Reality TV all real?

[Halle Gitelson]

Let’s just face it, reality TV is all of our secret addictions. We couldn’t wait to see the drama unfold on Laguna Beach when Stephan and Kristen were “Dunzo," and we can’t get enough of the crazy situations that Snookie and Deena end up in. Reality TV is such a huge part of our generation’s culture in today’s day and age. It has such a big impact in the way that we carry on throughout our days even. The amount of chaos involved in these shows raises questions such as, who are these people, where do they come from, and is this for real? In my opinion not all of the content on these shows is “reality."

Drama, drama, and more drama. This word seems to be what reality television is focused on these days.  Recently on the Jersey Shore Sammy and Ronny got into another one of their infamous fights, but this one took a nasty turn for the worse. Things started to get violent and messy when the couples trust issues began to flare up. Ronny went from normal Guido juicehead to the hulk in a matter of seconds; he was flipping beds and throwing possessions out the door. Behavior this intense isn’t something that you would normally see, which raises the question, was it for the ratings?  Think about it, would you ever chuck something out the window because your significant other cheated on you over a year ago, but the issue has already been dealt with? A little extreme if you ask me. Also, we can never forget the one and only Pumpkin from VH1’s Flavor of Love. Her love was so “passionate” for a man well over twice her age that she felt a lougie to another contestant’s, New York, face was necessary. Any person wishing to perceive themselves as classy would obviously support her in this action, right? My question is what would possess a person to want to be portrayed in such a negative light? Did New York really deserve a wad of spit to the dome?

What are your opinions on the topic of reality television? Is it all real or fake? Maybe a little mix of both?

[Mike Artov]

I think that if they kept it real then maybe it might not be interesting for the viewers and T.V. shows these days NEED viewers to get far so, its a must.

[Jack Andersen]

I believe that it is for sure a mix of both. The directors purposely have one character do something to someone that is all planned out, but then they want to see the other person's real reaction.

[whitney cummings (caleo)]

Ryan's right. If they acted like they usually do, it wouldn't keep viewers' attention. It's all about rating; they want attention. I'm sure some things are true on the shows. But, I feel like they leave alot out which falsely leads us to believe wha'ts really going on. I personally think that many of reality show actors and actresses are disrespectful and completely out of control. They all make fools out of themselves.

[Ryan Woodman]

I think it's such a joke. They make it dramatic, fake emotions / situations, and overall make it outrageous, and for good reason too. If it was the real situations they were showing, 90% of the show would be dull and boring. They have to make it interesting and entertaining for us, so we are entertained. Whether it's all real or not, as long as there is that illusion of reality present, I think it will be just like any other fiction TV show, just a bit more relatable.

[haena y.]

Reality television is always entertaining, but I do not think it is all real. In my opinion I think it is a "little mix of both." There is no way these reality show stars can act like this, meaning disresepctful and horrible. I believe reality television is exaggerated, alot, for us viewers. We watch reality shows because they are exaggerated with drama and the unthinkable, like how Ronny was acting after a fight. Without the exaggeration, reality TV would have less viewers and in order to make money they exaggerate and include some staged scenes.  

[Aly Glover]

I can't stand reality TV. I think that they get way too much attention. In my opinion no ones life is that exciting to make a TV show about without a little help from a script. A lot of the people who participate in reality shows that are not already famous, want to be. This is how they get their big break and get their name out there.

[Jack Finis]

I do admit, I love reality shows, but at the same time, how could I where something is so "preplanned"? Maybe a few lines arnt written out but the idea of the episode is not a surprise to the cast themselves.

[Robin de Freitas]

Most reality shows, especially those on MTV, are all scripted. Now what most of the cast members do to make themselves look completely idiotic. Is all thanks to their own actions.

[Kaity Drahos]

I have to admit, I'm completely addicted to reality shows. But I totally think it's all for their 5 minutes of fame. Especially when looking at Pumpkin and New York's situation. I don't believe that they can truthfully love someone they barely know, who is well older than them, and who has more girls than he knows what to do with. But, we all seem to know who these girls are. So, I guess we gave them what they wanted.

[Rachel Izydorek]

its kind of funny to watch shows like "the real world vegas" because it just seems like they are putting on an act. while i love jersey shore, they just makes fools out of themselves for the fame now. it isnt reality, but it is entertainment