On Oct. 15, millions worldwide watched in awe as a homemade weather balloon soared 50 miles across two counties carrying six-year-old Falcon Heene. The National Guard was called to action and Denver International Airport was shut down. The only problem? Falcon was nowhere near the balloon. Instead, he was sitting in the rafters of the family’s attic.
Not long after the incident, it became apparent that the whole thing was a hoax, and that the attention-hungry Mr. and Mrs. Heene had planned the stunt for publicity. Too bad the Heenes are absolutely horrible actors and are now facing criminal charges.
What would motivate two people to fabricate such an elaborate stunt? Reality television. Just as addicting as any drug, reality television causes people to do crazy and ridiculous things that they would never do in real life. The Heenes, having already appeared on “Wife Swap,” were in the process of negotiating a deal for a reality TV show when the “balloon boy” incident occurred.
The reality television craze in America has reached an all-time high. After a busy day of work, people no longer come home and watch the news. Instead, they turn on the TV to watch twentysomething burnouts pull hair, binge drink and talk trash on “Rock of Love with Brett Michaels.”
Do people seriously not have anything better to do with their time? Call me crazy, but watching Heidi and Spencer fight over who has prettier hair does not exactly count as quality television.
The Heenes are perfect examples of what reality television has done to us individually and as a culture. They were willing to face felony charges in pursuit of fame that now may cause them to have their children taken away from them. The situation has gone from lighthearted to grave, and what some people will do for the spotlight is no laughing matter.
Not only does reality television ruin an individual’s reputation, it also ruins America’s reputation as a whole. Other countries must believe that all Americans do is drink excessively and instigate pointless arguments while fighting for the affection of some D-list celebrity, leaving Americans to be viewed as morons with low standards.
As fans continue to fuel the reality TV fire, shows will only become more idiotic and foolish. Children and adults alike will begin to emulate the absurd behavior and unless something is done, the “balloon boy” incident will surely not be the last of its kind.
The Daily Gamecock > Viewpoints
America’s reputation ruined by reality TV
Dramatic, idiotic television shows ruin individual reputations as well as country’s reputation
Published: Monday, November 2, 2009
Updated: Sunday, November 1, 2009
 "Photo: N/A")
1 comments
Call me crazy!
People already emulate what is on TV. The sex, drugs, violence and immoral behavior is not just on TV, it is real life. People have become so voyeristic and self-centered it is disgusting. Moral relativeism has taken hold and ther is barely a standard of right or wrong. College campuses are great examples of the culture. Anything goes and everything is gone!! Good article.
