Some of you may have already heard about TLC’s new reality show, “The
Sisterhood,” which follows the sometimes not-so-evangelical antics of a
group of preachers’ wives. I would like to go on record as saying I
predicted a similar show earlier this year when I wrote about Vibe magazine’s cover featuring some of the bad girls of reality television.
I do not want to debate the entertainment value of “The Sisterhood,”
as you will have to watch and determine that for yourself, but rather I
will use the show to address a broader observation about how reality
television feeds society’s increasing obsession with fame.
Reality TV is not a new concept. “An American Family” premiered on
PBS in 1973 as a pioneering show in the genre of reality television. It
chronicled the lives and ultimate demise of a well-to-do West Coast
family. This was our country’s first taste of the ordinary becoming
extraordinary.
So if reality TV has been part of our cultural lexicon, then why are
we seeing a notable increase in the production of these shows?
Well, in a post-An-American-Family society, Andy Warhol’s original
concept of “15 minutes of fame” has mutated into a “Honey Boo Boo,”
“Basketball Wives” culture willing to do almost any and everything to
become famous, or in some cases infamous.
We tune in with salacious glee to watch the relatively ordinary lives
of regular folks who have learned to play to the camera in hopes of
raising their public profiles. I went to film school and made a living
for years as a video editor, so I know how easy it is to create drama,
even where very little exists.
Sure reality television is cheap to produce, but unless these shows
achieve competitive ratings they do not generate profits. Ratings also
call into question the audience and our own participation.
Do we consume these images because of the entertainment value, or
does it satisfy a deeper longing that says to us, “Maybe that could be
me one day?”
I call this yearning the “Nene Leakes Syndrome.” Now I am not
knocking anyone’s hustle, but Nene from “The Housewives of Atlanta” has
become the poster child for all would-be reality TV ingénues.
Nene, unlike some of her contemporaries, was able to transform her
smack-talking, neck-rolling, cat-fighting banshee persona to secure
legitimate gigs as an actress with reoccurring roles on the hit series
“Glee” and “The New Normal.”
So is our current culture obsessed with the shows like “The Sisterhood?”
Probably not. These shows are simply a side effect of a very
intoxicating drug our narcissistic society seems to be hopelessly
addicted to, and that is fame.
So in the spirit of our ongoing narcissism, I submit Professor Locs’ Top 5 concepts for future reality shows:
5. “Paper or Plastic” – Go behind the scenes with a group of
disillusioned and disinterested grocery baggers whose only escape from
the monotony of placing your perishables and eggs in with canned goods
is to gaze straight ahead with zombie-like indifference and pose their
sole question and interaction, “Paper or Plastic?”
4. “Second Window” – You get a rare view of the hectic world of the
drive-thru worker. You will be captivated by the inappropriate
conversations, incorrect food orders and absolute terror when presented
with the task of making electronically unassisted mathematical
transactions.
3.”School Zone” – This show offers you a prime seat on a school bus
to see how courageous drivers tackle daily challenges, including
inclement weather, traffic jams and sleep-deprived preteens with surly
attitudes, aggressive tendencies and camera phones.
2. “French Tippers” - Explore the sometimes not-so-glamorous world of
a group of nail technicians. See how they negotiate obstacles like
rhinestones, two-for-one coupons and hammer toes. Ever wonder if the
consistent store chatter is about you? This show is broadcast with
closed caption.
1. “White Warriors”- You will have a unique glimpse into the
spiritual and almost paramilitary world of the church usher board. These
spirit soldiers will have you at the edge of your seat as they monitor
Sunday service faux pas, including gum chewing, texting, pew hoarding
and serial shouters.
Use the comments section below to share your own reality TV ideas.
