Unreal reality shows

Scripted and planned reality shows have become extremely popular. They are the rage of the day. But, what makes them successful? Is it their ‘unconventional’ content? Or, should I say, their ‘bizarre and mindless’ content?

Recent reality shows that have mesmerized viewers are Splitsvilla, Big Boss, Khatron ke Khiladi, Emotional Atyachar, Rakhi ka Insaaf, Pati Patni aur Woh, etc, etc. All, fictional and fake.

Splitsvilla on MTV promotes sex and nudity, provokes indecency and obscenity, participants (women) have to please the judges in semi clad ways through a vulgar display of postures and excess use of foul language. My questions: Why is it that a senseless show with an unethical code of conduct that exploits the youth and encourages them to stoop to any level for the sake of money and fame (temporary) is treated as entertainment? What is happening to the youth who participate in such shows and go through murky ordeals of pleasing the judges?

Big Boss is another scripted show with mostly unemployed models/actors hoping for a big break who, for the sake of moolah and publicity (negative publicity is also great for them), are willing to let their images crack in the eyes of society. The show teaches viewers to win through cheating, lying and deceit. The participants don’t care if they are humiliated, have to go against their ethics, made to behave like idiots, adopt cheap language, etc. The extent of exploitation is immense. I wonder in which direction we are moving. What are we heading into? As viewers, where does our moral responsibility lie? There really is a problem here. It’s funny how we derive pleasure and smile seeing others being embarrassed. What causes us to derive entertainment from the humiliation of others? Do we strongly believe and practice ‘laugh at others and not with others’? Why do we feel attracted to such shows? What culture and message is the show promoting?

next page

Kajal Chandiramani