Commentary by Jackson Santy ’13

THE ROUNDUP

At almost any given time, you can turn on your television and find a reality TV show.

Reality shows are a creating a fortune for their producers, sponsors, networks and anyone who has a stake in the programs’ creation.

Reality TV is taking over networks, polluting its viewers’ minds and absorbing their lives.

People are beginning to become more concerned with Kim Kardashian’s new nose job, teenage mothers and the latest antics of Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi rather than the radical protests going on in Libya.

Our fixations to these shows are engulfing us so much that we forget about our world’s true reality, filled with war, famine and disease.

Not only are they a distraction, but these shows also set a horrible example for young viewers.

For example, when they see two female characters on “Jersey Shore” getting into an intoxicated brawl, they are thrown into the belief that those types of actions are acceptable.

After all—it is “reality.”

Shows like “Teen Mom” and “The Biggest Loser” are exploiting its participants by publicizing their personal lives and struggles.

People say that shows like these are “good for society” and that they “give people a positive message,” when all they’re really doing are taking people’s problems and showing them to the world.

Most viewers don’t take these programs seriously: it seems all “Teen Mom” is doing is glamorizing teen pregnancy, so the teens who watch it don’t get anything out of it.

But the most nauseating of all is the ever so popular “Jersey Shore.”

These self-proclaimed “guidos” have taken the nation by storm.

It’s amazing how people are becoming so enticed with a program about a few pretentious, conceited air-heads.

Week in and week out the show continues to dump out horrible examples of human behavior.