Gabler and reality TV

Ok, to start I myself am a bit embarrassed to admit that I am actually quite a reality TV fan.  For some reason I have always found Real Housewives, Jersey Shore, or Real World much more interesting than say Two and a Half Men.  I have tried to figure out why this is over the course of the semester while we have discussed consumerism.  Why do I support Jersey Shore cast members making a ridiculous amount of money for partying when I work my butt off to make a fraction of their salaries?  I came to the conclusion that, some call it being nosy, but I am genuinely interested in how other people live their lives, whether it be similar to mine in some way, or in no way at all.  With my friends I don’t have to pretend to care about what new drama is plaguing their lives, and I even considered being a psychologist. 

Like I said before, society often deems this interest as nosy.  This is personal support for the idea Gabler presented when he stated one of the reasons people enjoy reality TV as: “They allow us to be moral outlaws.”   Although I strongly support this idea, I was a thrown by another of Gabler’s ideas:  “Those we observe become ours, hostages to our eyes. "Survivor" and "Big Brother" feed our sense of potency.”  I’m not totally sure I understand this point of view, does anyone else??

Although it seems like an oxymoron I have to agree with the fact that reality TV can be intriguing because of the sense of community some of the more popular shows create.  I work at a nursing home that employs many different kinds and ages of people.  Therefore, finding something you have in common with coworkers can be quite a challenge.  However, I cannot tell you how many people discuss American Idol on a daily basis.  This reality show provides a stronger sense of community for many in the workplace because of the common interest it provides, which gives very different people a launching point for conversation.

The discussion of suspense struck me as well because although there are so many different genres of movies, a common thread between many is that they are more captivating to an audience if they are true, or even “based on a true story.”  Look at 1000 Ways to Die for example.  Some of the deaths are so ridiculous you have to wonder how related they actually are to the true story; but this is part of the entertainment, the thought that these silly, gruesome, or horrible things could have actually happened to real people.  Without that question in a viewers mind, if the show admitted to being completely made up, how many people would lose interest?  Honestly, I feel I would.

            Finally, while watching the Jersey Shore I really focused on Gabler’s idea that we relate to the people on these shows more because they are just ordinary people.  Sammi, Snooki, Jwow, Deena, Pauly, Vinni, Mike, and Ronnie to be honest, could not be further from people I know.  And to be honest some of their personalities are so obnoxious it’s hard to believe anyone even likes them.  However, every episode seems to be quite similar and yet very successful.  Sammi and Ronnie are fighting or “smushing” constantly, the other cast mates are partying and hooking up with people, and occasionally we see a few of them working, but even that seems far from what many people I know would consider work.  Although these people are quite obnoxious they are still very successful so I’d say this proves the idea that sex sells, we relate to real people more, no matter how ridiculous they may be, and reality TV allows us to be “moral outlaws,” just for a bit!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AEzVwtbnuU