Reply #21: Your argument sounds very familiar. [View All]

[skypilot]

I don't mean to be pissy or anything but the things you say in your post seem to be the standard response to reality shows. Some shows ("reality" and otherwise) do fit your description but I think that nowadays people simply hear the words "reality show" and come to certain conclusions: "lowest common denominator of humanity", "lower expectations for society", etc. Some of the shows on TV do fit that bill--and not just the reality shows or the Jerry Springer-types shows. I am quite capable of choosing which ones I think stoop too low. I don't think that "My Big, Fat Obnoxious Fiance" is one of them--at least not so far. To me, it is nothing but an extended version of "Candid Camera" where a prank is being played on someone and their reactions recorded. As far a confirming to the rest of the world the ugly American stereotype, I have to say that my friends who have been to Europe report back that there is a lot of really horrible dreck on European television also. REALLY horrible dreck. Ask anyone who's been to Italy (especially) to describe what's on TV there. America has not cornered the market on bad television.