These are some of the shows that have grabbed the attention of our society for their visions of giving people a “real look” into various people’s lifestyles. But how real is everything you see? Do Snooki and J-Woww really see eye-to-eye? Are the “real” housewives always as catty as they seem?
First, let’s take a look into the The Real Housewives phenomenon. You name it, they have probably done it. The trend began with spotlighting women in major cities like Atlanta, Beverly Hills, Orange County, New York, and New Jersey. Then networks ventured into the sports arenas, spotlighting wives of famous football, basketball, and baseball players. We saw the women struggle with gossip amongst cliques, marital problems, and bankruptcy, all the while sipping on expensive wine and going on extravagant shopping trips. It’s hard to pity a woman whose husband wants to divorce her when her high maintenance demands are only best matched by her extensive shoe collection! ?
Then, of course, you have TV’s favorite party bunch, the cast mates of Jersey Shore. Despite the few shock factors of the show (Snooki getting knocked out, Jenni and J-Woww’s fight, etc.), the show has become extremely repetitive. GTLP. (Gym. Tan. Laundry. Party.) Now I know that wasn’t the original phrase, but it pretty much lends itself to that understanding. I mean, I mention the club Karma like I frequent there, and I haven’t even ventured north of the Mason-Dixon line. ??
Finally, we have my personal favorite: the Teen Mom series. I honestly don’t think there’s a show out there that can upset me more than this one. You’ve got girls still partying when they have kids, girls disrespecting their moms in the worst ways, and girls picking up drinking and drug habits while their kids are around. Now, I can’t tell anyone how to raise his or her kids. I don’t have any, so it’s not my place. However, I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t be smoking weed on my mom’s porch, fighting other girls in videos that go viral, or losing custody of my child, landing myself in jail! Granted, there are some girls on the show that somewhat have it together, but a majority of them don’t. ??
So, what’s the reality of all this? According to shows based on “real lives,” it’s okay to live beyond your means, party like it’s your job, and halfway take care of your kids. Did you know that some of the housewives’ families are financially bankrupt? Did you know that, because most of them are divorced, they technically aren’t even WIVES? Did you know that some of the Jersey Shore cast members still live with their families, or that Vinny graduated from college with a 3.9 GPA and an opportunity to go to law school? However, the actual reality isn’t good enough for the cameras. People want to see drama, backstabbing, comedy, and the whole nine yards. Why do you think The Hills lasted so long? You know, until they showed that backdrop on the final episode. A piece of me died that day.
Photo Credits:
MadelineBeth