Reality TV ain't reality (but you already knew that)

I have to admit, I don't watch that much reality TV anymore. I think the last time I watched Big Brother was the first UK series and that was 2001 or something -while it was still billed as a 'psychological experiment'. Well before I continue, let me just say, 'psychological experiment' my arse! It became apparent pretty early on that the whole concept behind Big Brother (and a good many other reality TV programs) was the exploitation of its contestants.

However, reality TV contestants are either desperate for fame, dumb or both (*enter third disagreeable quality here*). Do these delinquents, these dregs of society deserve my (or even your) sympathy, or is part of the fun watching them eek out their 15 minutes by leaving their pride and self respect at the door? I honestly don't know, I'm afraid to answer for fear of self-incrimination.

Consider this; could it be possible, conceivable, feasible or even practicable (courtesy of thesaurus.com) that these scum-sucking mollusks are actually nice people? Well, anything is possible. Consider what the United States of America has done for the art of reality television editing, weaving sound and pictures, not to tell the story, but to tell a story. Check out Charlie Brooker below for his insights (the only man in the world more cynical than me!).



See what I mean? Well, most of you are familiar with British reality TV, but the American stuff is much much worse, to the point where Britain considers it unwatchable (you only have to look at how Gordon Ramsey's kitchen nightmares USA was re-edited to cater to the tastes of British audiences to see this).

Over the last couple of years (perhaps even longer) the trend in the UK seems to be mirroring that seen in the US. Keep an eye out for it, I think you'll be horrified at how dumb some TV execs think we are as attempts at viewer manipulation spiral out of all control.

*sounds of my echoed screams as i fall into the abyss*