Amanda Jimenez

English 101

Reality Television

               There are many reality television shows that play throughout the day. They have seemed to become very popular in this era. During high school, I have noticed that many teenagers watch reality television shows in their spare time. For example, conversations about “Keeping up with the Kardashians”, or “Jersey Shore,” would come up quite often. Girls were constantly taking about how pretty Kim Kardashian was, or how ridiculous Snookie behaved. I think girls were obsessed with these shows because they admired their way of living, looked up to them as role models, or found how celebrities lived far more interesting than anything else on television. I could never relate to these people because I did not have a tendency to watch any of these shows. I preferred to watch sit-coms or movies, instead of reality television. Part of the reason for this, was the fact that I couldn’t get into the show. I felt like everything was either planned out, or exaggerated. Also, I didn’t feel like reality television held any real celebrities, just people desperately wanting to seek fame.

Eventually, I became bored with anything involving reality television, which made me think of all the negative effects that could come from them. For example, I knew girls who wanted to party like the girls they saw on television. Unfortunately, when people on reality television become a role model to thousands, it can influence the wrong kind of behavior. Sadly, “Jersey Shore” reveals a life of drinking alcohol, and being constantly sexually active with others. I don’t know what would prevent others from engaging in this kind of life. This thought worries me, and makes me think of future generations to come. I miss the days when people were influenced by documentaries, superman movies, or inspirational speeches. I hope the world will come around and see past reality television. I wouldn’t want people to be influenced by reality television stars forever.

In conclusion, I do not enjoy watching reality television. However, I do know that a lot of people do watch these shows in their spare time. Reality television has become very popular in this era. Therefore, reality television stars have influenced many people in the world. Personally, I feel reality television has a negative effect on society. I feel like it encourages naughty behavior, and many people should not admire that. Also, I feel like the problem with these shows, is it leaves an impression that money and fame is the key to happiness. I do not believe in this theory, and that is why I try to avoid these television shows. However, I try not to be biased towards anyone whom finds these shows interesting. I understand that we all may have different ethics and beliefs. I try to respect other’s opinions, and try not to force mine upon them. At the same time, I have developed my own ideas about reality television. I do not know if I will change my mind about them in the future, but for right now these are my beliefs.