"Watching these programs is a way of safely exercising mishievousness in a society that allows for few opportunities to do so." This quote was taken from Gabler's article, "Behind the curtain of TV voyeurism," and is by far the most interesting part of the article. At examining this quote I was able to distinguish the difference between just simply enjoying a reality show, between the feedback or response that the audience/viewer actually establishes. Basically, when I sit down and watch Jr. V. Senior american choppers on discovery channel, (the only reality t.v show I actually enjoyed), I noticed I wasn't just watching and entertaining my mind, it is much more than that. Referring to the quote I posted above and relating to Gabler's article, I realized that I was allowing myself to act as a spy. I was able to view the in's and out's of Paul Sr., Paul Jr., and Mikey's personal family battles, giving me that sense of personal mischievousness that Gabler mentions. If we look back before the 90's before reality t.v. even existed, one can see that people before our generation were unable to relate themselves to others on t.v. With reality t.v. you can actually relate your ideas with that person on the screen because they are not just simply actors, they are real people! I believe the biggest difference in reality t.v. and shows, or movies, is that we are able to relate our personal ideas/interests to a certain character because we feel as though they are one of us, not just a "movie star."
A video clip of Sr. vs. Jr. video clip : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFbL9pcHJz4
This is a clip from the reality t.v. show, Jr. vs. Sr. American choppers, on the discovery channel. As you can see just through the beginning of this segment, Paul Jr. (son), Mikey (the other son), and Paul Sr. (the father), used to work altogether building bikes in previous shows. This season has taken a turn and Paul Jr. has now created his own shop and the two battle every week to show off their bikes. They are also ending a lawsuit that Paul Sr. filed against Paul Jr. Throughout the series of shows the viewer is able to see how the tension is displayed, and also each son and the father are trying to regain and fix their relationships.
I really enjoy this show for some reason because I love motorcycles, and I also loved the relationship between all 3 of the guys and the other co-workers in previous episodes from past years. I have always watched it, and for some reason I will admit the insane fights that Pauly and Paul Sr. have allow me to fully engage and be 100% entertained. I think my "role" as the viewer is that I am able to subconsciously place myself in the argument and choose sides over what the guys are arguing about. I can relate these fights over my family, not because my dad and I don't get along, hell he is my best friend! I can relate because I know when my dad gets pissed you better move and I am the same way. The blow ups between the two are something I can relate to.
I think the ability to take a side really adds to the viewing experience like watching a Big Brother or a Survivor you can find a particular person you like and hope to win which I agree that is the role of the viewer.
ReplyDeleteI believe that's how most people are when they watch a reality show. They look for a character that is relateable and this draws them in to watch it every week. We think that this could potentially be something real in our lives happening and I think that it gives us comfort. I like how you said that before reality TV we felt that we couldn't really relate to any of the characters or situations which sometimes is what people like because its an escape from reality. But with these shows we are getting a different kind of escape that allows us to kind of evaluate our own lives against the lives of others in similar situations.
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