Two Generational Viewpoints on Reality Television

Reality Television. Is it scripted, edited, fake, fiction, real, exaggerated, funny, awful, offensive, exploitive, entertaining or educational? The list of shows span from action & adventure to Travel. Does these shows depict reality? Or, are these shows far from reality? Could you, someone in your family, a friend, someone you know or a church member fit just nicely into one of the Reality Television categories? Reality Television is defined as television shows about people who are filmed in real situations. Reality Television shows are mainly made for entertainment. Some of the shows are negative, some positive, as well as, educational. Reality Television has been around for many years, as a matter of fact since the 1950’s. The shows have become increasingly popular since shows such as American Idol first season in 2002, Survivor, Extreme Makeover and America’s Next Top Model. Reality Television shows have captured the attention of not just the United States, but the world. Reality Television has its ups and downs, as well as, its good and bad. Some shows have had negative impacts on society, because the show glamorize bad morals and influence people to the extent that they pick up on some of the negative behavior, thinking it will get them a few minutes of fame. However, there are a lot of Reality Television shows that have positive influences and are very educational; these shows have information about diet, weight loss, health and fitness. So, what is your favorite or least favorite Reality Television Show?

Two generation viewpoints from Vanessa Jenkins, mother, and Shanae Hale, daughter, are listed below.

Shanae - I enjoy watching cooking shows such as Chopped or Bobby Flay; because it broadens my horizons when cooking meals for my family. I am able to incorporate foods and make dishes I have never heard of before. I also enjoy watching home makeover shows such as Love It or List It, and other home makeover shows as my husband and I just purchased a home, and I want to be knowledgeable about the latest decorating ideas. I am not into other reality shows that are mostly for entertainment purposes such as, “Keeping up with the Kardashians,” The Voice, or Real Housewife series. I am more into reality shows that teach and have educational values. I watch the First 48 to the horror of how human beings kill each other and how detectives are able to use a crime scene to find these people. I enjoy watching Naked and Afraid and Duel Survivor. Although, I do not believe I will ever be in that type of situation; it is interesting to me to know what type of plants are edible and how to catch and cook a snake, if need be!

Vanessa - I find that most people do not realize that some of the shows they watch are classified as Reality Television. For example, I enjoy watching Flee Market Flip. Flee Market Flip is a Reality Television show that promotes the re-vamping and/or re-cycling of items that can be found at Flea Markets. It is a twist on the buy and flip of homes for profit. I love to fix, repair, or build, items. I also like the shows Property Brothers, Love It or List It, and Rehab Addict. I also enjoy watching some of the cooking shows, especially Iron Chef Bobby Flay, Giada De Laurentiis, Sunny Anderson, and Guy’s Grocery games when I want to get new ideas for cooking. I watch the cooking shows, but I may take a spin on a meal and try to ensure it is on the healthier side. I have also watched some of the Preacher reality shows and Fix My Choir, and I concluded that some of the situations that occurs in the shows are true indications of “folks”. I would further advise to use wise and good judgment on what shows you watch.

A Conversation Worth Having

1. So, what is your favorite or least favorite Reality Television Show?
2. What does it mean to be a Godly Woman?
3. [Discussion question to come]