Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Blog 3 - Reality TV
As I sit here and write this blog, I have the "Real Housewives of NJ" playing in the background. I'm not sure what my obsession with these "train wrecks" as my husband refers to them, but perhaps it's that I can't look away! In fact, on a couple of occassions I've actually gone to bed way too late just to stay up and watch these shows (which I have on DVR)! If I had to guess why I'm so addicted, perhaps one reason is my interest in psychology. I know that may seem really strange, although I'm always analzying people and their motives. Also, I easily "connect" to others and while I obviously don't have a relationship with the people I watch on TV, I feel like I know them. This weird "bond" causes me to attach to them and their situation. At the end of the show, when the previews for the following week come on, I can't wait to see what happens. I almost feel invested in their lives and discuss with friends as if we are talking about a mutual friend. Wood states, "Girls and women often use media to build relationships." Since most of my friends watch the same shows, it gives us something to talk about outside of the stress of our own lives. When I try to recount some of the crazy situations I observe to my husband, he's totally disinterested. In his mind, these shows don't even warrant conversation. Looks like I'll be keeping my reality tv gossip with the girls for now!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Nicole
ReplyDeleteThe media influences social values through reality television shows. The gatekeepers or writers have an opportunity to shape cultural values through mass media. The media tells us how we are to feel about the behaviors of the television characters. Reality television can be addicted at times and every form of mass media is flowed reality type formats. The draw is that the shows try to be as real as possible by having ordinary people as the cast. One line made from an ordinary citizen, Joe the plumber, made national news and part of the presidential debate in 2008. The women at my job talk about the different reality TV shows at lunch time, like you they can tell every little detail about the characters. The drama of reality television shows is gear to a certain type of personality. I have the same complaint with my wife, when she wants to talk about her shows. Some people are interested in drama and some enjoy action pack. The men and differences between women are by how we communicate by our gender. My favorite reality television show is the “Deadliest Catch”. The show is film in the Bering Sea and it is about crab fishermen. . I watch the “Deadliest Catch” for the suspense to see, if anyone is going to die by going into the sea. The Mole is a show that my wife and I can watch together, because it’s a mystery show. The shows are an addict part of our culture.
I finally had to see what everyone was talking about when it came to these Housewives shows because they have become something of a phenomenon. Nicole, your interest in psychology shows in your analysis of this series and after viewing it myself I have to agree. Its like one of those horrible accidents that is sickening to look at yet impossible not to rubberneck at. Their behavior towards one another is terrible and although they seem to be trying to achieve the "blank" housewive cliche of whatever state it is they are perpetuating a message about women that is even more powerful. What I got from that show was that these women feed off of drama. The littlest things send sparks flying, and the fights are usually about someone breaking some kind of lady like code. (you didn't send me a card when my baby was born! you didn't invite me to your dinner party) The confessionals to the camera have brought gossip to an entirely different level. So as you commented, why are these shows so addictive? What is the secret ingedient in what i call class-trash television? They might have nice hair, clothes and makeup but their interpersonal relationships are less than glamorous. I think it is the seething arguments, the backspin and cattiness that women in particular are so drawn to because it allows them to celebrate what they so often experience in their own lives.
ReplyDeleteMy post on Irene's blog:
ReplyDeleteHello Irene,
I also saw the movie and I'd have to agree. Perhpas it is what we've been reading and learning about that has caused you to be more sensitive; however, Samantha's character has always been the epitome of a "sexpot". Interestingly enough, Samantha is the female version of a player. Despite our progress in reducing sexism, our language continues to devalue females and femininity by trivializing, deprecating and diminishing women and anything associated with femininity (Wood, 123). The way Samantha talks tends to demoralize women and men. She portrays women as sluts and treats men like a piece of meat. It's characters like that who give women a bad name for ourselves. Often, it's men depicting women a certain in appropriate way, although with this character, it's a woman that is contributing to an unflattering display. I know you mentioned age, although to me, that's not the issue. Whether her character was 20 or 50, I'd still have the same concerns. However, I guess you would expect an older woman to be more mature and behave in a certain manner and she does cross all the boundaries!
Br,
Nicole
I am embarrassed for these women as another women and also, angry that media continues to perpetuate these stereotypes that women are so superficial and unintelligent. I have tried to watch it a few times, but, am always angry at myself afterwards that I wasted an hour of my life that I can't get backk!
ReplyDelete