Extreme TV, Extreme Insanity

Maybe I’m not the best one to critique TV shows, and I sure hate to judge anyone, but can someone explain the fascination with reality TV? Which, if you think about it, isn’t reality at all!

I happen to love the news shows, and will admit to a few hours spent each week decompressing with the diversion of mindless entertainment. I do try to keep up on what’s currently popular, and will check out programs that my pals suggest, just to be in the loop.

In the past, you could always find something educational and interesting on The Learning Channel—but what has happened to that channel? A few years ago my grand daughter Kayla and I loved to watch John and Kate plus their eight adorable little ones. I admired her organization skills and thought she did an amazing job. Although not the typical family, they were all adorable and making it work. Kate was a good role model, giving young moms without such a full plate a positive lesson in how it can be done. And for Kate and Jon, being done with an in home production crew recording each and every move.

After the publication of her first book, Kayla and I went to a local book signing. We were handed a list of Kate’s DOs and DON'Ts—not for child rearing mind you, but for her book signings. We waited four hours on a huge, hot line. Now, I would have left after being handed the list, but not wanting to disappoint my Kayla, we waited. When we finally got close enough to her table to hear and witness her attitude, we were shocked and disappointed. As Kayla left with her autographed copy of the book she commented, "I don’t even want to read this book, and I'll never watch that show again because she is mean!" It was easy to see as more of her personality came out why her marriage fell apart and, ultimately, why her show was canceled.

So with Kate on the wane of TLC’s line up, replacement reality/extreme shows sprang up! There was one about a man with four wives—perhaps that isn’t so far out of the norm in some cultures, but this guy had all the wives living with, and loving, the others! Can I tell you how I would have handled this fellow? No, never mind... Next we have the show where people are obsessed with clipping coupons and doing massive grocery orders that total somewhere between $4 and $10. They then bring their finds back home, creating what appears to be their own little supermarket right in the very own basement. Can someone comment me and explain why anyone would need 62 bottles of hot sauce, 3,000 rolls of toilet tissue and 82 boxes of cereal? Unless they are donating it or shopping for Kate plus 8, its insanity!

Long before the extreme TV show, Rockland’s Coupon Queen Anna Desousa was a guest on my radio talk show. A very sweet and kind lady, Anna clipped her coupons and once every few months did a huge shop, which she would then donate to charity. That made sense to me as she wanted to help, not hoard. Speaking of hoarding—there is a whole other show devoted to just that. It is so disgusting, I didn’t get past three minutes of viewing before shutting it off.

My friend Mo’s favorite is a show devoted to weddings of young Irish “travelers,” the politically correct term for those once known as Gypsies. Some of these kids are not even old enough to be out of high school! Dressed in provocative and outlandish gowns as they prepare for a life of wedded bliss (I say this tongue in cheek), they should really be focused on dressing for the prom.

What the heck is next? I thought after watching an episode—and I soon found out: Toddlers and Tiaras! Can anyone answer this: who would be so interested in watching a TV show about beautiful innocent children, faces painted with more make up than I wear, hair teased high and something called flipper (false teeth to cover any lost teeth)? Some of these babies are less than a year old!

The mothers are obviously living vicariously through the kids. Where is Family Services as these moms pump the kids with soda and candy to get their energy level up for the long day of competition and for most likely a disappointing outcome? The outfits some of these girls wear are far to suggestive, and I question what these moms are thinking. My heart breaks for these painted babies, and I pray someone is looking out for their best interests.

It makes me ill to imagine who is watching this show and what their intention is. Are we a society of voyeurs? Why are we so drawn to watching others' train wrecks and neurosis? Does it make us feel better about our own lives? Or are these shows suppose to make us laugh? For me, I'll stick with CNN, and the occasional Housewives of whichever state is being featured—and think to myself how normal life is at my house... and I say that tongue in cheek!

Until next time, remember: magic happens!