Summary Of The Collective Conscience Of Reality Television

Words: 643
Pages: 3

In present day, media plays an immense part in society's daily life. In “The Collective Conscience of Reality Television” by Serena Elavia and “Our Photoshopping Disorder: The Truth in Advertising Bill Asks Congress to Regulate Deceptive Images” by Erin Cunningham point out the dangers of reality television and photoshopping. Elavia and Cunningham agree media instigates physical, mental and emotional damage to spectators as well as the entertainers.
The media producers manipulate images/episodes to target their audience. Cunningham shares information in regards to bill H.R. 4341: Truth in Advertising Act of 2014, which hopes to achieve a reduction of altered images. Cunningham explains how altered images to reflect an alien body frame providing false impressions to adolescents. Elavia concurs and shares how reality television also depicts fantasy lifestyles. For instance, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills show slender females and fit males living a life of luxury. The cast members hosting extravagant dinner parties and dressed to fit the atmosphere. Producers provide scenes reflecting cast members
…show more content…
Statistics show that 53% of 13 year olds show signs of body image trouble. That number increases by 25% when students reach high school age. Photoshopping can help reduce the percent by providing natural images to viewers. Reality television can twist a cast member’s personality such as Russell from The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills as Elavia explains. To increase ratings, the producers have the opportunity to edit scenes before released, thus creating an ogre in the show. Russell frame of mind was not aired throughout the season which gave the show the ability to put a twist, when he committed suicide. Reality shows have no boundaries and show scenes that will increase ratings, not caring the mental state of the cast