The Illusion of Reality Television

What is this fascination people have with "reality" television programs? Are people simply voyeurs content to spy on lives, or is reality television nothing more that soap operas that mimic live television? And why would people pull such horrible stunts such as the boy and the balloon to attract the opportunity for a reality show? What if the boy had been in that balloon and fallen to his death?

Perhaps it's the draw of the potential for wealth and attention from such shows. "Jon and Kate plus Eight" has drawn a huge amount of attention because of the marital meltdown between the couple. Suddenly, we are inundated with stories of wealth and special status given them because of the show. And what about Octomom, goodness where does this morbid fascination with others end?

How can we be so drawn to staged rudeness, crudeness and the pettiness of people on television? We watch with fascination as "Bridezillas" treat fiancés, family and friends with total disregard, acting like spoiled nasty ungrateful women. We watch "The Bad Girls Club" where another group sets a standard for mean pettiness and such shallow personalities. Our children watch such shows and their behaviors become unspoken acceptable modes of behavior.

"Real Housewives," real what is a better question? What is real about their lives, their characters and their presentation to the world on television? What is the difference in their actions and the actions of those odd characters on Jerry Springer? Change the stage setting and what we have is a glamorized version of Jerry Springer.

The other side to consider is a narcissistic element to these reality shows. Tori Spelling has her life splashed all over the television. Why would anyone wish to expose themselves and their children to the public eye? Ozzy Osbourne, Hulk Hogan, the Kardashians and perhaps the Jackson brothers, when will our morbid fascination end so we do not expose ourselves to an endless stream of watching others live their dysfunctional lives?

Do we use these programs to measure the success of our own lives? Do we look at these people on television and judge ourselves fortunate that we are not living their lives, or wishful we are? Are our lives so boring and mundane that we seek to live elements of our lives through others because our lives lack elements? Do we lack role models or want behavior that justifies offensive personal behavior as socially acceptable?

Perhaps psychologists have more educated theories for the fascination for such television addictions to these programs. Perhaps these programs are another indication of the disintegration of aspects of our societies. As long as television producers see a demand for these programs, they will continue to offer outlandish programs.

The cash cow of a successful program is huge, and there are many people eager to provide the next tasteless program, the next drama, hoping for the next fortune. And would anyone wish to wager that the family of the boy and the balloon will be offered an opportunity for a reality show? They have the eyes of the world on them and with all the free publicity; some producer will design a reality show around them.

Whether it's a hoax of a small boy and a balloon or a woman having eight children, outlandish attracts attention. People, like moths drawn to light, will flock to watch the latest drama. Apparently, exposure has value to people willing to expose themselves to public scrutiny. Ultimately, reality is an illusion because we allow ourselves to be sucked into lives that are far from "normal."