The Influence Of Reality Television On American Culture

The concept of reality television can be traced back to the 1940s. In 1948 Allen Funt's Candid Camera was debuted (Wikipedia 2006). That was the first unscripted reality television show. Since then reality shows have taken the United States by storm. This genre of entertainment has become a very important part of the American culture. So much, that a couple of reality shows are proudly using the continent's name as a qualified title. Examples are America's Next Top Model, and American Idol. Reality television has become more than just entertainment for Americans; it is now a way of life. There are quite a few aspects to reality television; there are the psychological, social, and the obvious entertainment aspects. What reality television has become in the United States is observed by Geela "These days there is a growing trend towards reality TV shows that are based on external shallow values". It's embarrassing how the American reality television is only focused on one aspect: the material culture. Realizing that Candid Camera was the first form of reality television show made me wonder if the initial purpose of reality show was just for entertainment or
Unfortunately, their main focus is on the mores; sex, drugs, and load of immoralities. Shows like the Osbournes, Bobby and Whitney, Biggest Loser, and too many more all go against the values and folkways of our society. The new system of values that reality TV has no boundaries when it come to discussing mores. There are lot of shows that take away the value of relationship. Next is a show where a guy go on a date with a girl while more girls are waiting for a chance to go on a date with him, and if he's not into the first girl he can just say "Next" hence the title. The girl he don't pick gets paid for her time spent with him; one dollar per minute. That's low point