The journal article I chose focuses on the topic of reality TV and the apparent lack of talent in today’s celebrities. The article Jon and Kate I Hate by Gary Hoppenstand is the author’s opinion on reality television and the downfall of celebrities from that of earlier eras. The author shows a quick glimpse of how people became famous long ago as compared to how they achieve this status now. Much less skill or ability is needed these days and if you are good at portraying a dramatic lifestyle there is a good chance you will be offered some sort of reality TV show.
The article seems to initially focus on stars from the past and how they came to be famous. This was a time when people weren’t given icon status based on how horrible they were at something, or a haircut, or even how good they were at a sport. Celebrities from the 19th century such as Billy the Kid, Jesse James, and Buffalo Bill came from actual historic events that put them above and beyond the normal individual of the time. In that period of time, celebrities were looked at as heroes for their amazing achievements or extraordinary abilities (Hoppenstand).
Things began to change drastically when American’s began producing and watching movies. People now became famous for their ability to act or simply by how glamorous or handsome they were. These attractive faces were used by the movie companies to market their films and make money, thus turning them into household names with their faces plastered on billboards and magazines. Little attention was paid to the quality or personal life of the individual, instead focused on their looks and abilities to captivate an audience. Not to say the stars of early movie and radio were talentless, just that they were primarily used for looks and not achievements.
Today, no matter which cable or satellite channel you turn to, you are sure to find some sort of reality television show. In many opinions these are obnoxious, low-talent, ridiculous programs with no educational value and very little substance. Yet we as Americans are drawn to them and continuously promote their silly ideals. Networks and production companies have swarmed the reality market by producing shows that follow families for how many children they have, such as Jon and Kate Plus Eight. As the journal article states, this program “has given the world of entertainment two individuals with absolutely no skills or qualities other than that of giving insipid interviews to the entertainment press” (Hoppenstand). Based on a review like that, why are we so drawn to reality TV and the horrible premise of most of the shows? Many, including myself, believe that Americans find satisfaction in seeing others’ misfortunes in an attempt to make them feel better about their own lives. Hoppenstand states, “They are not doctors who cure disease. They are not artists who create painting of lasting beauty. They are not poets whose writing enlighten the human condition.” For some reason, though, we continue to watch and pump ratings money into these networks so they can continue to produce more mindless viewing pleasure.
It would be nice to go back to the day where individuals became famous for an outstanding achievement or actual talent, but I feel those days are long gone. As long as reality TV is around there will be no shortage of drama filled, mindless, Jon and Kate type television to watch.
References
Hoppenstand, G. (2010). Editorial: Jon and kate I hate. The Journal of Popular Culture, 43(1), 1-2. http://0-journals.ohiolink.edu.olinkserver.franklin.edu/ejc/pdf.cgi/Hoppenstand_Gary.pdf?issn=00223840&issue=v43i0001&article=1_ejakih
Tyler, your blog was very engaging. Your topic of reality television is a definite popular culture topic. However, I think that there could be more behind people watching the reality shows, and it's all over the world. The possibility that humans feel much more isolated in their busy lives that this type of programing allows for a sense of socializing. There is also the obvious desire for people to know what it is like for someone else. For the Kate Plus Eight television show I think that people are most likely intrigued because you can not help but wonder how two parents could handle such a situation.
ReplyDeleteI personally do not watch the reality shows like Jersey Shore, or House Wives of numerous places but I do enjoy the cooking shows like Hell's Kitchen, or competition reality shows. Regardless of the actual content I believe that it is typical behavior for people to want to know what life is like for other people. But the people on the reality shows are surly not actors, and should not be regarded as such, which in rewards for programming I do not think that any reality television person has won a award, have they?
I hate Jon and Kate Plus 8! I think its sad how these two messed up people are subjecting their small children to this show. I would be willing to bet that most of these kids will resent their parents for putting them on this show.
ReplyDeleteNow that being said. I agree with the comment why Americans love reality TV. I believe people in general due like to see others suffer because of their misfortune or idiotic actions. I feel that the viewers of most of these shows find comfort in the fact that no matter how messed up their own life is it is still better than the life of those on these shows.
Hi Tyler,
ReplyDeletePerhaps the fact that people love reality TV shows goes deeper than what meets the eye. If you think about it, many of years past celebrities or well knowns achieved or possessed abilities beyond the capabilities of the normal person. Comparing ones self to another of great achievement can lead to serious discontent with ones self. However, watching others who struggle, make poor decisions, or fail is something everyone can relate to. Maybe watching these shows allows others to feel better about them simply because they are not trying to measure up to something or someone that they are not capable of being or accomplishing.
Thanks,
Lisa Theis-Juniper
I really like this topic, because I find reality tv to be completely ridiculous. I do not think that it is true reality, the actors are terrible, and the shows, although entertaining, are pointless for the most part. The only reality tv shows that can be labeled as "good" to me are ones on History, Discovery or NATGEO. With the oncoming of reality tv, pretty much anyone is able to get a tv show if it is entertaining for a large audience. I like the reference to Jon and Kate plus 8. There is also another show that is like 19 and counting, where its just about the family have babies and their everyday lives. I think this was a great topic and the article was pretty interesting from their stand point, as was your analysis.
ReplyDeleteReply posted by Linda Penrose
ReplyDeleteTyler this is a great article that you chose for your analysis. The questions has most certainly crossed my mind as to why we Americans just love to watch these mindless reality shows filled with drama. Some of the reality televisions shows are just fantastic such as American Pickers and Dirty Jobs, they are educational and interesting to me. But shows such as Jersey Shore and John and Kate are huge and mainly for the drama. You say that the days of someone getting recognized for talent and actual achievement are long gone. I hpe you are wrong but I think that money is going to continue to be the driving factor or that for television. The more people want to see this garbage the more money the networks make. And like with everything else in the world money will make the decision.
Reality TV seems to be what people crave. The drama and issues seem to connect with people's lives. There is a change in how actors are portrayed but as for their ability to act I think it would depend on their own personality. If someone takes a part that is hard for them to play then they still have talent even though we may not like the character or type of movie they play in. I do prefer the non-reality shows though so I understand your point.
ReplyDeleteTyler,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you on how reality tv has allowed talentless people the ability to make tons of money for creating drama on a scripted show. I also agree with you on how some people enjoy laughing at other people's misfortunes and somehow feel better about themselves at the same time.
It's a real shame how Jon and Kate dragged those kids through that reality show and had a nationally broadcasted divorce. I see how Kate has kept the show going and Jon has disappeared from the spotlight. I still see Kate's picture on the cover of tabloid magazines while I am waiting to check out at the grocery store.