On Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 9:36 AM, David Lynch <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> I wouldn't set a bar for factual accuracy on a show with a primary
> purpose of being entertaining (as opposed to informative) high enough
> for me to limbo under, even if the show is non-fiction, and I'm kind
> of surprised that someone who worked in the industry would set it as
> high as you appear to have.

The argument can be made that my days working in the industry were
numbered BECAUSE I set the bar high. As for not demanding factual
accuracy on shows (even shows whose ultimate purpose is to entertain)
set in the real world... I don't even know where to begin to respond
to that statement. I mean, why do reality shows exist if not to
attempt to capture reality (in a hopefully entertaining way)?

I used to really enjoy "The Real World," back when all they did was
cast seven strangers to live in a house and live their lives. Though
the editing created specific biases, the concept was a unique
experiment combining people from all facets of American life. Once
"The Real World" started giving the seven strangers specific jobs and
challenges, I lost interest, because, by and large, it resulted in
seven strangers running around a city like idiots, offending the
locals and making fools of themselves for cash and prizes. I thought
the first season of Big Brother was decent, before producers started
inciting conflict and outright hatred between the contestants. I find
people in general to be entertaining, with their own personal
histories and stories to tell. The trumped up antics found on shows
like "Survivor" hold no interest to me at all.

My argument against ridiculously premised reality shows is the same
argument I have against recreational drug use. I find reality, and the
people I encounter in real life, to be much more interesting and
entertaining than the typical lunkheaded reality show contestant. I
see people giving a damn about who gets evicted from the "Big Brother"
house, when they don't give a damn when their own next door neighbor
gets evicted. I see people cry when a D-list celebrity gets voted off
of "Dancing with the Stars," but those same people refuse to watch the
news because it is too depressing. I don't understand that.

Maybe I set the bar too high. Forgive me, but maybe it is others who
set the bar way too low.
-- 
Kevin M. (RPCV)

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