Synthesis Essay

Real or Fake Reality TV Out of many TV shows, there is an extensive number of reality TV shows. For example, the most common are American Idol, The Bachelor, and Big Brother. These reality shows impact our lives both positively and negatively. According to Cynthia Frisby, “reality shows are just new shows that promise more drama, suspense, and laughter while constantly pushing the strings on what is morally and decently acceptable.” Reality TV shows craft opportunities for normal but talented people to compete against one another in an immense amount of ways. To most these reality shows can be a relaxing comfort but to others it can be an emotional rollercoaster just to view one certain show. Reality TV can affect the viewers and the contestants especially emotionally, selfishly, and physically. One noticeable similarity that develops from these three articles is that viewers and contestants are affected emotionally. For example, Kathy Kennedy believes that reality TV is too negative and states, “I don’t even want to watch ‘ER’ anymore. Anything that’s sad or dramatic…it seems too much of a reality” (Campbell 5). Some viewers have anger towards certain shows that display such extreme ignorance just for the chance of fame. People who become too emotionally attached to reality TV shows often switch to a funnier and less dramatic show. For many watching reality TV can be more than entertainment but instead a source of self-improvement. By watching these shows on a regular basis the act of comparing oneself to the contestant’s lifestyle is quite common. In the article “Getting Real with Reality TV,” Cynthia Frisby states, “Reality TV allows audiences to laugh, cry, and live vicariously through so- called every day, ordinary people who have opportunities to experience things that, until the moment they are broadcast, most individuals only dream about” (259). Certain reality TV shows can trigger emotions within an individual, but it demonstrates the absolute intensity of what these shows can produce worldwide. In the articles “Getting Real with Reality TV” and “Suddenly, ‘reality’ TV is too…real,” a clear similarity among these two articles is how the viewers and contestants are affected selfishly. Individuals that watch reality TV tend to have a combination of negative and positive outlooks on those who are presented on the show. The comparison between the two can be described as the act of social comparison, by which one determines their own personal worth to those of higher or lower status. Cynthia Frisby notes that, “individuals engaging in upward comparison may learn from others and be inspire by their examples, while individuals engaging in downward comparison cope with their personal problems by allowing themselves to see a positive light compared to those in difficult circumstances” (258). When it comes to the viewers of reality TV oneself would view most in a downward comparison outlook. They are selfishly judging others that are at a lower status than themselves just to have self-reassurance. In other words reality TV participants tend to behave in selfish manners in order to achieve their fame and attention. In the article, “Suddenly, ‘reality’ TV is too…real,” the author notes how Kourtney Kardashian made the birth of her child public to the world to see and states, “Perhaps she opted for a natural birth with this in mind. Surely that is what happens when you turn your life into live theatre: your decisions are prompted by what might appeal to your viewers” (Campbell 11). Reality TV is constantly crossing the boundaries of what is suitable and what should be kept as private personal information. Throughout the editorial “Suddenly, ‘reality’ TV is too…real,” one main feature is that viewers and contestants are affected physically. Reality TV has never seemed to fail at the invasion of ones privacy when it comes to entertainment. It is not just the contestants and producers that allow such intrusion on personal matters but because of the increase of ratings on these shows by the viewers is also an attribute. Mary Corrigall states, “How relevant it is especially in the realm of reality TV, where people are willing to eat cockroaches, jump off buildings or admit to adultery for the chance to win some moola and see their mugs on TV” (2). Reality TV has constantly found ways to constantly push the edges of what should be filmed and what should not be filmed. For example, Kourtney Kardashian of the famous Kardashian decided to share the birth of her child publicly through the use of cameras as documentation for the world to see. As noted by Corrigall, “Some women don't even let their partners into the delivery room, fearing that this messy and rather disturbing scene might scar them for life. Of course, Kardashian chose a natural birth (a caesarean isn't as dramatic or drawn out) so there was lots of drama, tension and a happy resolution. These are all the ingredients that make for good TV viewing, thus it attracted a record audience estimated to have topped 4.8 million” (10). It would seem that reality TV would set a boundary for what they could air on TV but the bigger the ratings the more popular the show or series becomes on the charts. Reality TV can affect the viewers and the contestants of the program especially emotionally, selfishly, and physically. These shows have negative and positive impacts on our daily lifestyles, whether it ranges from relaxation or heart pounding competition. With or without reality TV as individuals we are accessed to entertainment and an inside look to the lives of those who choose to live the life as a participant of the reality lifestyle.

Works Cited
Campbell, Kim. "Suddenly, 'reality' TV is too ... real." Christian Science Monitor. 11 Oct. 2001: 2. Academic Search Premier. Web. 1 Feb. 2014. Web.
Corrigall, Mary. "Everything is for Sale on Reality TV - Even a Life and the Birth of a Baby." The Sunday Independent: 12. Apr 18 2010. ProQuest. Web. 2 Feb. 2014.
Jones, Gerard. “Getting Real With Reality TV.” Perspectives on Contemporary Issues: Readings Across the Discipline. Ackley, Katherine Anne. 6th ed. Boston: Wadsworth Cengage Learning, 2012. 230-233. Print.