REALITY CHECK!

Today’s class was very interesting, we got a chance to really dive in and explore what reality television really is. Some may say that we had a heated discussion; I would say we had a spirited debate. Whatever you call it, it made class very exciting and lively, which made time fly by. We evaluated the course readings and we watched a very interesting episode from “Flava of Love” season one. We also gave opinions on reality televisions and we attempted to create our own reality television show as a class based on the family demographic of the class

In evaluating the course reading we found that many researchers have good definitions of reality television. Smith and Wood says that, “reality television involves placing ‘‘ordinary’’ people before the camera and deriving some entertainment value from the perception of their activities being unscripted” (p2). Other researches such as Goddard say, ‘‘the edited footage of unscripted interactions, broadcast as a television series about participants’ naturally occurring social life’’ (p. 73). Both definitions are great for describing reality television in is most basic sense, however these definition does not really showcase the essences of reality television. I feel that my definition does however showcases the over all essences of reality television. Reality television is a produced, overly intensified television, which plays upon the stereotypes of blacks by removing certain moral and social boundaries that allow to behavior that would in a typical everyday setting be unacceptable to be acceptable. I find accuracy in my definition when watching the first Flava of Love episode. I watched as black women were portrayed to be drunken, loud, over the top, overly sexual, gold diggers, and manipulative in this episode. It was extremely difficult to watch. Goldie throwing up in a bucket from drinking to much and her being loud and very over the top with her loud attitude. Cherries was showcased in a bathing suite kissing on Flav and basically offering herself to him. Hottie was walking around claim the man, his house, and the money was already hers. Also New York was depicted as a quiet sneaky one talking behind peoples back waiting for a chance to still Flav’s attention. All of these things accompanied with a producer’s guidance played up many of the stereotypes associated with black women. Some of the things that describe would be unacceptable in the everyday average setting therefore refrained from by the average women. I think my definition of reality television is accurate and evident in the episode seen in class today.

Everyone in class gave their own unique definition of reality television. Some of the definitions I agreed with and some I disagreed with. One specific definition that I agreed with was Kevenshay’s, she believes that reality television is a “scripted television show of overly exaggerated normal situation that feature unordinary people instead of professional actor.” Though her definition is somewhat different than mines, I agree it because her definition shows that reality television is scripted somewhat by producers to promote entertaining stereotypes that draw Consumers into a show and keeping their attention for it duration. I disagree with a definition given by Christian, their definition reads, “ reality television is a fantasy realm that real people wish to be in, because the people on reality television do what normal people want to in real life.” I disagree with this because I feel like everyone who watches a reality TV show is not doing so to escape their own lives for thirty minutes a day. If people wanted to escape their lives and dream about the lives of others they can do so by watching sitcoms. The Cosby show is a great example of a seemingly real family who people would admire and aspire to be like. In referring to reality TV, I believe that people are more inclined to what because of the intensity and the stereotypes they promote. Is entertaining for people to see people fighting, arguing and making themselves look foolish.

The highlight of the class was trying to create our own black reality family TV show based on the demographics of the class. The class was split on many of the issues concerning the black family, such as, whether to have a one or two parent household. The most important split was on the role of the father. Some wanted to make him a man of good intention, who sometimes messes up. I viewed this suggestion as a way to make black men the villain when it comes to the black family. I understand that there are cases in which some black men cannot or will not provide for their families and be good fathers, however this cannot be the over arching stereotype that we create for black men. The fact is you have to believe in things that you don’t see in your life. Contrary to popular belief, there are respectable black men out there provide for their families and makes ways for their children and families regardless of their circumstances. There are black men who break their backs so that their families can live decent lives. I can believe that we as black people in 2010 still see that black man as the missing piece of the family puzzle. I know we don’t live in a perfect world but the world is not as imperfect as some attempt to make it out to be. I have a profound wish that optimism in the black man will result in the breeding of strong black fathers that will dispel the notion of this unreliable black father. It may not happen this generation but if strong black men who believe in being good fathers, raise their sons to be good fathers we would quickly find ourselves in a world were the black fathers are the centerpiece of the average black family. A world where when you think of a good father you immediately think of the black man.

By Leverius Glass