The rape thing is appalling - and you have to wonder, with all those cameras around, how could it not have been noticed and stopped? It seems like the producers of shows like Real World are gunning for controversy, stupidity, and sex on screen - but I'm surprised that a situation could get that out of control.

I don't watch that type of show, but responded on the subject of gender in some other reality television on my blog. Even the less offensive shows still intentionally manipulate the participant's (including the viewer's) emotions, and a lot of that happens through stereotypes. But then, most tv does that.

I think these shows are such unrealistic, unappetizing crap to begin with that whether or not they are inequitable to women matters little to me.

Recently, in a fit of laziness, I sat on the couch and watched one of those shows-about-a-show, a sort of story of the genesis of the "real world" shows. Basically, it seems like they've devolved into just alot of soft-core porn. It is unsurprising to me in the atmosphere that was described by the participants that something like that could happen.

Past that, my reality show ingestion has been brief and confined to weird things like the "world idol" competition. (Because I'm soooo continential, don't ya know... :)) I highly recommend accompanying any reality show consumption with reading recaps on televisionwithoutpity.com.,

Sorry I haven't written up an actual blog entry about this. :)

I agree with Kerri. I have never watched one and even the commercials turn my stomach, wondering how we can sink so low. I think they degrade everyone one the shows, women included.

How could I not respond to my own topic? For me it's a case by case basis, I don't think they are all good, or all bad. Perhaps amazingly I do think that, while they are all exploitative, good things can come from some of the shows. Read more on my blog.

well, i'm gonna finish what i started when the opportunity presents itself. but, y'all are welcome to read what i've got so far ...

Reality TV.

An interesting oxymoron. I haven't watched any of them, so I cant say anything about the actual content, as I don't know what it is. But, I'm certain that it's not "reality". It may be 'unscripted'. But, the news article I read about the real world said it was a three story building converted into a TV studio, with sets and dressing rooms. The 'bedroom' was a set with three walls and an open area for the camera and sound technicians and lighting, just like any other set. Reality? Well, yeah. Just as real as rock-n-roll, rap and any other media driven advertiser sponsored event.

Back in July I wrote an article on this topic for the newspaper I work for - if anyone wants a copy of the article, e-mail me - what amazed me though was the vitriolic reaction that article incited in some readers - male readers. I still have some of the e-mails from one particularly venomous reader. I'd be happy to share those as well - they're quite, um, enlightening.

I have my entry up here. I've pulled some unedited work from a paper I did this summer. I do watch some reality television, some of the game show categorization, others of the 'how-to' or 'unscripted' variety. I avoid the 'love finding' like the plague. It's a mixed bag, but, as I ended off, much of it (what I watch at least)isn't that much worse than other television shows. Sad, but true.

Rachel's article is really interesting...email her for a copy. Seems like she's covered all the shows.