Analysis 5

There are many theories that can be found in Reality Television shows, but the Romantic theme seems to be pretty common in all of the shows.  Regardless if the show is about “finding love” or “competing” for love…there is usually a fire to be lit between a few of the contestants.  Shows like “Big Brother”, “Survivor”, or even “The Real World” have nothing to do with winning over someone’s heart, but there is always two people who fall for each other and makes the show about love. 

I think the most interesting things that I found about this “Popular Culture” topic is how all of the classic shows now seem set up and aren’t actually reality television.  I have researched enough to figure out that anymore, these shows are all set-up for entertainment purposes only.  And that many of the members on these shows are on them for one reason and one reason only…fame.  Yes, there are some instances where a large sum of money for the winner is in store, but in most cases all of these people want the publicity and hope to set off an acting career starting with Reality Television. 

I think of Reality Television differently after researching during this class in a few ways.  I used to be very interested in watching a number of these shows, but reading about the behind the scenes of some of them…I’m simply not interested in watching “Reality Television” that is not actual reality. 

Journal Article Analysis (1-3-2)

This article is directed at society in general, but more specifically to the individuals that pay attention to the image shown above.  Throughout the journal article, it is commonly asked "Is this perceived as it is meant?"  Or, "Is this supposed to be taken as offensive or discriminate?"  The author makes sure you are thinking and analyzing throughout the entire article.

The main idea throughout the article is about the image above and the idea behind it in the 2004 British General Election.  David Wall, the author of the article, discusses how and the controversial photo is effective, and somewhat offensive to many people.  The photo has the two Conservative Politicians, Michael Howard and Oliver Letwins' heads on pig bodies and wings.  More publicly expressed as, "When pigs fly!" is when these two will do what they say they will do.  It is also thought that within this advertisement, both of the men are Jewish.  It is a known stereotype that Jewish people are dirty.  Not only is this advertisement racist and discriminatory, but also very ignorant.

The key idea that I take away from this article is that even though advertisements like this may be effective for campaigning and marketing, they are racist and judgemental nonetheless.  There has to be a more effective way to win and advertise something without using stereotypes and judgements towards one another.  This is what our society has come down to and something should be done about it.

"It is and it isn't: Stereotypes, Advertising, and Narrative".

WALL, D. (2008). It Is and It Isn't: Stereotypes, Advertising and Narrative. Journal Of Popular Culture, 41(6), 1033-1050

Analysis 4 (Formulas)

Reality television shows, when first released, were different in many ways. There were different types of casts, different outcomes, and a variety of people.  These shows did not seem so “set up”.  Now, most reality shows are the same.  There is always a typical line of people in the cast.  The dramatic one, the crier, the fan favorite, then crazy one, and the fans’ least favorite.  It seems that most reality shows now contain all of these types of characters. 

The story lines are continually the same in most Reality Television shows.  I have heard the saying many times from the older generation, “If you’ve seen one of those reality shows, you’ve seen ‘um all!”  In all honesty, this is probably the case most times.  Formulas in popular culture refer to having the same storyline, genre, and just many similarities overall.  And sadly, this is the case with these shows.  They are still very popular, but most of the “hardcore” Reality Television viewers watch the shows that were created when Reality Television started out. 

Now, a majority of these shows seem to be “set up”.  And in the earlier versions of these shows, they seemed to be legitimately “Real T.V”.  It is all about what you prefer when watching reality television.  If your preference is for fake, over exaggerated television than some of the more recent shows are probably more for you!

Assignment 1-4-4

Analysis 3

“Hero’s and The Cult of the Celebrity”

     When referring to reality television, there are many “Hero’s” and many people that watch these shows for specific people and “Hero’s” amongst the show.  Whether it is a single girl that stands out to someone on “The Bachelor” or a contestant on “The Biggest Loser”, there is always a hero or someone that people tend to favor in most reality television shows.  We, as a society, love heroes! 

     I am going to use “Teen Mom” for the example in this analysis, because this is actually a show I fell in love with for a variety of reasons.  I had my son very young, my other two sisters had their children very young, and so it is fitting.  My youngest sister had her son when she was just fifteen years old, so I had the opportunity to experience a real life “Teen Mom” series first hand. 

     This show really does show what happens when girls become teen mothers.  My favorite season is the original “Teen Mom”.  The hero in that story has to be Maci.  Her sons name is Bentley and I think I feel for her because she is in the same situation I was in with my son.  She is a hard worker that would do anything for her son.  And she dates a loser who only cares about their son to get at her.  Every show has a hero and as long as people keep watching…there will always be a “Hero and Cult of The Celebrities”. 

Analysis 2

Assignment 1-4-3

               There are many rituals and stereotypes that can be involved with Reality Television.  Some tend to think that if they get on a Reality Television show that they will automatically become some superstar overnight…when in reality this is usually not the case.  Being an actor/actress takes much more work, time, and effort then just getting on a Reality Television show.  Most of the big time actors/actresses have been involved in the Hollywood Scene since they were very young.  They have put a lot of work into become the super stars they have become.  There are many other stereotypes that come along with being a Reality Television Star. 

               Our society puts so much pressure on everyone to look like fitness models…and the same applies to reality television.  Yes, on shows like “Biggest Loser” and other weight loss reality shows, the people are bigger.  But, they are on there to lose weight and become healthy.  I am disregarding these shows in my argument.  Shows like “The Bachelor” or “The Bachelorette” you would never see anyone overweight, and not supermodel gorgeous.  It is sickening to know that these are the shows our children are going to grow up watching and seeing all of the stereotypes that you have to look and act a certain way if you want to find love, become a star, and just function in normal life.  This is an unhealthy stereotype that an end should be put to.  There is no reason that everyone should not be accepted for the way that they are, regardless of race, religion, weight, looks, and any other kind of characteristic.

               We should focus more on everyone being accepted and treated the same regardless of other traits.