Why are we so obsessed with reality television? Mindlessly watching the day to day irrelevance of complete strangers, as if they are our “friends.” Keeping up with the Kardashians or The Bachelorette? Trying to choose between these two shows would be hard for the specific population, including myself, who have found themselves plagued by this coveted vice.
The celebrities in these shows are doing what we secretly wish we could do- jet setting to Dubai, walking red carpets, living the glamorous life. While we observe, like flies on a wall completely transfixed in their love triangles, reckless behavior, and drunken brawls. Can you blame us?
Keeping up with the Kardashians has quickly become one of the most popular television shows in this genre. Who hasn’t seen at least one episode? Regardless if you are watching to simply have a laugh or because you feel a strong connection to the “characters,” it draws you in! And once you start watching one reality show you can bet more will follow!
For me, it started with The Bachelorette then The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills; before I knew it I was planning my schedule around new episodes of Keeping up with the Kardashians.
The adoration for these shows comes from the audiences belief that it’s all nonfictional. But let’s remember that no show is completely “real.” Cameras are present, stages are created, and scenes are cut. Drama has multiplied creating drama squared!
Reality Television has become more than just simply watching TV. These celebrities have helped form the culture we currently live in. The narcissistic community of sending selfies on snapchat, creating witty captions for Instagram pictures, and writing out our daily accomplishments on Facebook and twitter. Why do we do this? Because we want people to care about our day to day irrelevance just as much as we care about Kim Kardashian’s.
It’s true- I don’t believe reality television should be the answer to our TV indulgence but I can’t help from tuning in. Can you resist your fly-on-the-wall fixations?
