The Reality and Truth about TV

“I can’t see you really having a long career with writing because you have a love-hate relationship with it,” Brandt said.

I wanted to punch him in the face for that comment, but unfortunately he was kind of right on that one. Now that I’m out of school, I don’t have professor telling me, “here’s a subject, go write.” Also my living conditions aren’t exactly inspiring me to come up with topics. However, I have been thinking of this for a while so here I go.

Humans essentially want two things: truth and to connect with another being(s). Think about it. Truly successful movies and books have revealed some sort of truth, which leads to a human connection. Almost all good comedians, if not all of them, get their material not because they’re extremely witty, but they tell jokes/stories with truth in them. Jeff Foxworthy is a perfect example.

Same thing with sit-coms, for example, my in-laws (particularly my father-in-law and Brandt) love Everybody Loves Raymond. Apparently Marie Barrone is just like Grandma Malone and Robyne, Frank Barrone is an older and balder David, and Brandt and I are like Ray and Debra. I may be stretching this, but I think that TV show gives my in-laws some sense of connection because it makes them feel like their family isn’t as crazy as the Barrones.

While people crave truth and have relatable people to watch on TV, people have created reality TV shows, which isn’t reality at all. No matter how hard producers try, it just can’t be done. Even with Jon and Kate Plus 8, what was originally capturing how a large family functions, has now turned into a ratings-driven controversy. I originally loved the show because it reminded me of growing up in a house with multiple siblings. Then the show started to get out of hand. What kind of family goes on vacations to Disney World, Park City, South Carolina, the different outings, and Hawaii with in a year or two? Basically the show ended up being a huge product placement, and made average parents feel guilty that they can’t go on half as nice vacations for four people, let alone ten.

Anyways, it’s too bad that Jon and Kate Gosling sold out on their family for money. They may get a lot of ratings for their show, but no one really respects them. Then again, people want to see truth, and maybe people want to see how TV and money will screw up ten individuals.