Bush Era Reality Shows - Who else hates them?

[ThoughtCriminal]

Now, I understand that these shows have fans here, but I can't stand them.

Now, it might be that my tolerance is too low to watch enough to appreciate their appeal, and there are plenty examples of non-reality shows that suck even more, but here's what I hate:

- All Circus, No Bread
- On reality shows, being a self-absorbed asshole is a plus, Sociopaths rule.
- The worst kind of high-school personality politics
- Thrive on conflict rather than cooperation
- Humiliation is essential
- Cheap production, no writers, no actors, no talent, no creativity beyond a freakish initial concept - You can't hire scabs this cheap.

I'm kind of hoping that their popularity starts to fade.

I think eventually, we will associate these reality shows with the Bush era the same way we remember rigged game shows along with the 50s/McCarthy era. They did not start or end with either, but I don't think it is entirely coincidental that they peaked at the same time.

[Jamastiene]

1. *raises hand*

I admit to watching Big Brother for one season (the season they had Howie, Kaysar, and Janelle). Then I *started to watch* the ALL-Star season (only because it had Howie, Kaysar, and Janelle) and it so totally sucked I couldn't watch any more. The rest of them just never appealed to me at all.

[RFKHumphreyObama]

2. Sadly I don't think you can tie this in with *

They were gaining popularity when Clinton left office and I think they would have developed from there regardless of who won in 2000. It is possible (and I may agree) that *'s era promoted a culture of shallow vapid anti-intellectualism but sadly I think the rot was there long before. I think it probably has more to do with entertainment/cultural trends than political trends

But I do agree that I hope they fade out

[ThoughtCriminal]

3. I don't blame Bush, but I think they are symptoms of the same

disease and were both promoted by the same corporate media. The circus didn't create Nero either, but it was a useful tool.

Also, remember that the shift to hard right, the GOP take-over of Congress and the impeachment of Clinton all started at that time.

[skygazer]

4. I despise them

Mean-spirited, greedy, pandering to the worst instincts of people. See how low a person will go for money. :puke:


Interesting parallel you draw and I think you may be on to something.

[Deja Q]

5. And that has got to stop.

Or else we all may as well give up and become a nation of Rush Limbaughs, Jerry Springers, Maury Poviches, and Fear Factors.

Whatever happened to the likes of "The Cosby Show" anyway? (dirty or coyly naughty shows aren't always bad, but when that's all that audiences are given, pablum that feeds stereotypes with maudlin music, enough is enough.)

[MorningGlow]

6. Oh! Me! Me!

The only reality show I've ever watched was the granddaddy of them all--The Real World. And I only watched the first few seasons, then I got too old to tolerate the participants' crap. Now, although it severely limits my TV watching options (not that that's a bad thing), I choose not to tune in to any reality show, whether it's celebutards doing something stupid or "regular" people hoping to get their 15 minutes of fame, or even something altruistic like Extreme Makeover. Can't bear any of it.

Unfortunately the trend seems to be in favor of MORE reality shows (and game shows) as the economy continues to tank. The networks are crying poverty and canceling all the good dramas, dramedies, and comedies like Pushing Daisies, claiming they're too expensive to produce. So instead we get more low-budget reality crap. :(

[Deja Q]

7. ANd since all profit depends on real risk and investment, not pyramid pus schemes,

the global economy will ultimately fail.

/doomandgloom

I still have optimism -- as others have postulated, perhaps I need to seek psychological help.

[MorningGlow]

8. You're not alone

I still hold out hope, myself. See you at group therapy! :hi:

[meow2u3]

9. The only reality shows I really like depict heroism

are the Animal Planet Heroes series. They show the damage sociopaths do to innocent creatures, try to undo the cruelty, and provide happy endings for the animals in new, loving homes. Some of the poor animals have to be euthanized because the rescuers came to them too late :cry: but as far as I'm concerned, the awareness they raise of the rampant animal cruelty in this country far outweighs the sacrifices a few animals make for the betterment of humanity.

[lunatica]

10. I hate them and refuse to watch the make believe 'reality' crapola

Life is nothing but dog eat dog and the top dog and it's all just dog crap.