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Apr. 3, 2007 If this were an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting and I were an alcoholic I would stand before you and proclaim my addiction for all to hear. I would tell you if I was clean and sober and for how long I had been free of my drug of choice. Sadly, I can't do that because my addiction rages on and I am not free of it's hold on my life. So, here it is; I am a reality television addict and I can't seem to break free of my habit no matter how much I know that I should and no matter how much proof I have witnessed that what I am watching is about as close to reality as the aliens who invaded earth in the film "War of the Worlds". I will begin this sad tale of addiction back in the year 2000 when Mark Burnett introduced the very first "Survivor". I could go as far back as watching the torturous taping of "An American Family" (the Loud Family) in 1973 or the very first "Real World" (New York) in 1992, but, this is embarrassing enough, so I won't. I will begin with "Survivor" because it was actually quite unspoiled and very real in most aspects. There were no particular rules to follow as it had not been tarnished with wannabe entertainers, people who sought their fifteen minutes of fame and all the rest of the garbage that has been spawned by the continuing parade of reality television shows. Who can turn away from watching the creations of a potential "Top Chef" or the creativity of a "Top Designer"? Who can deny themselves the drama on "America's Next Top Model" or even the absolutely degrading "I Love New York"? How can I not watch the often atrocious and occasional brilliance of celebrities on "Dancing With the Stars" and how could I ever miss out on "American Idol"? Who would vote against Sanjaya if I didn't watch anymore? There are shows for every walk of life, from weight loss to granting the American dream via a new home. You can watch an ugly duckling turn into a "Swan" or a handsome "Bachelor" searching for his bride. You can vicariously race around the world or work out in a posh Beverly Hills gym. A Nanny can teach you how to tame your wild children or you can switch partners and live the life of some weird family that you only imagine in your worst nightmares. The problem is that these shows are on almost every night of the week and on every channel so it's very hard to avoid them and even more difficult to stop watching. The thrills are endless and so are the thousands of embarrassing moments (that are happening to other people). These shows have replaced what was once a vast array of well written television shows in both the dramatic and comedy genres. I am not unaware of what these shows really represent so I have no excuse for my addiction. They always have at least a couple of "contestants" or "cast members" who are potential actors and there are always villains or heroes depending on how the show is edited. There is manufactured drama through the use of clever editing as well and they keep you on the edge of your seat waiting to see if your favorite character will triumph or be sent home dejected and rejected. Often a lot of money is on the line as the "prize" and I liken these shows to buying lottery tickets.....maybe I can win...maybe I will vicariously become a great beauty, see the world on someone else's dime, live in a beautiful new home that is all paid for...maybe......... I suppose that's part of the need to watch these poor substitutes for the usually mundane lives that many of us lead. I suppose that they fill some kind of need or void. Whatever the reason or reasons....I am hooked and I can't seem to tear myself away from my television set whenever a new series begins. I don't usually vote for anyone when the host of the show urges me too and I get over one show quickly after the inevitable finale and move on to yet another. but I am still hooked and I don't see any relief in sight. Yes, I am a reality show-aholic and I know of no rehab center to treat my malady. Hey, there's a great idea for a new show...REALITY REHAB!!!! ------------ About the author: Meri has a Medical/Legal background and is a former forensic researcher specializing in psychological profiling. https://www2.xlibris.com/bookstore/bookdisplay.asp?bookid=27335 Email: writers2@cox.net Comment on this article here! ------------ All articles are EXCLUSIVE to Useless-Knowledge.com. Please link to this article rather than copying and pasting it onto your site (which would be unauthorized and illegal). |
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