The Decline in Morality in Reality Television Essay

Partying, inappropriate behavior, and even sometimes illegal activity sadly describe what many people view as entertainment today. It is known as reality television. Reality television has been around for a while, but has changed tremendously. The first â€Å"reality† shows were considered good and wholesome for the entire family. Now, many of these shows are not appropriate for children. Even though reality television may seem to be harmless, it has created a culture where people are encouraged to be impolite, dangerous, and lazy. The â€Å"reality television† genre has existed almost as long as television itself. One of the first reality shows, Candid Camera, aired over six decades ago (DiLascio 1). This show was simple and innocent. It†¦show more content†¦Proving that love is not as easy to find as the show would lead the viewers to believe. The Bachelor makes love seem like a fairy tale. But in reality, life and love are not so easy. Often, the stars of these shows have no moral values and are bad role models. Many children and teenagers look up to the people in these reality shows and want to be like them. This kind of reality television is sending the viewers the wrong message. â€Å"Experts fear that a steady diet of watching people behaving badly increases our tolerance for rudeness – or even violence† (â€Å"Is Reality 2†). In numerous reality shows being disrespectful is acceptable. Often on the show, Keeping up with the Kardashian’s, there is at least one Kardashian sister cussing out the other. Reality shows also promote the idea of not having to work hard. Many of the reality television â€Å"actors/actresses† do not have any special talent worthy of being on national television. Furthermore, they make it appear as though it is easy to become famous worldwide without any hard work or talent. On MTV’s Teen Mom, sixteen year old girls are filmed while they attempt to raise their children and continue on with their lives. This show glamorizes teen pregnancy and rewards the girls by making them a â€Å"star† on television. Young girls watching may think that they can be a teenage mom too. In a recent survey, teenagers were asked what reality television has taught them. Some of the answersShow MoreRelatedCinderella Character Analysis1156 Words   |  5 PagesUncloaked: Sex, Morality and the Evolution of the Fairy Tale† in the New York Times, break down the foundation of the beloved story â⠂¬Å"Cinderella.† While both authors address the long lasting effects of these fairy tales on their readers and viewers alike, Panttaja approaches the issue that Cinderella sparks rebellion and misbehavior, while Orenstein emphasizes the effects that fairy tales have had on reality television and the concept of love. 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