The Cowl," made a particularly sad distinction "noting that there were more votes for 'American Idol' than for president in the 2000 election." Reality TV distracts the American public from the more relative and important issues that plague this nation. People would much rather see the exploitation and public humiliation of horrendous talent ridiculed by American Idol's Simon Cowell than choose a political leader who will impact real life. This needs to change before American entertainment becomes comparable to that of the Roman Empire.

However, Americans will remain devoted to their favorite reality TV programs as they witness the degradation of public entertainment. Soon the axes and maces will be brought back into the gladiatorial coliseum while box-office ticket purchases will be for public executions.