Mary Margaret Park

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Are programs based in reality art? How do we measure artistic integrity in reality TV programming? Should we measure it based on how large the divide is between reality and integrity? I suppose there is art in the human condition, but when viewed through the lenses of reality TV, it’s more like an estranged form of voyeurism. Perhaps we ponder the question of artistic vs. voyeuristic in the name of justifying the programming’s existence? Do we ponder this in the name of understanding Art’s evolution? Or is it just something to wonder more than woe? I think it is both; but of course that depends on who you ask.

Reality TV is a Concept that isn’t new; nor did it arrive by accident – Back in the days of early comedy, comedians took to the streets and interviewed random people; and news anchors took to the streets to get opinions and sometimes, debate. All of these things focused on real people and their reactions.

Now it is a big-budget drama-bonanza with niche specific targets in place. Not just American Idol, but themed reality shows like Survivor, or on a smaller scale, the shows that focus on who will vomit first. Anyway, you can see where the question of artful & un-artful quickly comes to mind. Perhaps a better question is, “Is it right for humanity?”

Some of you may wonder what I mean; I’m mostly talking about the evolution of societal acceptances. I’m not deterring any fan or individual from watching. What I ponder in my latest short-story is the aggressive, destructive nature of such programming on its participants. I think about the subjective edgings surrounding exploitation.

Films, when done well (and even not so well done) – can artfully digress exploitation with entertaining & insightful anecdotes; but we know they are fictional depictions. Because Reality-TV is purported to be factual and uninhibited, we have many individuals that view the medium as voyeuristic and still others who view the programming to feel above and beyond their peers.

Still; what about the people?

“Claire-TV”
A short-story by Mary Margaret Park
http://www.marymargaretpark.com/pdf/mmp_claire-tv.pdf

- Mary Margaret Park (Author & Poet)
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http://www.marymargaretpark.com