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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
A 5 page research paper that discusses the appeal of reality TV. Three dating shows are profiled, ElimiDATE, Next and Flavor of Love. The writer argues these shows are, first of all, gossip carried to a new level, but also a means for viewers to make social comparisons that assess the courtship norms of society. Also, the writer argues that the norm portrayed by such programming is not working as the rules for dating in contemporary society are both muddled and too intense. Bibliography lists 7 sources.
Page Count:
5 pages (~225 words per page)
File: D0_khdatetv.rtf
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
is a popular reality television show in which one contestant chooses between four contestants vying for his or her attention, with contestants being cut with each successive round of the
competition (ElimiDate). Flavor of Love (airing on VH1), likewise, has a romantic context, as women vie for the attention of Flavor Flab, a member of the popular rap group Public
Enemy. Contestants are eliminated at Flavs whim after undergoing certain tests, presumably for compatibility. Next (produced by Kalissa Productions for MTV) features a contestant and five dates. The dates are
secluded in a RV that follows the contestants van and the contestant can cut a date short at any time by saying "next" (Next). In each instance, what these
shows have in common, outside of a rather farcical take on American courtship rituals, is that the most popular episodes are those in which contestants back-bite and get catty with
each other, sometimes resorting to outright violence. This brings up the question of why there is a tremendous viewing audience for such low-brow shenanigans. Why do we watch? The
answer to that question lies in fundamental human behavior. In previous eras, people knew their neighbors and lingered over fences and on back porches discussing the nuances of their neighbors
lives. Ralph Rosnow, Ph.D., a professor of psychology at Temple University, comments, "If people arent talking about other people, its a signal that something is wrong--that we feel socially alienated
or indifferent" (Weston). Jack Levin, Ph.D., professor of sociology and criminology at Bostons Northeastern University, concurs, saying, "For a real understanding of our social environment, gossip is essential" (Weston).
How is reality TV like ordinary gossip? Like gossip, it aids the viewer in making social comparisons (Weston). Viewing the lifestyle of the rich and famous, such as Flavor Flav,
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