Reality Television Myths and Icons

One big myth in reality television shows is that they are unscripted. What many viewers are finding out is that these shows are no different than sitcoms.  “Reality TV is a much manipulated format where the basis of it is that real people are put into unreal situations to create a story,” said J. Rupert Thompson, a director and producer who includes “Big Brother” and “Fear Factor” (Ventre, 2009). These reality shows have a beginning and middle and end which are shaped by writers that are called “story editors” or “segment producers.”

            Another myth that has been created by the reality television show “Storage Wars” is that one can make the big find that can bring them thousands of dollars.  Cleveland auctioneer Neal Grossman says that buyers have 24 hours to dispose of their items and failure to move them quickly means some buyers are forced to rent the lockers that they purchased.  Many buyers also have more trouble than they expect unloading their merchandise on EBay or other online auction sites. “You have to be realist,” Grossmann say, adding that many lockers contain household stuff “that no one wants” (Berr, 2011).

            Reality shows have created their own group of icons.  On “American Idol” it is common to have water cooler talk the next day at work discussing your favorite idol and how you feel they performed. Many Americans start to feel that they are part of the idol’s voyage to fame and get so wrapped up in the season show. The show “Cat from Hell” has made Jackson Galaxy an icon to many pet owners. 

            I still enjoy watching “Storage Wars” and have taken an interest in on-line auction sites where you can bid on storage lockers.  The only think holding me back is the reality that I could be purchasing a locker of junk.

References

Berr, J. (2011). The Truth About Storage Auctions: More Trash, Less Treasure. Retrieved from Daily Finance: http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/11/03/the-truth-about-storage-auctions-more-trash-less-treasure/

Ventre, M. (2009). Just how real are reality TV shows? . Retrieved from NBC.com: http://www.today.com/id/30092600/ns/today-entertainment/t/just-how-real-are-reality-tv-shows/#.UW82pCnD_mQ