Comments on: Reality T.V.–The Tractor Beam of Stupid

By: Geoff

Geoff — Thu, 29 May 2014 21:28:55 +0000

I tried shooting my DirecTV dish with a BB gun, but it didn’t keep honey boo boo away.

By: Kristen Lamb

Kristen Lamb — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 18:06:54 +0000

I DVR tons of documentaries. I am the QUEEN of documentaries. But this “reality” (yes, use the term loosely) is just so horridly staged and laughable that I have to be careful channel surfin because I get….stuck. But what a way to study the role of the antagonist, 😀

By: funcitygal

funcitygal — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 02:57:18 +0000

I have to admit that I am too busy watching reruns of Friends and Law and Order to spend time on reality tv. If I could break that habit by switching to a little Reality TV, I might actually be more productive.
@Kait, due to DVR I do not watch commercials and therefore have no idea what movies are coming out or what better tv might be out there.

By: Kait Nolan

Kait Nolan — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 14:57:46 +0000

Reality TV is such a misnomer. There’s nothing realistic about the Bachelor or daytime TV or any of the other ridiculous live action shows that are, nonetheless, still somewhat scripted. The “reality” TV that I like comes in the form of the food network or HGTV where, at least I’m seeing legitimate food be cooked (and I’m a foodie so that’s something I enjoy) or learning how to do some kind of home improvement (and I live in a fixer upper). It’s the ten car pileup, obnoxious, trashy TV that I just do NOT understand the appeal of.

Thank God for DVR. I never have to channel surf again.

By: Piper Bayard

Piper Bayard — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 00:43:07 +0000

Lol. Guilty. My low point was when I was wasting an afternoon in a Lazy Boy, snarfing potato chips and watching Geraldo. The episode was, “People Too Fat to Leave Their Homes.” I looked at the chips in my hand, and an ugly future flashed before my eyes. I’m pleased to say I turned off the Tube, tossed the chips, and took a walk instead. Still shuddering from the image.

So glad you’re posting 3x per week now. All the best.

By: Michele Shaw

Michele Shaw — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 22:44:16 +0000

I spend most of my time writing, but consider “reality” TV a break from reality. I am an AI’er, and agreed, next season will be much less shiny without Simon. I also have an addiction to the Biggest Loser, but why do I tend to eat pop-tarts while watching? There I said it, now discuss amongst yourselves.

By: PJ Kaiser

PJ Kaiser — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 00:39:52 +0000

I’m actually happy that i have very little time for TV. When I do watch, it’s usually the Daily Show or Colbert on my DVR. My one guilty pleasure is American Idol and it seems that may be more guilt and less pleasure in the upcoming season without Simon.

My hubs, on the other hand, loves junk TV – I think it’s very relaxing for him after his hi-stress job.

Thanks very much for the great list of articles and the link over to my blog 😀

By: Bob Mayer

Bob Mayer — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 22:19:49 +0000

Some of it actually is educational. I’m a fan of Kitchen Nightmares. Chef Ramsey can teach everyone a lot about running a business.

By: Kristen Lamb

Kristen Lamb — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 17:40:59 +0000

LOL…so true. Maybe reality TV should be considered “research” for writers, :D. I love the ice cream sundae analogy. I think you are on to something.

By: Micah

Micah — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 17:38:31 +0000

While the higher pleasures may give you deeper satisfaction, there are merits for the enjoyment of the lower pleasures. Healthy food is a noble and life-sustaining thing to make the foundation of your diet. But may not fill your hedonic desires. The temporary joys of trashy T.V are like a delicious ice cream sundae. You don’t want to eat them all the time, but once in a while, they tickle then part of your brain that seeks social engagement and, perhaps, conflict.

What has been said about being stupid? The stupid have way better stories to tell.