There must be MUCH more than this AlMoSt adequate, provencial life.

Through many of the latest generations it is unquestionable that the youth have been exponentially losing moral, ethic, and respect (among many other things) for themselves, their elders, and for life in a general sense. Many would argue that this is due to the music the youth listen to, and other would say that it would have been due to the movies they watch and both may be in some way or another accurate; but one aspect of the media that I believe is more at fault than is at question is reality TV. I fail to see how any good can ultimately (and that’s key) could co me from reality TV. Reality TV deceives young people, and undoubtedly promotes behavior that is less than appropriate. These would be thought of as bold statements by interested viewers, which is why I am making it my prerogative to elaborate and expound.

Jersey Shore is the reality TV show that was brought to mind when I interviewed one of my peers regarding their thoughts on reality TV. Jersey Shore is a show that depicts the lives of 4 Italian men and 4 Italian women as they spend their summer in Miami living together working during the day and partying the night away. There has never been an episode aired that didn’t involve all of the following, drinking, profanity, interpersonal altercation, and sex. Now, of course this is just a depiction of the everyday lives of these people but at the same time, every time a young guy sees “The Situation” (the nickname of a cast member) go to the club and bring several girls home and “smash” (a derogatory slang synonym meaning to have sex) it is making it more and more socially acceptable in the eyes of the viewer. RAND Health did studies that lead to the conclusion that watching teens talk about sex, and have sex on television has lead to a faster pace at which they have sex. (CITE) Clearly there is a connection between television and the behavior or young people and the content involved in reality TV does nothing to help the situation. What this proves is that our society as a whole has absolutely no regard for the innocence of our youth, and certainly no concept of maturity or civil responsibility. Thus, the blame lies on everyone as a whole but through reality TV partially.

Thank you Jersey Shore, for making it okay to get hammered and smash as many people as desired.  You really know how to set an example.  (cough**)