May 8, 2014
e Entertainment
From “Basketball Wives” to “Married To Medicine” to “R&B Divas” to “The Real Housewives,” reality television has succeeded in playing down to our ignorance and delivering the lowest form of so-called “entertainment” imaginable. The worst part is, these shows remain on the air because we all actually watch them.
These women are the wives of noted physicians, the wives of skilled NBA players and are even well known recording artists in their own right. Yet we as a society don’t want to see them going about their day being successful role models with wealth and education. No! We want to see them pointing fingers in faces, calling each other bitches and nearing fisticuffs. What’s wrong with us, America?
During the taping of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” reunion this year, a physical altercation broke out between 2 of the women, with Porsha Williams grabbing former Miss USA Kenya Moore by her hair and dragging her across the floor. Sadly (but not surprisingly), this was the highest rated and most watched episode of the season.
The basic formula these reality shows follow is the same formula Jerry Springer used in his all-too-famous talk show — the more arguments, fights and chairs thrown, the better. So, why do we thirst for such frivolity and consider this entertainment?
e Entertainment
Just think back to the days of the Romans when thousands would fill the Colosseum to watch humans get thrown to the lions and literally be eaten alive, while spectators cheered with excitement. Or, think about how we all slow down to gawk when passing a bad car accident on the highway, secretly hoping to see a gory and bloody scene. Pathetic!
Despite our societal advances, are we truly such carnivores? Are we really the Romans reincarnated, reaping joy from watching dog eat dog? Have we stooped so low as to allow ourselves to revel in this televised ratchetness? Or, can we…SHOULD WE elevate ourselves, our concept of entertainment and do better?
