Should reality TV shows be banned?

[Maria]

Hello!

Welcome to the eighteenth official debate discussion! A new topic will be posted every week, with the previous week's topic being closed for prizes at that time. If you have any questions read HERE (http://habbohut.com/board/showthread.php?t=58777) or send me a PM.

This week's debate is: Should reality TV shows be banned?

With the ever expanding TV network, more and more reality shows are starting to air with high numbers of people watching. This week's question is, should they be allowed to air? A large number of parents and guardians think that they have a very negative influence on the children who watch them, others see them as a brilliant way to show what’s actually happening out there in the “real” world. So, this leaves us with the question do these shows go too far, should they be banned?

Reality television is a genre of television programming that presents purportedly unscripted dramatic or humorous situations, documents actual events, and usually features ordinary people instead of professional actors. However, reality television frequently portrays a modified and highly influenced form of reality, utilizing sensationalism to attract viewers and so to generate advertising profits. Participants are often placed in exotic locations or abnormal situations, and are sometimes coached to act in certain scripted ways by off-screen with the portrayal of events and speech manipulated and contrived to create an illusion of reality.

Should reality TV be banned or restricted? Are shows such as Jersey Shore, Desperate Housewives, Big Brother, The Bachelor, 16 and Pregnant, Kenny vs. Spenny, Fear Factor, Jon and Kate Plus 8 (Kate Plus 8), What not to Wear, Renovation Rescue, or any other reality television, a good influence on children and teenagers today?

Take time to formulate your responses, there's no prize for first or second post, it's all about the quality of the debating.

Please remember to respect each other’s opinions and absolutely no flaming will be tolerated! Happy Debating!

Your discussions for this topic are up for prizes 06/23/10 - 06/30/10.

[kay.vee]

Reality shows, such as Jersey Shore and the Real World are a bad influence on children. It teaches children that all that matters are looks. The people on these shows care about two things: themselves and sex.
But regardless of whether or not these shows are a bad influence on children, the shows shouldn't be banned. If someone doesn't want their children watching it, then tell them to control their own children. These shows are entertaining, if not solely for the fact that they are so ridiculous, they are humorous.
But Maria, you also mentioned shows such as "What Not to Wear" and "Fear Factor." These shows do not cause a bad influence; they are solely for entertainment purposes. "What Not to Wear" is also, though, informative on how to dress according to this year's fashion. It's beneficial for people to watch.
Speaking of beneficial things to watch, the show "16 and Pregnant" comes to mind. This show is not harmful. It's a documentary on girls who became pregnant at the age of 16. It teaches teens how much life changes if they have unprotected sex (or even sex, for that matter, not just unprotected, because we all know that nothing is 100% safe, besides abstinence).

So my opinion on the question is that reality shows should not be banned. If people find it offense, they can simply turn the channel.

[Bango]

As much as I don't like reality tv, you can't ban it just because it's not appropriate for children. I agree, kids shouldn't be watching it, but that's up to their parents to control that. I'm sure there are a lot of adults who enjoy watching reality tv, so why should we take it away from them too?

If we were to ban every show that's inappropriate for kids, the only thing on tv would be The Teletubbies and Spongebob.

[Tag,]

What I think is , it czan be a bad influence what it does not mean it shold be banned. I think that the parent should talk to them about it instate for them to learn to wrong way. If it is banned , still childrean can go to toher website or such for this kind of thing . So what I think is the educate them the right way instate or protecting them and hiding it away from their child. Shows can be a bad influence but it can also be a Good influence in the matter you take , to some is bad and some is good but it does had to go to the extend to ban because there are other source out there even if the children don watch reality show.

[DANNY]

Jersey Shore and 16 and Pregnant can burn. Whenever I'm channel surfing they're always on MTV, which kind-of ironic because it's supposed to be "music" television... that's something that confuses me. Although, 16 and Pregant is a good watch sometimes because I get a kick out of watching the idiots who've pretty much screwed up their lives and now have to face the consequences.

I don't think it's appropriate to ban them: they do bring a lot of ratings. However, changing the showing times to later in the evening could provide a better result and less controversy. At the end of the day it's the parents responsibility to control what their children watch -- others shouldn't have to go without because some kids watch what they're not supposed to.

And correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't most "Reality TV shows" scripted anyway? It's all fake, I think.

[kay.vee]

If we were to ban every show that's inappropriate for kids, the only thing on tv would be The Teletubbies and Spongebob.

I believe Teletubbies is no longer airing. Some of them came out of the closet. As I am sure that them being gay is NOT the reason the show is off air, but there may have been some other issues.

And actually, Spongebob has a lot of adult humor. When the show began back in 1995, it wasn't even intended to be for children. But as the years progressed, it got that reputation.


Jersey Shore and 16 and Pregnant can burn. Whenever I'm channel surfing they're always on MTV, which kind-of ironic because it's supposed to be "music" television... that's something that confuses me. Although, 16 and Pregant is a good watch sometimes because I get a kick out of watching the idiots who've pretty much screwed up their lives and now have to face the consequences.

I don't think it's appropriate to ban them: they do bring a lot of ratings. However, changing the showing times to later in the evening could provide a better result and less controversy. At the end of the day it's the parents responsibility to control what their children watch -- others shouldn't have to go without because some kids watch what they're not supposed to.

And correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't most "Reality TV shows" scripted anyway? It's all fake, I think.

Jersey Shore actually had terrible ratings at the start. The first few episodes caused MTV to lose a few sponsors, who were supporting that show. The ratings aren't what made it so big. People watched it because it was absolutely ridiculous.

As for reality TV shows being, scripted, that is only in some shows. Like "The Hills" is scripted. I guess "The Hills" staff really failed in the third season at hiding it, because they made it extremely obvious.
I don't think Jersey Shore and Real World are scripted though. Those people cause enough drama that they don't need writers to make it for them.

[Bexter....]

no i have fun going to big brother evictions xD

[Bango]

I believe Teletubbies is no longer airing. Some of them came out of the closet. As I am sure that them being gay is NOT the reason the show is off air, but there may have been some other issues.


Well I'm glad you were still able to see the point I was trying to make. :rolleyes:

[Keir]

I don't think anyone will argue for them being straight up banned, but maybe a little more control on what's shown would be nice.

[Meg]

Or hey let the kids watch the kids channels. oh **** what a good idea.

a tv is not a babysitter, kids should be playing with toys or outside anyways.

[kay.vee]

Or hey let the kids watch the kids channels. oh shet what a good idea.

a tv is not a babysitter, kids should be playing with toys or outside anyways.

Well you have to get real and understand that TV is what the upcoming generation spends most of its time watching.

And parents can't always be home to know what their children are watching. Kids can get curious. I'm sure even kids get sick of watching Dora the Explorer.

[Meg]

Well you have to get real and understand that TV is what the upcoming generation spends most of its time watching.

And parents can't always be home to know what their children are watching. Kids can get curious. I'm sure even kids get sick of watching Dora the Explorer.

um im not a child so dont treat me like one, thanks

[Keir]

Well you have to get real and understand that TV is what the upcoming generation spends most of its time watching.

And parents can't always be home to know what their children are watching. Kids can get curious. I'm sure even kids get sick of watching Dora the Explorer.

Parental controls bro. If you use them, they work. Funny thing eh?

[Tag,]

Parental controls bro. If you use them, they work. Funny thing eh?

But their child can be going to their friends house and watch during the time their parent is not in . and be back when their parent will be home soon .

[Keir]

But their child can be going to their friends house and watch during the time their parent is not in . and be back when their parent will be home soon .

If your kid is sneaking out of the house at a young age for the sole purpose of watching inappropriate TV you have bigger problems than the TV my friend

[CaptainKilt]

I'm not going to argue anything into his but

In my city they are making a new channel soely dedicated to reality TV (Not Hills or jersey shores type but samething like survivour or fear facter) That's all this channel will have 24/7

What are your opinions on that?

[kay.vee]

No one on this forum believe that reality shows should be banned. How are we supposed to debate on the topic..

[Alex,]

You could argue why they SHOULDN'T be banned

[Brandissimo]

Reality TV shows SHOULD NOT be banned.

TVs are programmed to have parental block and special codes to hide channels/shows.

Some parents may think it is un-suitable to have their child watching Reality TV shows, they can simply bar the channel/program by calling their service provider and adjusting options. If they have have basic channels which is used by satellite then its their job to supervise the child.

Its not the best thing to take away something as it can be avoided easily. + If children want to watch it, they're not dumb, they can use google.

Why take away everyone else's pleasure?? There is no need.

[Alex,]

In my opinion some should some shouldn't.

[Keir]

It's not picking or choosing it's all or nothing.

See, this isn't a debate. If you'd said "Should reality shows be less extreme" or "Should reality shows be put on networks so children can't see them" or something like that we may have had a debate, but everyone is agreeing here.

[Maria]

keir you know how debates work around here. they send them, i post them. if you have a complaint, maybe you guys could PM our debates supervisors some ideas.

[Figurative]

I don't think anyone will argue for them being straight up banned, but maybe a little more control on what's shown would be nice.

Yes i would agree, and no way would they actually be banned as there to cheap to broadcast, and make to much of a profit off.

[Keir]

keir you know how debates work around here. they send them, i post them. if you have a complaint, maybe you guys could PM our debates supervisors some ideas.

You can reject their disingenuous assertions.

[Figurative]

To be honest this was a fine debate, Which was the only one I've ever participated in.


EDIT: Considering i've just done my GCSE exam in Reality tv shows. :l

[Joshua!]

The truly educated man is that rare individual who can separate reality from illusion. - Author Unknown

The Oxford dictionary defines the word ‘reality’ as a quality of being real; something real and not imaginary. When that aforementioned word is put together with the word ‘show’, you will get the product of a formulaic genre that is a simulation of real life.

So the real question here still stands, should reality television be banned for general viewers?

Let’s start off with the favorable points. Intrinsically, reality shows are pure entertainment with no strings attached, and are even more so enjoyable to those who believe in the right for freedom of speech. It can be said that reality shows are an expression of democratic and egalitarian discernment. Viewers are not obliged to tune in every week to their favorite reality program or to even participate in them.

Another pro is that reality shows indirectly do teach us how people in general socialize and interact with others, as well as the diversity of different cultures that amalgamate with each other through these shows. Not only that, reality shows that are filmed in various locations such as ‘Survivor’ divulge to the audience places that not many of us get the chance to see in their life. From this, we get to learn more about human nature, as well as broaden our experience, all from the comfort of our own home.

Then again, everything comes with their own good and bad points, and this is just as true for reality shows. Reality shows are spurious, with its human exploitation and clever camera editing tricks. The manifest idealism of reality shows creates situations that otherwise would not exist, or at least would not be caught on camera. Almost everybody involved signs confidentiality and exclusivity agreements, so the full story about what went down between edits are rarely seen. Studies show that the broad spectrum of reality shows viewers consists of boys and girls aged from twelve to...

[Quinn2013]

The truly educated man is that rare individual who can separate reality from illusion. - Author Unknown

The Oxford dictionary defines the word ‘reality’ as a quality of being real; something real and not imaginary. When that aforementioned word is put together with the word ‘show’, you will get the product of a formulaic genre that is a simulation of real life.

So the real question here still stands, should reality television be banned for general viewers?

Let’s start off with the favorable points. Intrinsically, reality shows are pure entertainment with no strings attached, and are even more so enjoyable to those who believe in the right for freedom of speech. It can be said that reality shows are an expression of democratic and egalitarian discernment. Viewers are not obliged to tune in every week to their favorite reality program or to even participate in them.

Another pro is that reality shows indirectly do teach us how people in general socialize and interact with others, as well as the diversity of different cultures that amalgamate with each other through these shows. Not only that, reality shows that are filmed in various locations such as ‘Survivor’ divulge to the audience places that not many of us get the chance to see in their life. From this, we get to learn more about human nature, as well as broaden our experience, all from the comfort of our own home.

Then again, everything comes with their own good and bad points, and this is just as true for reality shows. Reality shows are spurious, with its human exploitation and clever camera editing tricks. The manifest idealism of reality shows creates situations that otherwise would not exist, or at least would not be caught on camera. Almost everybody involved signs confidentiality and exclusivity agreements, so the full story about what went down between edits are rarely seen. Studies show that the broad spectrum of reality shows viewers consists of boys and girls aged from twelve to...

care to finish your post?

[kay.vee]

Yes i would agree, and no way would they actually be banned as there to cheap to broadcast, and make to much of a profit off.

Cheap to broadcast? I do not believe that is accurate.

[Quinn2013]

Cheap to broadcast? I do not believe that is accurate.

reality TV shows cost a lot to broadcast. between the place that it takes place at, to paying the crew, to putting it on TV in general. it's very expensive

[Tag,]

reality TV shows cost a lot to broadcast. between the place that it takes place at, to paying the crew, to putting it on TV in general. it's very expensive

It also take alot of time and effort being put in , what they are doing is acting in an charactor , so it not themself when they are acting.
I Agrred with him .

[Rosie]

Reality shows, such as Jersey Shore and the Real World are a bad influence on children. It teaches children that all that matters are looks. The people on these shows care about two things: themselves and sex.
Of course these shows are bad influences on children, which is precisely why they are not broadcast on television networks aimed at children. A majority of children's television programming is also broadcast during daylight hours when kids will be up and able to see it. These shows are on during the evenings, when most would be doing their homework or even in bed.




And actually, Spongebob has a lot of adult humor. When the show began back in 1995, it wasn't even intended to be for children. But as the years progressed, it got that reputation.
For clarification, Spongebob actually started in 1999. And you might want to check your facts before claiming it wasn't intended for children, because Stephen Hillenburg (show's creator) pitched the idea to Nickelodeon before it was even created, meaning it was intended to be a children's show. Check your facts before making claims. It does contain jokes that make the program enjoyable for adults, as most kids shows/movies do these days, but if you've ever watched classic episodes of Looney Tunes, you would notice that they contain much more "offensive" content than Spongebob does.



Or hey let the kids watch the kids channels. oh shet what a good idea.

a tv is not a babysitter, kids should be playing with toys or outside anyways.
I'm glad someone said it.

I'm not going to argue anything into his but

In my city they are making a new channel soely dedicated to reality TV (Not Hills or jersey shores type but samething like survivour or fear facter) That's all this channel will have 24/7

What are your opinions on that?
Already exists, Fox Reality.

reality TV shows cost a lot to broadcast. between the place that it takes place at, to paying the crew, to putting it on TV in general. it's very expensive

I'm sure it's cheaper than, say, filming a sitcom where you generally have a couple celebrity actors with recurring roles. Reality shows are full of no-names who are just desperate for their chance in the spotlight and will usually do whatever they have to to get there.

[Eli]

With all the nonsense that is on these reality t.v. programs, shouldn't something better be aired?

Big Brother is the main culprit for putting absolute rubbish on our t.v. who in their right mind would want to watch a group of young people sleeping, eating and being totally bored with themselves?

Then the shows like Survivor, which I used to really enjoy, but when you see all the cheating going on, it really puts you off.

The Biggest Loser is a very depressing show. Im not overweight myself, but I just cant force myself to sit and watch a group of overweight people sweating, whining and backstabbing each other.

The thing that most annoys me about these reality shows, is that they are on air during prime times. Can`t they put time wasting shows like this on late at night?

I would much rather be spending my time watching comedies and documentaries.
Comedies are great for a laugh and you just never know what you might learn from a documentary!

Basically, I don't think they should be "banned" but, let's cut down on them, not every other show has to be a reality show. Put something good on, like a movie, or 50 first dates

[!!.Candy.!!]

Reality TV shows should not be banned.

These types of TV shows are there for your entertainment. It is up to the parents to make sure that their child is watching shows that are suitable for their maturity level.

[Zomboy]

the ones everyone hates should be banned. :D

[emily965]

the ones everyone hates should be banned. :D

The problem with that, though, is, some people may like a show which many people don't. Why take it off air just because not many people like it? Sorry if i'm missing the point of it, I'm just tired :whip

[Maria]

the winner of this debate is kay.vee

[Quinn2013]

I'm sure it's cheaper than, say, filming a sitcom where you generally have a couple celebrity actors with recurring roles. Reality shows are full of no-names who are just desperate for their chance in the spotlight and will usually do whatever they have to to get there.

Oh no doubt it's cheaper. I'm sure that if I was on a reality show, I wouldn't be paid nearly as much as, say, Jerry Seinfeld. But that doesn't mean that Reality shows are cheap. Most are filmed in a house (which needs to be paid for), at different locations that are usually empty (paid to rent the place out), plus to house the people (electric, food, etc). You may not think of it like that, but it all eventually adds up.

[9buzz]

I'm sure this has been said but in a different way before.

There are always unhappy people in this world.

If parents are afraid of their children getting negatively influenced by reality television, they have a wide range of ways to prevent their kids watching that.

If reality television got banned then a huge part of the entertainment factor in television would be taken away.

Tvs these days have a thing called v-chip which allows them to be programmed to not allow certain types of shows to be allowed.

[StreetFalcon]

no, what's wrong with Big Brother and what not?

[Conosaur]

I hate reality TV, I hate watching other people's fake lives, as I have my own to worry about. All my friends are like "omg, the best show ever is Jersey Shore!" and its not even funny...

As for children watching reality shows, these shows normally have stuck up *****es in it, which children might take up. Theres a reason parental controls were made though, so I don't blame the shows themselves. They actually make reality shows for kids now, though. Shows like "Total Drama Island" are on Cartoon Network and basically simulate reality shows for kids, so I guess they don't even need the adult reality shows anymore. :P