I can admit it to you, internet (seeing as we are great friends and all) that I enjoy watching reality tv. I'm not a fanatic, but there are several shows I enjoy. When I saw the ads for "Who's Your Daddy?", I knew I was going to end up watching it. (Besides, who can beat a show that's over in one night - no strings left hanging to rope you in for several weeks, keeping you a slave to your tv once a week until it's over?)
By the end of the show I had tears in my eyes watching this woman meet her real father for the first time. It made me wonder what it is about the human race that makes us voyeuristic? I admit to it, but I don't quite understand it. Are we trying to escape our own world? Does it let us "live out" situations we wouldn't normally get to experience? Or is it just an evil side to the human mind that we enjoy watching others?
I can't pinpoint exactly why I enjoy watching these shows. Survivor is my fav, and I suppose I enjoy that one because of the game itself. It's so interesting to see the combination of control one has over their fate, and then on the other side the total chance that is involved in it. The manipulation - it seems to bring out the worst in people, and yet at the end of the day, they seemingly come away friends, because hey - it was just a game.
So is that what we are looking for in these shows? Are we really popping the popcorn and settling in on our sofas to watch the worst part of human nature rear it's ugly head?
I don't know that it's that. At least for me. I think I enjoy seeing the best of people shine through all of the that. Either that, or at the end of the day I just really desire to watch someone who lives a more interesting life than I do. (On the other hand, you don't need "reality" tv for that.)
So I'm throwing this one out to you. What is it, do you think, that makes us love watching other people. (And I'm not limiting this to just reality tv. You there, with the telescope - we know you aren't really interested in the stars!)
*Author's note: It was pointed out to me by Cat that using the term "real dad" is not entirely appropiate here, and I am ammeding this because I whole-heartedly agree with her. Let it be known that I believe a "real" parent is one who parents. I hope I did not offend anyone, for it wasn't my intention. Thank you, Cat.
Hmmm. I do like to watch real people in real situations. I do NOT, however, like "reality" tv. In fact, I can't stand it. At all. And that's the reason my tv set rarely gets turned on to the network stations. Ick!
Anyhow, I think we like to compare and contrast ourselves - our actions and reactions - to other people. It is a way to judge ourselves, I think.
Hmmm, how can I say this tactfully on my very first visit to your blog? (I came across yours on Michele's "Great Gush" where you were right below me.)
I can't answer your question since I have no idea why people watch reality shows. My idea of reality TV is sports. Of course, that means I get to see a lot of promos for reality TV, and as an adoptive mother, I have to say that I thought "Meet Your Daddy" hit an all-time low. Can I ask you as a favor to avoid calling birthparents "real" parents? My daughter's real daddy is the one who's been there for her throughout her life, not the one who wanted her birthmother to abort her.
OK, I'm off my soapbox now, and I promise to behave better next time I come by.
By 
Catherine Detweiler, at
10:20 AM
I lOVE reality t.v. I also love stupid Lifetime movies. (someone is always having more problems than me.)
As for reality t.v.- it helps me escape just that... the reality of my own life!
Sitcoms are ment to entertain us and reality t.v almost requires our particiaption, usually emotionally. (sometimes physically-we get so worked up we jump on the furniture).
My boys and I watch Extreme Home Makeover every Sunday night.
