Reality television
Last week's column on reality television was sent out by a couple of news services and it got good play judging by the emails that landed in my inbox on Saturday morning. It's interesting to me that these kind of topics generate the biggest reposnes from readers. A column I wrote on rude cell phones users got a similar response from around the country. But a column on an important public policy issues, health care reform, for example, will get only a fraction of the reaction from readers.
Here's a sampling of emails I got today from readers on reality television:
Dear Mr. Boren,
Today I enjoyed reading your article "That's Entertainment?" in the San Antonio Express-News. It struck a chord with me. This past week I was discussing with my wife (Cindy) the American Idol show and was puzzled how many see this show as "entertainment" and whether some contestants on the show have really been screened for their talent or just placed on the show for laughs. I am 51 years old. I realize my age group is not the targeted market for shows such as American Idol and radio pranks. Perhaps people my age are perceived as "now to old" and they do not know how to have a "good laugh". Whatever the case, all I know is, count me in; in the minority of those who can't wait until reality TV and radio pranks run their course. I realize things and people change but I do hope there are plenty of others out there (of all ages) who's basic notion of "good entertainment" is not based on Reality TV shows such as American Idol and radio pranks which end up hurting someone.
Regards,
Simon Castillo, Jr.
Dear Sir,
I find it amusing for you journalists to critique something that you have incomplete knowledge of...the contestants on American Idol SIGN a CONTRACT with the producers that they will be assailed for their imperfections (if any are evident)! So to criticize a show for something when the "victims" know what is in store for them is typical of your putting the cart-before-the-horse mentality. I am one of those that have watched it for going on six years and if anyone has watched one year of it...they KNOW what will be done to them.
That being said..I do agree with you concerning the radio show and the death of that poor woman. It shows complete disregard for the people by the dj's and the naiveté` of the contestants and their desire or obsession with getting $$$$$$/material stuff. Just like in FEAR FACTOR, some of those stunts are ridiculous...but the money is the driving force..
Millie R. Anderson
Portsmouth, VA. 23701
The Virginian-Pilot
(editorial page 01/27/07)
Just read your article "Will passion for reality wither?" in the Montgomery Advertiser. I was wondering how long I would have to wait before someone pointed out the ultimate stupidity on much of our nations airways. We are blessed with a great deal of musical talent in this country, but American Idol is not it! Thanks for pointing out the apparent lack of good taste in the average American with his failure to demand quality instead of quantity.
Joe Scanlan MD
Montgomery, Alabama
Jim:
My wife and I read your article concerning Reality TV in the Norfolk Virginian Pilot. Sadly, you're exactly right. It's painfully obvious that the current generation of TV programmers have very little to offer. Their reality TV programs will never be syndicated for re-run and in retrospect, I believe that it will be very obvious that the watchers of this pathetic sludge would be much better off to spend their time educating themselves or spending time helping their kids with their homework. In fact, there's many things that you could do for yourself and your family that would be better than suffocating your brain with these electronic waste products.
The good news is that TV now is offered with many channels and with the push of your finger you can avoid this crap.
Larry and Deborah Newcomb
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
You are not alone, I agree with you on the sad state of "entertainment". Keep writing about "garbage".
Thanks
Dear Jim Boren,
I just read your column on that's entertainment.
I agree with you, nothing but trash.I don't like to watch T.V. or American Idol.Those 3 bimbo's they have on the panel are bad. Did you see Paula drunk on T.V.
Really bad.
Thank you for writing about them.
George Almaraz
Evelyn Woods
Comments
I'm not sure if this fits in the category of "pranks" or not, but news reports are saying that the suspicious objects that brought much of Boston to a standstill today turned out to be part of a promotion for a TV show. Clearly, somebody at the TV network was not thinking too clearly on this one.
But on the positive side, this might be one more "terrorist plot" that Pres. Bush can claim credit for thwarting in this next State of the Union speech.
Posted by: Mike D. | January 31, 2007 2:33 PM