28 Jan 2011
Dear Editor,
These days, a new TV genre has been gaining more popularity over the traditional drama series – that’s Reality TV
Shows. More and more audience, especially teenagers, are attracted to this type of programs by the exciting, controversial and dramatic scenes. However, many parents are against the reality shows. They think it is a waste of time for their kids to watch the quarreling scenes of the characters.
To those who are not familiar with reality shows, let me make a brief definition: Reality shows are the programs featuring people from different walks of life or in different professions. Their real life is recorded, usually in the form of competitions or game shows. Personally, I think the influence of reality shows on the audience, especially students, mainly depends on the quality and the content of the shows. Everything has two-sides, doesn’t it?
It is true that some of the reality shows do have inappropriate contents. For instance, the famous reality show ‘The
America’s Next Top Model’ usually features a lot of fighting, quarreling or cheating scenes of the contestants. The content may possibly convey a wrong message to the young audience who are not yet mature enough to judge the behaviour of the characters. They may attempt to imitate the acts of the reality shows and gradually develop rude, inappropriate manners and attitudes.
Other than displaying inappropriate behaviour, some reality shows may have crooked moral values. The motives for the people to join the casting of the reality show are mostly the money and fame brought by the show. This may mislead the audience into thinking that the real meaning of getting involved in the shows is ‘fame and money’. For example, the popular US reality star Lauren Conrad has a fabulous life after starring in the reality shows ‘The City’ and ‘The Hills’.
In my eyes, she is a girl drowned in the pool of wealth rather than the fashion designer I saw in her shows. Will this create an illusion to the audience that life is all for becoming rich and famous? I guess the answer is obvious.
But let’s not forget the pros of reality shows. If a parent comes and asks me whether it is a waste of time for her kids to watch reality shows, I would probably say ‘Not at all’.
Undoubtedly, some reality shows do have good influence on the audience. They sometimes provide useful information and skills that may help people, especially youngsters, to prepare for and get familiar with the type of career they wish to engage in. The well-known fashion design competition show ‘The Project Runway’ is a very good example. In every episode, competitors are given tasks like producing a certain type of clothing in a particular style within a time limit. There are strict goals and regulations which exactly tell the audience: That’s how fashion designers work. For those who want to become a fashion designer, they can acquire fundamental information about their dream job and it’s easier for them to be prepared for the goals.

In another way, reality shows can be very reflective and meaningful. There is a reality show now on in the United
States about the spoiled kids in the Upper East Side of Manhattan, New York. The show makes kids realize how serious it is when they are spoiled. It is in some way educational.
As you can see, reality shows are not all bad. But I do have some suggestions to make them even better.
In order to ensure the content of the shows are clean and beneficial, the related government departments should have stricter regulations on the shows. The broadcasting station can also apply careful monitoring on the quality and types of reality shows.
To maximize the educational values brought by reality shows, why not watch the shows with kids instead of accusing the shows of being a waste of their time? I believe that with parents aside, children can distinguish the rights and wrongs in the show without following the characters’ behaviors blindly.
Reality shows are not poison; there are both pros and cons. I understand the concerns of the parents, but I am sure, making a difference on their attitude may help change the situation.
Yours faithfully,
Chris Wong
By 5C Yeung Ching Mingme (2010 – 2011)