You convinced me the Hunger Games was a worthy topic to dedicate to my blog. It has not been unnoticed the number of Hunger Games books carried around the school by our middle school students. If you are like me the recent release of the movie has inspired me to pick up the book. (Yes, I am reading it as well.) Discussing the story in greater detail inspired me to spend Saturday reading. I have about 80 pages left.
In addition to being a good story, the topic is an interesting perspective on our culture and where we are potentially heading. As I talked about with the 8th grade class, there appears to be many elements described in the book which mirror the world we are living in, specifically our fascination with reality media. Television, YouTube, and Facebook, amongst others, are driving our social awareness and perception of reality. While we would like to think the Hunger Games is taking reality television to a whole new level, but how far is the stretch from what we watch today.
“Survivor” takes some number of castaways each season, drops them in some sort of desolate area and forces them to find their own water, food, and shelter. Although they are initially placed in tribes, eventually they have to pick each other off one by one. They form alliances, cheat, steal, manipulate their way to victory. Minus the killing, this sounds oddly familiar.
We seem to have a fascination with watching “real” people. It has created an entirely new genre in television and provides us all an opportunity to become famous. Throw in the internet and if you film “Charlie” biting his brother finger, you can be the most watch video clip of all time with more than 442 million views.
Why are we fascinated with watching reality media? What do you watch and why? What values and morals are promoted? Where do you think the future of television is heading?
*:)Alice- Well...that seems like a very psychological thing and I'll take my best shot at it. I think that it's entertainment, because you have to admit some of those people do some pretty STUPID things. And they're also kind of interesting, cause in cooking competitions for example, you're kind of like 'OH MY GOSH THAT IS SO COOL!' or 'Jeez I really want to eat that!' Or if you're an aspiring chef you might want to watch those shows. So it sort of depends on your values, but I think that we like to watch reality TV because it's entertaining. Well, I don't really have cable so I don't really watch them, and probably if I did I wouldn't watch most of them anyway. But the one show I usually watch is American Idol, because I like to sing and I might want to be a singer when I grow up or be a singer when I'm in college, so I don't really know yet.I want to know what attributes make a good singer so if I ever need to then it'll sound good. Well in American Idol they kind of make them more self-sufficient, KIND of, because it's pretty much all on them to make the show happen, and it really helps the singers develop their voices. I think that TV is kind of going in a downward spiral, it seems like almost all shows are about, well, not very good stuff! Idol has even gone down since it started, it used to be sort of kid appropriate but now it's like 'COME ON PEOPLE LITTLE KIDS COULD BE WATCHING THIS!' that's more for the side shows than the actual singers.(thank goodness!)So I'm hoping TV gets better, let's see if it's a hope in vain or not...
ReplyDelete^_^ trekster (nissa)- I think we're obsessed with watching reality shows because we enjoy the drama of it all, I mean, the family shows where they're being taped practically 24/7 leads to chaos, sometimes scripted, but chaos nonetheless. I don't really watch TV that much, but I guess Top Gear U.K. counts. It's a family thing, one episode a night. We've finished all of them on Netflix (so far!) Usually on TV pretty awful values, etc. pop up. Like on competitive shows, you see people hogging supplies on cooking shows, or survivor shows.. people forming alliances then backstabbing their teammates. It's ridiculous that it happense, I mean.. you rarely see GOOD shows that help others, not award money, fame, or possessions. At least that one show, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition actually builds whole houses for people while they go on vacation. I'm guessing if there were more shows like that, then more people would be helped and when we watch those shows, we're supporting a good cause. Shows like "Pretty Little Liars" (sorry but it's true) don't really do anything. If insipid shows that do nothing except entertain us keep going, we actually might end up like the Hunger Games, being so desensitzed to the real world and other people, just seeing people on a screen, not considering their lives. I think more and more reality shows will come up, especially with all the new portable technology, such as the iPad, etc. The major thing everyone should take away from this is that being "plugged in" constantly needing entertainment desensitizes us to the real world. The world doesn't exist to entertain us at all. We're here to HELP the world, help others and we can't do that if we're all plugged into iPods 24/7
ReplyDeleteAaron- I think that we watch media because it is entertainment but I think that we rely on electronics a little to much. I, myself watch a show called chuck and I also watch n.c.i.s. things promoted in these are guns and technology. I think we shouldn't rely on tv so much and go outside. It's spring for gosh sake. I know that tv is heading in the wrong direction and I know that we should stop watching it.
ReplyDeleteJacob-I think that we watch reality media because we like watching "real" people. I think we like to watch people get into seemingly unsolvable situations and seeing them suffer. I watch a show called modern family because it is very funny. It is about a "modern" style family who face different scenarios. Sometimes the situations are stupid which makes it all the more hilarious. I don't watch it on TV but I sometimes watch episodes on hulu. The family is very excepting because there is a really smart sister and a really dumb sister, there are two uncles who are gay, and a grandpa who married a girl who is a lot younger than him. They all except the others as the way they are. I think that people are going to become a big thing in our life. It might even become as bad as how the people in Wall-e are. Never seeing other people but relying on technology. I seriously hope not though.
ReplyDeleteStephanie- I think people watch reality tv shows so much is for the humor. People like to come home after work and sit down and watch something funny or drama filled. I like to watch pretty little liars the lying game and dance moms. I like these shows because they are good and suspenseful and dance moms is funny. I agree with Nissa we don't really need these shows but they entertain people if we only had serious shows that didn't entertain people than people woulsdnt watch tv and they would go way down in business. If people don't watch tv than advertising would be affected and therefore a lot of companies would be affected.
ReplyDeleteSena- I think we are so facinated with it because its unlike anything that really goes on in life. When you watch shows such as Pretty Little Liars or see a movie such as the Hunger Games there very interesting. I find it entertaining because its fun to see what life would be like if it wasn't really like it is now. I watch Pretty Little Liars, The Lying Game, The voice, Make It or Break it, SNL, Modern family, Dexter, and Dance Moms!!!!! I find them very dramtic and entertaining and thats what I enjoy about them~!!!! You dont really get a lot of good out of watching tv. Maybe the news! I think there will be a lot more tv shows that are far from reality! I think its fun to think about that kind of stuff!!!!!
ReplyDeleterobert-Truly a great thinker.. me (just kidding) Said we watch reality television so we have a control to base our reality in a way that lets us know we have not gone insane yet. I try not to watch media television unless its the news or something big has happened and in terms of shows only the classics like tom and jerry i might watch so i dont have to waste my precious time on some reality tv crap. In terms of the future of television if you ask me. half of are nerdy side of the generation has taken up anime as a genre of television and watch it daily but it gets to a point where the show doesn't make sense any more, and just watching it to hope it will make sense again eventually.. So if possible i try to stay away from this genre but there are a few exceptions.
ReplyDeleteAmaia- I like reality media because it gives you a way to focus on someone else's problems and their odd senarios that you would never encounter in your ordinary life. I watch because after a few episodes, I truly become adicted to the show. I wait to find out how there lives play out, and for 30 minutes, or whatever I live their lives. I don't think there's much value or moral promotion. In fact, I think they feed of of scandal, cheating, and other crap that fascinates us. They don't show these shows to teach you moral lessons and values. They do it to entertain. I don't think tv will eventually show stuff like the hunger games because, the hunger games were more to remind districts that the capital controll their lives and to tell them who's really in charge. Maybe something will happen though if our government became that corrupt. For now I think tv will stay the same for awhile.
ReplyDeleteDillon- I think that that we are fascinated with reality media because we can relate to it. I do not watch anything because I i do not have a TV. I think that the future of TV is a lot more realistic.
ReplyDeletei think that it makes us go to another reality where everything is ok and the good guy always wins.i think that it shows that good things could come out of the bad.pretty shure if people can create 3d television eventually were going to come out with like a 4d and if your watching a surfing show water is going to pelt you in the face.
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natalia-i think we are fascinated by media because its not what we experience or what might happen in life. lots of people find it interesting and fun to watch. i wathch the voice, a bunch of other shows, and lots of reality because they are fun to watch and their not like anything i experince. i think the future of tv is heading towards lots of reality and stuff that would never happen in ur life because thats what people like reality and weird stuff that would never happen. i think its really entertaining.
ReplyDeleteJacqueline_ First off I love the Hunger Games! Now to get serious... I think we are so interested in gossip and deep situations that, that is why we watch media because it gives us something new to talk about. Lots of people everywhere love to here the dirt on other people and find it cool to watch. I love to watch any cop show or like THE VOICE and stuff like that, I don't know why I just do. I mean well i guess I watch it because I like to get my blood rushing. I like to be able to watch something that makes me so intrigued. I think the future of television is heading in a good direction. I bet there will be a lot more of like dirty gossip shows and more high power explosions and hey, what about all that three D stuff? I can't wait to see what the future of television holds!!!!!!!!! Again LOOOOOOVVVVVEEEEE THE HUNGER GAMES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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ReplyDeleteNiko- i think we are all very very stupid people to be wasting precious seconds of our life on stupid tv. if you died right this second what would you have to say about your life.what would be your acomplishments?people are too caught up on how they look and such and if they get in a fight then just forgive because you only have one life soo use it right.tv is going somwhere, ruining peoples lifes.,...you still have time to stop it. ps i like family guy
ReplyDeleteBelle - well first I read the entire hunger games series in two day so u could call me addicted but also some people are like why are you watchingvthis its horrible I say you have to read the book its a lot different fromthe movie its deeper than just kids killing each other you have to look under the layers and see what its about you have to do this on normal Tv to reality Tv isn't really that persons reality and some people still don't understand that if you look deeper into this u find out the truth look in the layers under the cover
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ReplyDeleteI think we are fascinated by reality media because we like to see the stupid people on the shows argue and fight with one another. I find it funny that people will do about anything to get on Tv. I watch modern family because I find the show funny because the family does a lot of crazy things that get them in trouble. It teaches you that you have to love and stay loyal to your family no matter what they do. I don't think you can really tell where the future of Tv is heading because its what the viewers want . Right know reality shows are popular,but you never know what will be popular in a couple of years.
DAN-I think we watch television because its fun seeing how stupid some people can be. there are some shows where they ask people questions and some people are just dumb. and like that one show are you smarter than a 5th grader. instead of that show should be called r you smarter than a college student because when i was in 5th grade i was confused even on the 1st grade questions. i watch lots of shows and the reason i do is because i like to.... i watch sports center because i like sports.. i like family feud because its funny how the host of the show tries to be funny and the contestants and the audience laugh when its actually not funny at all and i like to see if i get a right answer when they ask the questions. i like watching deadliest warrior cause its cool the weapons they use. i like watching football because i like football. i think shows teach good lessons like the ones that show biographies on how people have a really tough life when they r little but then become a huge success and never give up. i think television is fine right now and think it will stay the same forever............................. maybe
ReplyDeleteCatie-I think we watch T.V. because it's so funny seeing people get hurt or do stupid things. I watch Pretty Little Liars because it's really suspenseful and good. I can never wait to see what happens next. The morals in this show include to never lie and to be loyal to your friends. i think that it will get even more innapropriate.
ReplyDeleteGhost Adventures Freak(Audrey) --------------------- We watch media because we like to hear gossip bout other people. I like to watch ghost hunting things because it is fun to learn more things about ghost hunting. I think tv will come more high tech in the future.
ReplyDeleteMatea- i don't know why we watch reaality media, all of it's bad. it might be what people are into. It could also be what are family watches so we watch it. I watch any show that my brother watches because i like what he watches. i like his shows because they are interesting and i learn some things from it also. most of the time TV has some things that you shouldn't watch. We also usually don't learn anything from it, instead we get even more dumb. In the future i think that TV will get so advanced i can't even imagin. It will probably be 3d all of the time.
ReplyDeleteRyan- I think that we watch TV and the media today to be entertained. Kinda to waste time.To me i think people fascinated themselves with realty TV because it gives them something to believe in. I don't watch that much TV,but i like to watch the travel channel because i always wanting to go somewhere new.Where is TV headed i have no idea there always tiring to make a better version for the pervious in someway the may make a 3D TV that you don't need glasses for without heart
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Katie H.- I think we watch reality media because we like to watch other people make fools of themselves. I personally think most of it is junk because a majority of those reality tv families end up falling apart or have major family problems because of the show. I mostly watch modern family and the middle because they are shows about families that have relatable problems and they make it look hilarious!!!! I think the moral values behind those shows are that even though there are many problems in our family lives we should still stick together in our families. I think there is less and less tv that is even worth our time watching because its always about stupid problems of these famous people and their silly little problems like the Kardashians. All that show is doing is making the family look bad.I dont think we wil ever get to the point of the hunger games put I think that tv and our idea of entertainment is just getting way out of proportion.
ReplyDeleteEmma- I think that we watch TV to be entertained by all the famous people or just to be entertained in general. Many people just watch TV to be doing something when really you are'nt doing anything but sitting down. I tend to do this a lot but I enjoy being outside and being social way more! Whenever I do watch TV I usually watch E!, HBO Family, ABC Family, TLC and I have to admit sometimes disney channle. I watch these just to be entertained and all of them include famous people. I think that television is going to keep progressing to higher levels with more shows and channles to watch.
ReplyDeleteVince----i think that we are entertained with the media because there are things that are funny that we like to watch and there are things that are sad and all different emotions that people enjoy. also because of all the actors people like watching even more. i usually watch tv because i get bored or i am tired and there is nothing to do. but sometimes i watch tv to be entertained. i dont watch ALOT of tv other than sports center and sports games so in the shows i watch i think that the values and morels in those are pretty good. i think that the future of the television is going to keep getting bigger and that the tecnology is going to advance rapidly.
ReplyDeletePeter-I think that we are sooooooo interested in reality tv because there is so much gossip and secrets. We like it also because we can relate to them. There isn't very much good that comes out of it exept the way not to live your life. I think the future of telivision is going down the drain. I hated the hunger games,sorry Jackie, but a bunch of teens killing each other is personally very dumb to me.
ReplyDeleteCaleigh- I think we are fascinated because we love seeing whats happing else where and in different parts because some times we are bored with what we are doing. I watch "My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding" because again I want to see what other peoples life are like. And when i watch this show I'm disgusted with what they wear and how they act but yet agan that draws me into watch that. Their morals are different and kinda thrown out the window sometimes but they are very religious which is wierd to think about. I think its heading to the extreme where we throw two completely different things together
ReplyDeleteTaylor- I think we are fascinated because it's fun to watch stuff that isn't really true. It's stuff you've never even heard of sometimes. If tv shows and movies were all about REAL life, they would be boring. There are also a LOT of surprises and alternate endings and people like that, I just don't know why. I watch shows like survivor and the amazing race because it's a competition and I want to see who wins. I also like cooking show with Chef Ramsey. He's hilarious. Those are usually contests too. I also watch the big bang theory and how I met your mother because they're really funny and they come on right after wheel of fortune with my mom. I think tv is heading in a bad direction. Ok so they are getting all high def and stuff but too much high def makes it look fake. Also the shows are getting bad. There is probably going to be a kids show eventually that will have guns and fighting and blood in it. Ok maybe not but you get what I mean. Tv isn't going in the right direction at all.
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