The reality in reality shows
KARTHIKA S NAIR
Asked why he is failing in academics, my 13-year old cousin promptly replied: “I would rather make money through reality shows than tiring my brains with books.”
Obviously, he was gearing up to participate in a regional reality show scouting for the best comedian. His self-assured repartee set me thinking about the tremendous influence of this 21 century fad, Reality Television, wielded on a section of the Ind
ian audience. Reality Television which created quite a rage in the West quickly trickled down to various developing countries, particularly India which seems to have welcomed the trend with a red carpet. The film Slumdog millionaire aptly captures this obsession of the Indian audience.
Several factors — the chances of becoming an instant celebrity, the sheer thrill of melodrama, elimination episodes, lucrative prizes, — have all contributed to its popularity. But its psychological effects on society, particularly on the contestants leave much to be desired.
A new genre
The finest, yet the costliest, of celebrities are roped in to enthral the audience. Reports suggest that a top-notch celebrity costs anywhere around Rs 15 lakhs or above per episode. Celebrity judges provide the food and fodder for these shows with their off-the-cuff remarks and scintillating mannerisms. Corporates too jumped on the bandwagon as there is scope for effecting advertising, thanks to the whopping viewership these shows claim to have. This genre also clicked due to the personal identification factor of the viewers with their favourite contestants. A notable strategy is the “What Next Campaign”, which capitalises on the pleasure and curiosity of the viewers. Repeatedly highlighting some lapses on the part of the contestants and the subsequent acrid remarks of the judges create an artificial interest. This bit of drama is aired far in advance of the real schedule to titillate the audience. Imagine what could be the mental state of the very contestant who endures this agonising drama for publicity sake? In fact, it is here we fail to recognise or conveniently brush aside that shameful streak of voyeurism that goads us to watch these shows.
SMS voting
This is not a blind critique of reality shows per se as several present-day celebrities like Shreya Ghosal and Rakhie Sawant hogged the limelight through these shows. But do we remember their fellow contestants who vied for the same stardom, but unluckily, fell by the wayside down the line? Interestingly, luck has redefined itself as a messiah in the form of SMS voting. It is comical yet pathetic to hear those cringing voices begging for SMS, outsmarting even professional beggars.
Technical personnel with proven expertise in SMS management should operate the system. Glitz and glamour should not pave the way for downright corruption as the value of the prize tags shoots up year after year! Trauma compensation has to be made in the wake of many untoward incidents meted out to contestants. Regular follow-up of contestants is important to ensure that they are smoothly rehabilitated to the normal course of living. In short, these shows need to be re-invented in socially acceptable formats and carry messages that losing out on a show after all, would not shatter anybody’s life.
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