Rituals and Stereotypes

In general the information and ideas we receive we use as the foundation of our own personal outlook on life. Today this isn’t difficult to do as much of the information we receive is from TV shows that impose of heavily mainstreamed ideas and stereotypes. According to George Gerbner, a well-known communication theorist, and his“Cultivation Theory” he believes the idea of television has the power to shape our perceptions of reality and the world around us. He believes that this affects our attitudes and the way we think (Colorado.edu).

There are so many reality TV shows today that it is almost difficult to turn on the television without coming across one. As I mentioned in my previous analysis of reality TV there are so many stereotypes that are displayed from reality television shows. I understand that the actors or people in the shows have to fulfill their stereotypical roles or they can come across as fake. I think one theory is that the term “reality television” leads viewers to believe that the events that take place in the shows are real, for example, in Jersey Shore they are portrayed as partygoers who go out, get drunk, and sleep around all the time. However, this is the character role they have to fulfill. Also viewers need to realize that the characters playing the roles go over the top at times to raise the ratings of the show.

I believe the theories that apply to reality TV shows is that we as viewers believe in them and we try to shape our lives around them. Young viewers believe that they should need to party all the time, while women believe that they are supposed to only where name brand clothes and shoes like the “Real Housewives”, or “Basketball Wives”. When in reality some viewers can’t afford name brand clothing and shoes. It’s actually sad that some viewers shape their lives around this.

I have a friend who believes she is supposed to dress and live like the women on the reality TV shows. It is okay if you can afford to live like the women on these shows but most people cannot. I believe that reality TV teaches people to have misconceptions on life.