Alternate Reality

At last count, there are at least 20 reality shows that have been or currently aired in our local tv. A minister or two have also gone on air to speak of the evils of these show, eroding the asian morality and culture.

I do agree that there is a basis for protecting a nation's culture against 'western' invasion. However, are reality shows the only cause of degradation of our moral fibre? I can think of at least two more sources of blame (if we're playing that game) when it comes to lack of courtesy and morality in today's society- parents, teachers, peers and maybe even the education system. There- I have 1-2-3-four possible sources already.

I tend to treat the reality shows as shows. At the end of the day, there is a tendency for drama on the part of the participants because there's a camera in front of their noses 24-7. And for shows that require audience's votes for a winner to emerge, there's even more necessity to stand out, using all means necessary. And the shows usually display a statement that 'portions of this programme that do not affect the outcome have been removed' or the like.

Simplistically speaking, reality shows do not represent real life- no man in his right mind would dare go out with 10 ladies at one time to select the best one. No one will actually want to stay on an island with 20 other people that they don't know and feed on fish or animals caught with their bare hands (if not for the chance of winning $1 million). And I would just go to a studio to learn to sing and dance, rather than being locked up in a house with 12 others and being critiqued by a spoilt brat every week. And portions of our life will always affect the outcome. This, I'm sure of.