Monday, October 26, 2009
off script: from g's to gents
The Los Angeles Times reports that, "despite decades of public pressure on the major networks to diversify, the lead characters in all but a handful of prime-time scripted shows this season are still white —- and usually young and affluent. In contrast, reality programs consistently feature a broader range of people when it comes to race, age, class and sexual orientation." It supports this statement by bringing up examples from such contestant in shows like The Amazing Race, Survivor and the Biggest Loser. Nevertheless, this does always shed the most positive light on these minorities. Generally speaking, such unresolved issues surrounding race, class and sexual orientation can generate further tension and emotions, and in doing so, provides material to the show. These reality shows don't provide the most enlightening experience. Their producers aren't necessarily adding diversity in order to appear pro-social but rather to obtain better ratings and merit entertainment. Specifically, I'm reminded of reality shows such like From G's To Gents. I've included a clip for your viewing pleasure. http://www.mtv.com/videos/from-gs-to-gents-season-2-ep-1-down-n-dirty/1604291/playlist.jhtml
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It's not really news that reality shows are more diverse. But is the reasoning really to produce ratings and merit entertainment? What little I know about casting (for reality shows) is that they tend to cast people that will create problems and issues with the other cast members. As evidence, I'll cite the Real World who has stated often that this is a major consideration of theirs.
ReplyDeleteWhen looking at it your way, I guess my question would be... Would they still cast the SAME wo/men if they were all white? They'd create the same tensions, problems, etc. but wouldn't be a minority. That would truly give us a hint as to why they keep casting minorities - in my opinion at least.
for me that show almost didnt have a fair shot with the concept, and title
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