Reality T.V. Shows

Just to warn you guys, I'm going to be ranting a lot in this post. I hate reality t.v. shows. And by reality t.v., I don't mean American Idol or other competition based shows. By reality t.v., I mean shows where the stars all live in a house together, and the cameras follow them around as the drama unfolds. I think that these people are only seeking attention and are wannabe stars. Shows like America's Next Top Model, The Hills, and yes, even Jersey Shore, all get me really angry. Most of the people on these shows are only on it to get noticed.

Plus, I hate that these people are paid millions of dollars for a couple of episodes of their everyday lives. This money could be going toward something much more meaningful than their new cars and designer clothing. Why can't this money instead be going toward ending poverty, or endangered species?

I'll admit that I have watched a few episodes of some of these shows, just to see what they're all about, but I would always find myself going crazy by the end. The people were creating drama for themselves by constantly drinking or sleeping around (especially true in Jersey Shore). What sort of example is this setting for their viewers? It isn't only teens that are watching these shows, pre-teens are watching them too. What do they think when they see these "celebrities" drinking and partying on t.v.? Pre-teens are especially impressionable, and when they see celebrities do something, a lot of them think that it is cool.

I'm sure nearly everyone recognized the person in this photo. Snookie. If you don't know, she's one of the many people starring in the reality show Jersey Shore, but she's just as easily well known for the giant poof on the top of her head. Her real name is Nicole Polizzi, and after doing a quick search on Wikipedia, I learned that she now earns roughly $30,000 per episode and is considered the "breakout member of the cast" (The New York Times).

After reading further on "Snookie", I learned that she had been charged for disturbing the peace at Seaside Beach. She pleaded guilty and was sentenced a $500 charge and community service. Apparently, after handing down the sentence, the judge (Damian G. Murray) commented that she is a "Lindsay Lohen wannabe". This arrest was filmed for Season Three of the show, so what kind of example does this set for pre-teens and teenagers after watching it?

I think that with reality t.v. shows, you either love them or you hate them. But I think that everyone can agree without a doubt that the stars of most of these shows do not set a good example for their viewers.