The skewed perception that reality television “Makes society stupid” neglects to take in the fact that it plays a major role in history and shaping our open-minded society. The history of reality TV starts with a show called An American Family, which started the obsession with this new genre. The most iconic reality television shows to take over the American TV include The Real World, and it’s infamous spin off, The Jersey Shore, America’s Next Top Model, and The Bachelor.
A show called An American family aired on PBS in 1973, which might make one think of the Kardahsian’s. A somewhat normal family named the Louds, but they had unbelievable secrets. Not only did the parents decided to get a divorce on air, but their gay son came out in front of all America… in 1970!! This compelling reality TV shocked and intrigued America.
The idea that one might find entertainment out of watching a family fall apart causes one to think of people who enjoy reality TV as immature, brain dead, and uncultured. The ironic part about that common perception plays on the idea it is directly wrong. At a time when gay correlated with the words controversial and inappropriate, the use of a gay son in an iconic family that America tuned in to watch each night, lead to progress and change in our society. Their gay son coming out on TV in 1970 laid the track for the LGBTQ society, an abbreviation for the group of people identify with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer.
One of the most popular reality shows of all time, The Real World, changed the format of reality TV. Instead of bringing the camera to the reality, the creators brought the reality to the camera. They staged an environment in which reality could occur. The Real World follows the lives of several strangers living in a house together for a few months. The show moves to a different city each season. “This is the true story…. Of seven strangers…. Picked to live in a house… work together and have their lives taped… to find out what happens… when people stop being polite… and start getting real… The Real World.” When America hears those lines, excitement triggers in our heart because were about to watch some of the best entertainment that television ever offered!
Each season consists of seven people, aged 18-25, based on their target demographics, and is usually selected from thousands of applicants from across the country. The group usually consists of different races, genders, and sexual orientations, religious and political beliefs. Each season starts out with the individual members of the house shown leaving home, and meeting their fellow roommates. The house is over the top and styled by IKEA. The house usually includes a hot tub, pool table, and an aquarium. The aquarium is a metaphor for their lives and how they are like fish being watched in a fish bowl. The housemates are taped 24/7 and the only place the camera doesn’t enter is the bathroom. At the end of the week, each housemate is required to sit down and relay that week’s activities. Beginning with season two, the crew provided a small soundproof room for the cast’s “confessionals”.
Tom Shales of The Washington Post commented, “Ah to be young, cute, and stupid and to have too much free time… Such is the lot facing the wayward wastrels of The Real World, something new in excruciating torture form the busy minds at MTV”. He also commented that the cast might, “Want to think about getting a real job”. Despite both critics freedom to think what they want, they seem to be missing the beauty and opportunity of the idea of putting seven strangers in a house. Usually people don’t get to the change to live in a house so diverse, with the opportunity to learn to change their ways. Karamo Brown of Philadelphia expressed being “Borderline racist towards Caucasians” But had softened these feelings by the end of the season. It isn’t a secret that America is more diverse and open then it used to be, and shows like The Real World are to thank. Another reality show that changed the minds of the public, America’s Next Top Model, helped shed the common stereotypical views of models.
What if I told you reality shows started the error of true desegregation and the decrease of racism? The Real World takes people from different backgrounds and puts them in a house, indirectly forcing people to get used to and potentially understand people who aren’t the same as them. America stopped watching cookie cutter shows about the perfect suburban family and some situational comedy and turned the channel to the real reaction to strangers of different backgrounds learning to get along and relating to each of the characters.
“Sean Sasser and Pedro Zamora of The Real World Miami had a lasting impact on gay and straight viewers. Their moment on The Real Worldshowcased an honest portrayal of gay life rarely seen on TV. Since then, the show has has included a number of LGBTQ characters that have molded the perception of queer life in America.” (Stacy Lambe, 2013)
The show became known for showing the “real” side to relevant issues amoung young-adults including, sex, prejudice, religion, abortion, illness, sexuality, AIDS, and substance abuse. America became a place of diversity and open minds largely due to realty TV.
Can you imagine what America would be like without reality TV? Does reality TV deserve the bad reputation?