You can read this post at my new and improved blog at http://www.letlifehappen.com/2009/08/08/reality-tv-stimulates-me
Best,
Barbara
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I love reality shows. Unfortunately at this time we don’t have cable so I have missed my favorites (The Real World, The Bad Girls Club) but I have watched some shows that I have never watched before. Currently I have been watching Big Brother, and I love it! For me, I watch these strictly for entertainment purposes. It’s nice to know that my life isn’t all that bad. Whenever I’m feeling down, I jsut think of all the drama in these peoples tv lives and I am happy again.
I don’t watch most “reality” shows. But I do love American Idol. I feel sad for those who think they have great singing talent, yet are awful at it. I heard Kelly Pickler’s take on this, “Everyone’s talented. They just have to find out what it is!” She seems to have such a sweet heart.
My favorite “reality” show is America’s Funniest Videos. I know some are set up, but most are REAL reality.
I completely related to your post. I love the same shows you do. People watching is kind of a hobby of mine. I enjoy looking at other people to find out how they do things, what they’re wearing and why they seem to do what they do. When people put themselves out there ~ like on Big Brother ~ they are giving me a free ticket to watch.
I agree with you 100% about the judges comments on So You Think You Can Dance. They did favor the top two dancers and the audience did vote the way the judges did. However, my top two favorites just happened to be the judges top two dancers. I voted for both Jeanine and Brandon. I do think Brandon was brilliant. If the judges favored Evan and Kayla, I would have still voted for Jeanine and Brandon. The judges comments don’t sway me in the least. I think we all have our favorites and I would like to think that people vote for who they love vs. what the judges say. I did like Kayla a lot ~ she was amazing. I have only watched SYTYCD for the past 3 seasons. So I’m not as aware of how the voters are swayed by the judges.
I have watched American Idol since the beginning. And I do believe that the votes work both ways. Some people will vote for somebody just because Simon slams them. It’s a sympathy vote for sure. Some people vote on their favorites. I know that I do. The judges are only there to give their professional opinion. It’s up to us to choose who we really love. The voting has never really been consistant. Rarely has my favorite won the competition. With the exception of Kelly Clarkson and David Cook. The biggest let down on that show was when Daughtry didn’t win. And out of the top three for that season, he is the only real star. Everybody just has different tastes and that’s what I love about people. We are all different and we all like different things. Last season I loved Adam Lambert from the beginning. Kris Allen is pretty good as well. But Adam just nailed it every time for me. I think some people voted for the “good guy”. Even though it seems that Adam is also very caring and nice. I think for the most part, Idol judges don’t sway the voters unless Simon is really mean to a contestant.
Big Brother is very interesting because of all the different personalities. It’s fun to see how people do things. I have only watched 4 seasons. But I’m hooked. I secretly want to be on the show. I think I’m too sensitive and I would hate for people to be mean to me. And they can be brutal at times. Even though I didn’t like Ronnie from this season, I hated it when Russell was tormenting him. I loved the winner from last season. He played it perfectly and was nice to everybody.
The reality show that kills me and makes me want to SCREAM is Toddlers and Tiaras. I have only seen it a couple of times. I think I watch it because I can’t believe how some of these moms behave. These little girls get spray tans, flippers (fake teeth to hide their baby teeth), hair extensions, full make up and their mom will spend up to $2,000 on a dress. For one pageant. One mom even mentioned implants to fill out a dress. SERIOUSLY?!!! I’m amazed. The moms put a lot of time, money and energy into training the girls (and boys) to be perfect for the pageant. I will say that I did the pageant scene with my own daughter for a total of 3 pageants. Everybody thinks their own kids are beautiful and smart. My daughter had a great personality and really good hair for her age. But I didn’t spend all the money that goes into the pageant. And I found out quickly that these things were out of control and not for us. Even though she won a crown and trophy or two. I could see how it would be addicting if your child won. But I don’t see these things as a good thing. It puts too much stress on beauty. AND too much stress to be perfect.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on reality shows Barbara. “Are you a carpenter because you nailed it!!” ~ Quote from Ellen DeGeneres who was a guest judge. I can understand your frustration with the judges on SYTYCD. You are right.
Very well written. I sure do agree with you about the show titled “Toddlers and Tiaras”. I haven’t been able to bring myself to watch a full show as the bits and pieces that I have seen were so disgusting. You are so right about the money and the extremes to which these mothers go to have their daughters compete. While those that consistently win may, and I emphasize may, develop a positive self-image, for those who lose, it has to be devastating because in addition to the loss of their self-image, they have disappointed their mothers by not being good enough. That is a huge blow to any young girl.
Also must say you cracked me up with the use of the Ellen DeGeneres quote. I sure hope that she guest-stars again next season.