(May 5, 2003) -- Due to their “carpe diem” themes and physically attractive participants, reality shows have captivated a colossal audience. Despite the attention that it has received since the arrival of CBS’ Survivor in the year 2000, reality television poisons young minds because it lacks truth, morals, and substance.

The phrase “reality television” is a blatant oxymoron. Reality shows like Survivor and The Anna Nicole Smith Show misrepresent the mass of society, yet they have redefined what it means to be normal. The Anna Nicole Smith Show, for example, portrays the life of an ex-playboy model and widow who married an invalid 80-year-old man just to inherit his money. Though Smith’s vulgar lifestyle consists of routine parties and excessive spending, the great influx of television viewers has kept this show on the air.

The E! Network gives Smith her own spot on primetime television, but, in reality, intellectuals would grimace upon her behavior. Are our future millionaires, parents, and social idols going to live like she does? With the phrase “reality television” used to represent The Anna Nicole Smith Show and similar shows, our emerging generation and subsequent generations will rapidly fall into a down spiral of incivility as they are brainwashed into accepting the validity of tasteless, vulgar lifestyles. 

Along with putting vulgarity on a pedestal, reality shows also hinder the importance of morals and ethics. Survivor puts a great emphasis on the overrated idea of success. The show encourages its participants to betray each other in order to win a cash prize. Viewers may associate themselves with the heroes of the show, but this sense of pride is not only impractical, but also egocentric.  Young minds are impressionable. In associating Survivor with reality, the youth of this nation will be conned into believing that the only way to succeed in life is to lie, cheat, and stab one’s companion in the back.

One might argue that Survivor tests its participants for physical and psychological endurance, but the television viewers watching mindlessly on their comfortable couches do not experience these assets. The adrenaline rush that viewers may get from the show’s next revelation of losers does not provoke thought. To predict who will get thrown out of the show next is a matter of common sense, not logic. Lacking in substance, Survivor’s only philosophical revelation revolves around portraying mankind in a pessimistic light.

The world is full of realities. Rather than watching shows labeled “real,” turn on the news and observe the progress of civilization. In case these events do not affect you, just venture into the world around you. Only then will you be able to experience reality or better yet, your reality.