Getting Real about "Reality TV"

The time has come for a brief commentary on the phenomenon of “reality TV,” which is a real misnomer since very few of these shows have anything to do with reality.  Let me admit up front, I am not writing from the standpoint of someone who avoids these shows.  Like junk food, I am drawn to them, and watch most if not all of what comes through my screen.

As a student of pop culture and broadcasting, I think money is the driving factor here.  Think about what it would cost to produce a series like “Desperate Housewives” or “House.”  There are elaborate sets, costumes, actors, equipment.  There is no Wisteria Lane, you know.  It’s a back lot at Universal Studios in Hollywood.  If you look closely, Beaver Cleaver’s house is on that street.  If his show was on today, Beaver could be having an affair with Eva Longoria, and Wally and Eddie would “give him the business.”

On the other hand, reality TV requires none of this.  Just a small camera crew to invade the lives of some freak show family somewhere, and some canned music.  No need for writers, or sets, or special effects.  Even better than the low production costs is that fact that we, the American public, can’t seem to get enough of these shows.  That means the high ratings that advertisers covet.  Ah, capitalism.  Such a sweet smell.

So, what are we watching?  “Celebrity Apprentice,” “American Idol,” “The Voice?”  All reality shows of a certain genre.  But there’s also “Cake Boss,” “Kate Plus Eight,” and “Sister Wives.” And, as much as we’d like to, who can forget “The Real Housewives of [insert city here].” 

Remember when TLC was “The Learning Channel,” with the goal of expanding the classroom into homes?  Not anymore.  It’s just TLC.  Sort of like KFC doesn’t like to get bogged down in details about the chicken.

And these titles barely scratch the surface.  I haven’t even mentioned similar shows on MTV, A&E, truTV and others. They all have their niche audiences and try to serve them well.  And the real people on these shows are now considered “celebrities,” so they write books, go on tours and learn to dance the Argentine Tango.

As a child of the 60s, I can remember classic shows like “Andy Griffith,” “Petticoat Junction,” “Mary Tyler Moore” and “Love Boat.”  These were shows starring actual stars, and I still talk about them to this day.  Sometimes I worry how my children will explain the “celebrities” of this day to my grandchildren.  “Why, that’s Snooki, darling.  She was a…um…let’s see what else is on.  How about Barney the Dinosaur in 3D.”

The other fear with reality TV is the attempt to one-up the last popular show.  Eight kids are not enough, how about 19 and counting?  One wife is not enough, how about four?  Cupcakes are not enough, how about hoarders? Sixteen and pregnant is not enough, how about someone who didn’t even realize she was pregnant until that stomach ache weighed in at 8-pounds, 7-ounces?

I’m not convinced that we somehow become better people by watching other families with problems worse than our own.  Isn’t that the appeal of “Jerry Springer,” “Dr. Phil” and “Maury?” 

Not saying you shouldn’t watch these shows.  It’s your right as an American, and that’s why there are 200 channels and even an off switch.  And books over on that shelf…somewhere.

Just be careful what you choose before your family starts reflecting the many problems and issues shown on TV.  Now, that’s getting real.

Griffin's Graffiti: Of Garth Brooks and Varuca Salt

Griffin's Graffiti: Of Garth Brooks and Varuca Salt: "I have always enjoyed country music. It’s not something I listen to exclusively, but who doesn’t enjoy the occasional tune by people like ..."

Of Garth Brooks and Varuca Salt

I have always enjoyed country music.  It’s not something I listen to exclusively, but who doesn’t enjoy the occasional tune by people like Jo Dee Messina, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban or Kenny Rogers?  

As a rule, country music makes you feel good.  It might be the beat of the song, or the fact that your life may be bad, but nowhere near the dysfunctional lives portrayed in most country tunes.

You’ve heard the joke.  What happens when you play a country record backwards?  You get your wife back, your truck back and your house back.

Several years ago, I heard a Garth Brooks song that bothered me.  And I like Garth Brooks.  The majority of his songs are very entertaining and he is the consummate performer.  But this one stuck in my craw, as they might say in a country song.

The song is called, “Unanswered Prayers.”  It starts off simple enough.  He’s back at a high school football game and bumps into an old girlfriend, the one that got away.  He remembers how this was the woman he wanted more than anyone else in the world, and how he had prayed for them to be together.  Somehow, it never happened.

Then, take it to the chorus:  “Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers; Remember when you’re talkin’ to the ‘Man Upstairs;’ Just because he doesn’t answer doesn’t mean He don’t care; Some of God’s greatest gifts are unanswered prayers.”

My first rub is calling God the “man upstairs.”  He is the sovereign creator of the universe who rules and reigns over every molecule that makes up you and me.  The man upstairs is some guy named Clyde who plays his Hank Williams albums too loud and parks his bass boat too close to your car in the parking lot.

But that aside, the bigger issue is there are also no “unanswered prayers.”  I believe God always answers prayers with Yes, No or Wait.  We just don’t like the last two answers.  Our society demands instant gratification.  We are Varuca Salt from “Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” only worse.  We want it now.

I am the father of two daughters and, like many dads, would love to give them everything they want.  But suppose they came to me back when they were 6 and 3 asking for a Harley Davidson motorcycle.  While my heart would want to please them, common sense says no or wait.  Granting this wish would have had tragic results.

The same is true with God.  He knows what’s best for us and sees the big picture better than anyone on or off the planet.  We must trust His answers about our marriages, careers, hobbies as much as my kids should have trusted me turning them down on that Harley.

Psalm 37:7 says, “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.” And in Isaiah 40:31 we read, “But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Makes me think that when God says No or Wait, He is also renewing my strength…recharging me for the next big chapter in my life.  So I should rest in that, and prepare to soar.

Garth was partially right.  “Just because he doesn’t answer, doesn’t mean he don’t care.”  But there are no unanswered prayers.  God answers every single one, perfectly, right on time and based on His big picture.

Now, about those friends in low places.