Reality: Taking Over the TV

"Reality" TV (I put it in quotes because I am unsure how real it all is) seems to be taking over the TV screen one program at a time. No matter the time or day, a show can always be found. You have channels such as MTV, which stands for music television; Vh1, which stands for Video Hits; CMT, which stands for country music; TLC, which stands for the learning channel; and the list goes on and on. But how often do you see music on MTV? Only if you are an insomniac or up and watching TV early in the morning. Other then the few hours dedicated to what these channels are supposedly all about; the channels seem to be primarily packed all throughout the day with "reality" TV programs.

Personally, when I tune in (which I must admit, I often do) I commonly refer to it as mindless TV. You can jump in midseason, mid-episode or for the first time and be able to jump right in to check out mentally. After a long day of work and/or school, there is something about being able to tune in to tune out that I enjoy. I do not have to contemplate the plot that is non-existent or examine the underlying message that is not there. I can simply watch without thought or do something of more importance in conjunction – such as writing my fifth blog for popular culture class while watching The Real Housewives of Orange County – with little distraction or entrancement of a show with substance.

I am not sure what has caused this phenomenon across the nation or what reasons the millions tune in to these programs but in no way does it seem to be slowing down. I actually believe the contrary, that more and more networks will continue to add reality television programs and programs of substance will disperse and be pushed to the outskirts of the day.

Jersey Shore Women as Role Models: Yay or Nay?

Every Thursday night more than 3 million people tune in to MTV for what has come to be known as “Jersday.” Jersey Shore has without a doubt become a national phenomenon but the question is: are these “guidos and guidettes” behavior having a positive or negative affect on the lives of viewers?

In respect to the women, I would argue that these are not women I would want my peers or other women to aspire to be like. There are the arguments that these women are empowered, do what they want, speak what is on their mind, do not care what others think, etc. and that this encourages for women to stand up for themselves and do the same thing. However, I would argue that the way these women behave is in no way empowering to women.

You have Sammi who, until a recent episode, allowed for her boyfriend to scream at her, cheat on her, disrespect her, etc. without much more then a tear. While she finally stood up for herself and broke up with him (for now) her revenge was to go grind on other “juice heads” at the club. Then there is Snooki whom on most nights brings home a different man that she is unlikely to know the name of to the “smoosh” room to hookup. And, when without a guy, is pretty upset about life. JWow, who is often considered the most empowering of the women, has gotten much of her recognition from her recently augmented breasts and skimpy clothing.

While the women do stand up for how they feel and speak what is on their mind, it often leads to violence, tears, hooking up, cheating and other negative behavior that does not portray women in a positive light.

Is there such thing as counterculture?

I am not sure. In the sense of the definition it seems like it should be able to exist, even if only for a short time. But, when examined further, it is hard to say for certain if its possible or who would be included in such a group. Defined - wiki style - counterculture is used to describe values, behaviors, feelings of a cultural group that counter those of the social mainstream. It is behavior and attitudes deviating from the norm of society at large. However, when you consider the commodities that are necessary for these countercultures to identify themselves as unique – everything gets a little grey.

I think that a counterculture can exist for a limited time. A subculture can only deviate from the mainstream for a window of time before the trend goes mainstream. For example, going green has become completely cool. It began as environmentalists or “tree huggers” fighting for a cause they believed in and now you cannot go into a store without being pressured to buy another reusable water canteen or a canvas reusable bag. Not that going green is a negative thing but what made it happen? Is it just that our environment is in a serious state of danger and society has grown truly concerned? Or have the tree huggers, Al Gore, environmentalists finally convinced us all of the inconvenient truth? Or was it the advertisers and retail stores that got behind the movement after realizing their potential to make a buck if green was the new black?

I am not sure what causes a counterculture to go mainstream but it seems like, no matter how against the norm the group may seem in their arrival, their ideals will eventually find their way into the mainstream.

Why Twitter?

Twitter has become all the rage and, although a relatively low tweeter, I am joining in on the bandwagon. Many argue we have cell phones, texting, social networking, instant messaging, etc. so why join Twitter?

As a sort of combination of a micro-blogging (on crack) and social messaging network – it gives you the opportunity to catch up on tidbits of news quickly and place some of your own thoughts throughout the Twitter world. News briefs, advertisements of latest product, what your sister is doing on the other side of the country, a new job posting – the options go on and on.

It is an easy way to stay connected. I personally do not think I am a person who could consistently blog interesting things for people to follow but 140 characters is the perfect chance to snapshot your thoughts on various issues or scream your rage at the latest happening. You can catch up with your friends as well as give others a sense of your thoughts and what you are up to.

Twitter is also awesome for finding quick answers. Tweet a question you have and receive thoughts, answers, opinions, etc. quickly. And the more you use it and followers have the more input you can receive.

I have also recently been turned on to the fact that Twitter can help in that job hunt. As a soon to be graduate, the job search has taken over a larger portion of my life. Not only can you announce to everyone that you are searching but many companies post opportunities to Twitter.

The most common thing I use Twitter for though is catching up on the news. You have countless channels at your fingertips and several views on the same issue. Also, as a person on the go with little time to tune in – it helps to stay connected to what is going on and the important issues in the media.

The list goes on and on. I am truly just learning of all the various uses Twitter can provide but am eager to see if I cannot get the hang of it all.

Gladwellian vs. Stone

I am personally an advocate for Gladwell’s view on activism over Stone – but I still give Stone an A for effort and believe he is on to something. Webster defines activism as: a policy of taking direct and militant action to achieve a political or social goal; the use of direct, often confrontational action, in opposition to or in support of a cause. To me this means that behind activism is passion and connection. It involves feeling so strongly about something that you are willing to make a stand for it. People who participate in activism are working to achieve real things or at least get across a strong point. It is not a random act or a single act but a lifestyle - a need within them to be fulfilled through thorough thought and strategy. These people are not scared of standing up to danger because it is for something that they are so connected to, so passionate about – danger is not an obstacle.

I believe that activism needs hierarchy and structure. Like minds must come together to form a movement – a strategic one at that. In order to get real results – one cannot aimlessly go protest and strike but must be ready to put significant thought and effort into the cause. Receiving the change so many activists strive for is not an easy feat. One must be prepared for setbacks and obstacles in their way.

I believe this the appropriate place to mention Stone’s efforts. I firmly believe that social media is a great outlet for activism and can do a lot to facilitate activists efforts. It is a great place for like minds to join together, grow in numbers, share ideas, develop plans and other things passionate activists do. I however, do not believe that social media alone will bring about the change that such people live for.

Both men have great ideas. And by pulling a few from one another – activists stand a chance to creating the change they live for.