The Lowest Common Denominator – Reality TV
I
was astounded by the news on Yahoo.com this morning that Kim Kardashian was the
most searched person/event/word on the Internet in 2012 – eclipsing the
elections, the Olympics, taxes, the fiscal cliff, Kate Middleton, Brad Pitt or
Angelina Jolie. Why? Who is she and why dos anybody care?
I
fail to appreciate the appeal of individuals becoming famous for no discernable
reasons. I get it when sports stars, actors, singers, dancers, talk show hosts,
stylists, royalty, politicians, or participants in some form of competition
attain celebrity. Why would so many people care about these individuals who
have done nothing but agree to have TV cameras follow them during their fake
lives arranged for the maximum amount of publicity?
Now,
the reality shows that involve personal betterment or home improvements have
some value. There was something of value watching Queer Eye or What Not To Wear
help somebody improve his / or her looks and image for better self esteem. The
home makeover shows, cooking shows, and how to shows have value in showing us
how to improve our environments or cook fabulous meals or even how to be a
better crafter. But I fail to understand
the titillation and voyeurism of such shows that celebrate an individual for
just being on television.
But
then again, I don’t understand the Swamp People, Ax Men, or Real Housewives of wherever. I would rather read a book or play Angry
Birds.
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