Don't Settle for Mediocrity

Over the last few years, America has become obsessed with reality shows and more recently, game shows. What sparked this sudden interest in the lives of the everyday person? Maybe because some of these everyday people are not leading the so-called "everyday" life. Game shows like The Moment of Truth have shown how manipulative and deceitful people truly are. But is that so much of a shock? Is it really such a shock to you that people are cheating on their spouses? Is it so shocking that people have lied at work or to their loved ones? How many of us have such secrets that we keep? Of course many of us have not done some of the extreme things some of these contestants have, but why the sudden fascination? Is it really that interesting to hear that a woman wishes she never married her husband? My answer is, no. Neither this show, nor practically any of the shows on prime-time television peak my interest.

What has happened to television? Why are we forced to watch such mediocre shows like The Sarah Connor Chronicles? Weren't three movies about the futuristic killing machines enough? Many of us couldn't even grasp the concept of the movies to begin with. Unfortunately Americans seem to have lowered their standards of what "good television" really is. Some of us complain but many of us willingly watch and in turn, writers and producers think these shows are a hit and keep spitting them out every season. Yes, there are a handful of shows that display some integrity, but few belong to the reality T.V category. One series that actually peaks my interest is Super Nanny. Unlike many of the other shows, this program can actually help millions of distressed parents throughout the country. A show where you can learn something? Shouldn't this be on the Discovery Channel?! This probably has something to do with the fact that I do not know anyone personally who actually watches the show. Most Americans prefer the shows where little thinking is involved and where they can get instant gratification. Don't many of us make fun of those British or European movies and television shows where it's all dialogue and nothing explodes?