The year was 1992 and MTV introduced new programming that would forever change not only how we viewed them—as a misnomer—but how we viewed television.
Our introduction to The Real World, with its tagline, “when people stop being polite… and start getting real…” was an omen of things to come.
Almost 20 years later and reality television has taken over and redefined the word reality—”the quality or state of being real”—to include an entry for reality TV that states, “television programming that features videos of actual occurrences (as in a police chase, stunt, or natural disaster),” according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary.
But it has gone beyond videos of those ‘actual occurrences’ and beyond the concept of the Real World.
Now every day people and celebrities alike welcome cameras into their homes to film the reality of their daily lives
We, the audience, are invited into their lives and believe that we know them because we see them in their homes. But that isn’t real. Very few people have the ability not to play for the camera, so in most cases what we see is who they want us to believe they are; often the extreme best or worst version of themselves.
As the audience, what is our role in this phenomenon? Are we innately all voyeurs?
It would seem so.
If reality shows are a reflection of who we are as a society, then we are both exhibitionists and voyeurs who are willing to share the most intimate moments of our lives while we sit back and watch those of others.
And there’s no shortage of shows that support these new ‘habits.’
Are you a butcher, a baker or a candlestick maker?
There’s a show featuring your job. Bounty hunters; meter maids; pawn shops; bars; dress shops; hair salons—no job is too boring for TV as long as you either have a quirky personality and/or your job entails some dramatic moments: Operation Repo, need I say more?
Want to find love?
There’s no better way to find love than to move into a house—bus in some cases— with 25 other women or men to vie for someone’s attention.
It’s a tale as old as time…
And when you’ve found that love, there are a dozen bridal shows to show the world the ugliest moments (Bridalplasty/Bridezilla) leading up to the most beautiful day of your life.
Are you rich, entitled and a narcissist?
The Real Housewives franchise is nothing if not a celebration of all that is superficial. My Super Sweet 16 is the youthful version—no botox required—of that superficial celebration but with a luxury car in a red bow at the end.
Need to make a change in your life?
You can share the lowest points of your life with an audience of millions. A person’s weakest moment—drug addiction, mental/emotional disorders—is now entertainment and fodder for water cooler conversation.
Like competition for the sake of competition?
Whether you prefer to be dropped off in a jungle; locked in a house; or sent on a race around the world; your talent for scheming, betraying loyalties and the desire to win for winning’s sake, can earn you millions.
Are you a wanna-be, has-been or barely-was?
Along with the redefinition of the word reality, the term celebrity has also loosened its definition. Shows like Dancing with the Stars feature the who’s who of the “who’s that?” often giving new life to a long-lost career or two.
Are you famous for being famous, in your 20s, ready to party and have a total disregard for the phrase “my parents might see this”?
If you’re a celebutante, former young girlfriend of a seemingly pervy old man, or just willing to get naked and act out, then there’s a show for you.
With a show for everyone, it begs the question: What effects did the Real World have on our real world?
For years we called reality TV a fad that would go away eventually. But during all of this denial what constitutes ‘reality’ has broadened and opened up the door for more everyday people to go in search of their 15 minutes of fame.
The results?
The rise of the Snooki…
And we only have ourselves to blame!
About Libby Juliá-Vázquez
My, my, my, what has T.V. come to really? I’m not a fan of Snooki nor will I ever be. I’m thankful I’m not alone
*runs and grabs a book!*
I did it all for the Snooki
Not a fan of reality tv, I miss watching well-written shows. David E Kelly where are you?!
I will have to admit that when I was younger I loved “The Real World” and wanted to be a cast member on a future season, but as time went on the show kept on going that desire faded with the reality that all reality shows are completely scripted. Actually, my cousin was on BET’s Harlem Heights.
But they have definitely gotten worse, I mean they now promote orange skin and big hair.lol
I’ll take a good book over TV any day.
The original real world was great but now reality tv is stupid b/c back then it was brand new but like everything else once the novelty wears off its just another tv show. Most of these shows are ridiculous and showcase ppl who are stupid rude etc looking for 15 mins of fame. Jersey Shore and its cast of clowns are long overdue to be canceled. Snooki is a rude no class disgrace who denies her latin heritage which makes it even more sad that she’d rather be an empty headed guidette than who she really is.
LOL I especially love how you started and ended this; brilliant.
Not at all an endorsement for the Snooki,we cannot ignore the consequences of the aforementioned reality shows. Besides, they are already hit shows in viewership and so discussing it’s consequences can’t do more harm than already has been done.
I personally love Jersey Shore & Snooki. Is it debauchery? Yes. Do they depict themselves in the worst possible light? Yes. Am I hooked? Absolutely!
At the end of the day watching Snooki and her Guidos/ettes parade around Jersey Shore brings back the warmest of feelings, like a fresh, homemade Snooki pie.
I have to admit that Jersey Shore is like an accident on the side of the highway, I can’t help but slow down and look as much as I’m devastated that it happened.
I prefer books too!
Nooooo!!!! Snooki=bad!
I still watch The Practice on Hulu sometimes!
Though like I stated above, I’m not immune to the powers of reality TV, I rarely watch any TV at all. It’s on as background noise in my home.
I had no idea she was Latina. I have to admit that she’s one person that can keep hiding it, we don’t need her as representation of our people.
hahaha
Yes, Snooki was born in Chile (I think she’s Mapuche) and was adopted by Italian-American parents. Snooki only self-identifies as “Guidette” or Italian…never mentions she is Latina.
Somos muchos los Puertorriqueños fan de Snookie.. Voy a hacer un poll.. jaja
Ya hice un llamado al Fan Club de Puertorriqueños Fanaticos de Snookie para que revisen tu articulo… jaja.
Bendito ella no tiene la culpa nada mas…
Ademas no la culpo…
..It seems these days that everyone is either watching or talking about Reality shows. .Bethenny Frankel Reality star..Maybe but for the very few individuals that meet the requirements for the having a show.