Should reality shows have regulations

Should Reality Shows Have Regulations
I feel that anything that can be watched by our children during Prime Time Hours should be regulated. I watched a show “Housewives of Atlanta” and I was outdone with the antics, of course I know that sometimes things get out of hand. It was chaotic, and it causes our young people to think that these actions are valid because they get mega bucks to do this.
When these shows are developed, it’s with the hope that they will be successful, and the show will soar through the roof in ratings. What about our children? As parents, guardians, and grandparents give them enough upbringing socially, and morally to know that not everyone lives this way. This is not how we would like for them to lead their lives. So yes; there should be regulations in place. Who is in control of making sure that reality shows don’t go too far?
The FCC regulates what we see on TV, but I think it needs to be looked into, or some of the rules in place need to be broader and have more moral ethics. The FCC says “The shows are prohibited from rigging of any kind, exploiting children and other things such as nudity and language that are not censored” (Amy Nutt) “When participants sign on to be a part of a reality show they sign contracts and are then bounded by the terms of the contract, and if they violate the contract they risk being kicked off the show." (Amy Nutt) “There are laws and regulations which govern reality TV shows.” (Amy Nutt) I hear what is being said about the laws of governing reality shows. Does that mean the checks and balances are not holding up, or is it that no one really cares? We have a moral and social right to protect our children and their immature minds. “This may be hard to believe since many reality TV shows seem cutthroat, but actors are aware of the type of TV show they are taking part in and agree to such treatment in their contracts. This is what makes the show interesting” (Amy Nutt). I know that we have laws that govern, is this all we need to regulate the quality of our viewing?
I was reading a blog by dstokes, posted on August 24, 2012 and this is the general thought of what he felt. “Reality television plays a major role in the society.”(dstokes) “As many know, reality TV can range from shows that are more realistic then others.”(dstokes) “Even though that may be true, all reality shows are entertaining and have a reason to be broadcast on worldwide television sets.” Because something is entertaining, doesn’t mean there is nothing wrong with it! “Reality television shouldn’t be banned from television channels due to its lack of censorship and unrealistic life issues.”(dstokes) “Banning shows from networks that are categorized as a reality show because of its lack of censorship should not be allowed because it will ultimately result in the loss of viewers of the channel.” The reality show should be aware of the fact that there are younger viewers and audiences that have morals. “Certain words that are not censored on television deserve to be broadcasted because we are exposed to such words in our everyday lives.” (dstokes) It seems that some people are lax about the language used inappropriately it is an issue. “Also, the lack of censorship of certain body parts on reality television should continue to be permitted because it is the viewer’s decision to remain watching what he/she is viewing”(dstokes) I have a big problem about nudity we have enough porn being shown in a nice way. “Having a certain perspective towards viewing the lack of censorship on reality television also plays a major role in society!”(dstokes) “It is better for the viewer to view the lack of censorship on reality TV shows as the TV star having enough confidence to expose certain body parts and express their freedom of speech opposed to viewing reality TV as if the reality TV star is morally corrupt by degrading their body and using profane language.”(dstokes) Now I do believe that a person should be able to make their own choices, but this is beyond liberal, and dstokes finishes his blog with this closing statement. “Reality television should remain broadcasted regardless of its lack of censorship and unrealistic life issues because it is entertaining and it indeed displays real life issues depending on the show.”(dstokes) “Banning reality television from TV networks is not a well-thought out or educated decision” (dstokes) “Our lives off camera aren’t censored, so what we watch on TV shouldn’t have to be either” (dstokes) “Instead of banning reality television, viewers who oppose it should disregard reality TV as a whole and watch a show of a different category or set-up parental block on reality shows” (dstokes)
Considering that we cannot always be with our children where ever they are, I can still say that there should always be a controlling factor in regulating Reality TV shows, regardless of what happens in our everyday lives. Just because I can be exposed to immorality, lewd, and depraved actions doesn’t mean I want to live like that, or have my children exposed. With all the gadgets they have to watch Internet, I pads, etc., it becomes more of a moral issue and duty to make sure it is regulated in our everyday life.

Works Cited

Amy Nutt. Are There Specific Laws or Regulations that Reality shows are required to follow n.d. ezinearticles.com

Stokes, D “A Reality Television Viewer…” Blogs,bgsu.edu/dstokes/2012/08/24 Web Feb.12, 2014.

Cited: Amy Nutt. Are There Specific Laws or Regulations that Reality shows are required to follow n.d. ezinearticles.com Stokes, D “A Reality Television Viewer…” Blogs,bgsu.edu/dstokes/2012/08/24 Web Feb.12, 2014.