2008 Woodie Awards
Reality TV: Anything but Real
Jessica Ercolino
Issue date: 12/7/06 Section: Entertainment
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So, Jeffrey owned Olympus Fashion Week, Svetlana beat Beth in the duel on a technicality and Flav told New York her time was up. And if this has no meaning, don't worry-according to most William Paterson University students, it doesn't matter.
Recently, that which we call "reality television" has seemingly seized popular channels such as MTV, VH1, Bravo, TLC and more. But who really believes that what we see on television is actually a form of reality?
"It's totally unrealistic," said Jon Pfoutz, a senior. "What's real about being stranded on an island somewhere and getting a chance to win a ton of cash?"
Communication major Greg Goldman agreed.
"'The Real World' and 'Cops' are the parents of reality TV, but it's gotten carried away now," said the junior. "There are three shows on three different networks all dealing with nannies."
There are also oodles of unlikely dating shows: "Date My Mom" and "Parental Control"; showcases of different hobbies: "Miami Ink" and "Top Chef"; and a look inside the lives of washed-up celebrities: "Hogan Knows Best," "Flavor of Love" and "Breaking Bonduce."
MTV's "The Real World" began its 18th season on Nov. 22, placing seven strangers in another stylish abode, this time in Denver. The network also recently debuted "The Duel," which takes former MTV reality stars and matches them up against each other in physical competitions.
"It's entertaining, but it isn't the real world," said Risa Rudnitsky, a junior. "It's funny to watch these kids spaz out over who drank their milk, and 'look for themselves' by getting drunk and hooking up with their roommates."
Another MTV reality program, "Yo Momma," recently began its second season. While some students find themselves with the show on in the background of their rooms, others find it not so entertaining.
"I feel bad for that guy from 'That 70s Show,'" said Pfoutz of host Wilmer Valderrama. "He actually thinks that doing that bad show will save his fading career."
Recently, that which we call "reality television" has seemingly seized popular channels such as MTV, VH1, Bravo, TLC and more. But who really believes that what we see on television is actually a form of reality?
"It's totally unrealistic," said Jon Pfoutz, a senior. "What's real about being stranded on an island somewhere and getting a chance to win a ton of cash?"
Communication major Greg Goldman agreed.
"'The Real World' and 'Cops' are the parents of reality TV, but it's gotten carried away now," said the junior. "There are three shows on three different networks all dealing with nannies."
There are also oodles of unlikely dating shows: "Date My Mom" and "Parental Control"; showcases of different hobbies: "Miami Ink" and "Top Chef"; and a look inside the lives of washed-up celebrities: "Hogan Knows Best," "Flavor of Love" and "Breaking Bonduce."
MTV's "The Real World" began its 18th season on Nov. 22, placing seven strangers in another stylish abode, this time in Denver. The network also recently debuted "The Duel," which takes former MTV reality stars and matches them up against each other in physical competitions.
"It's entertaining, but it isn't the real world," said Risa Rudnitsky, a junior. "It's funny to watch these kids spaz out over who drank their milk, and 'look for themselves' by getting drunk and hooking up with their roommates."
Another MTV reality program, "Yo Momma," recently began its second season. While some students find themselves with the show on in the background of their rooms, others find it not so entertaining.
"I feel bad for that guy from 'That 70s Show,'" said Pfoutz of host Wilmer Valderrama. "He actually thinks that doing that bad show will save his fading career."
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