To The Pits of Hell We Go!

I’m a fan of reality television, and always have been, but I also understand a lot about editing and what can be done with the magic of a good editor. Take a look at the following paragraph, which is Hot Toddy’s bio in his latest show:

Todd is a versatile performer and is enjoying his first show at the Triangle. Boy, is he ever! Next month he will be performing in Stark Raving Theatre’s late night show “Thrust!” Todd loves to meet audience members at the stage Door after the show and is always In Search of new friends. He works out often, hopes to become more Muscular and likes Romantic or Funny movies. He has enjoyed working with the Guys in the cast of this show for the past few weeks. He is not currently Dating anyone and would be open to having coffee or something with a cute guy but nothing More.

And with the magic of editing:

Versatile boy in search of muscular, romantic, funny guys for dating or more.

Completely different meaning…and on most reality shows, that is what a participant needs to expect. One person is going to be made into the villain; one is going to be the underdog…etc. Until Yesterday…

The WB took it too far with their show, The WB's Superstar USA. The premise of this show was to find the worst singers in the USA, each who believed they were the best, stroke their egos to make them think they were better than they really were, and make fools of them on television. Like watching a traffic accident, you couldn’t help but stare as these performers sang off key, forgot words, and attempted to dance.

The worst part of it, was that in front of a live audience, the “winner” (or worst singer) was told that she had absolutely no singing voice, and basically had no talent. Coming from a performer, we put our full selves into our work, and these poor kids were deluded into thinking that they were much better than they really were. Vocal coaches lied to them, the judges used double meanings (“I’ve never seen a performance like that”), and even the audience was in on it.

This winner had two choices upon being told what she was told. Storm off the stage, or smile graciously and accept the cash money prize. The winner did the latter, but her eyes told a different story. This girl has dreamed of being a singer most of her life, and this show shattered her fantasy and humiliated her in a public forum. Is $100,000 worth her dignity?

Since when did humiliating someone become entertainment? Where is the artistic statement behind that? Thankfully…I don’t have cable, but I really think it may be time to quit the television all together. Until then…I have some advertisers I want to write and tell off about sponsoring such a show.