Shame on you America.

How could you let your thirst for entertainment at another person’s expense create such a monstrous entertainment genre known as reality television? Could it be that we enjoy watching on-screen psychological meltdowns and disintegrating relationships of reality stars because they make our personal lives look 10 times more functional? If you fell, would you like it if
someone pointed and laughed at you?

Americans should acknowledge the parts we play in the destruction of these people’s lives
after the cameras are turned off. Especially when children are involved, we, as humans, should take into account the impact we have on other lives.

I’m not saying that all reality television is bad. In fact, some shows, if well intended, can be beneficial to viewers. For example, before “Jon & Kate Plus 8” became a media spectacle, its original aim was to inspire families who were in a similar situation. Shows like this demonstrate the reality of viewers while providing hope.

“The positive aspect of reality television is it allows millions of viewers to become aware of the common struggles families go through. It also lets them know they are not alone,” said Lin Shi, associate professor of marriage and family therapy. “Reality television is not psychotherapy; some misleading information could be received by viewers”.

Displaying the real lives of families that are relatable to viewers as a symbol of hope is truly a noble act, but why then would any network continue to film a show when the content is detrimental to the family’s well-being?

One word: ratings. “Jon & Kate Plus 8” garnered its highest series ratings during the stages of the couple’s separation and divorce. And much to the surprise of older viewers, both Kate and Jon marinated in their newfound celebrity status. Their names became products as they were in almost every magazine, every entertainment news program and more. But what were not seen were the negative effects it had on the children.

“They’re being exploited. It’s time for America to see the situation for what it really is, which is -- unfortunately, there no laws protecting children in reality TV shows. And it’s time for the public to be aware of this. And that these -- these children are very aware of the cameras in their homes. Their home is their workplace. And this is not a healthy environment for kids to be raised in,” said Jodi Kreider, sister-in-law to Kate, in an interview with CBS News.

Our infatuation with their scandals only led to the destruction of these children’s lives. As it goes for laws or regulations, as mentioned by Krieder, networks should use some type of code of ethics when working with children.

“Whoever is in charge of the matter [in reality shows in general] should think about accountability. What is seen on television is not 100 percent representational of their lives.
Follow-ups and/or outside psychological services should be provided for families,” Shi said.

Although unfortunate, the negative publicity is what is being emulated by viewers, as seen in the recent press surrounding the “Balloon Boy’s” family.

The Heene Family, in an attempt to gain publicity and eventually a similar reality television show staged a “real-life disaster” that entailed a whacky family, a whacky family invention (the balloon) and a whacky son of the family that piloted the invention by mistake (Balloon Boy).
The 6-year-old boy, Falcon, accidentally found a way to soar across the skies (no pun intended) in a balloon the family invented. Shortly after, the local press, police and U.S. Air Force were informed of the event, Falcon was found sleeping in the attic of the garage. This family, after several interviews, slowly began to break down, admitting the event was a ploy to gain their own reality show.

“[Mayumi Heene, wife] and Richard had instructed their three children to lie to authorities as well as the media regarding this hoax,” reported the Huffington Post in its Oct. 23 article, “Mayumi Heene Admits Hoax: Ballon Boy’s Mother Confesses to Authorities.”

“She allegedly told investigators the incident was a hoax meant to make them more marketable to the media,” according to the article.

The notion of becoming famous for infamous behavior is deplorable.

America, you have the power to stop this potential chain of idiocy. By laughing and paying attention to negative “reality television,” you give them the power to mold our society. If we don’t turn the channel soon, there will be many more foul-mouthed balloon boys and middle-aged mullet-wearing moms coming out with their own spin on reality television.

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