- When Reality TV Gets Too Real by Jeremy W. Peters (pg. 239)
- Evaluative Response (pgs. 438 - 443)
What is Peters' argument in "When Reality TV Gets Too Real"? What key points does he make?
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Assignment for Thursday March 11th
In preparation for Thursday's in-class midterm exam, please read
What is Peters' argument in "When Reality TV Gets Too Real"? What key points does he make?
What is Peters' argument in "When Reality TV Gets Too Real"? What key points does he make?
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Jeremy Peters argument was based on the fact that producers who are doing these reality shows come across just being producers on having no say in what these people do and having to step in out-of-control participants to protect them from hurting their selves.
ReplyDeleteA strong key point he made was when he wrote about A&E never being sued. He wrote a quote from one of the producers . " This is their life with me or without me," said Sam Mettler " Intervention's" creator and executive producer. Peter's points were clear on talking about if reality TV has gone too far. His message is clearing saying that most producers are only witnesses and they cannot do anything. Rating are high and they are making money. Thats all they really care about.
The author makes several key points in the article. The first key point that caught my eye was that producers or these reality shows are legally considered witnesses, and it isn't against the law for them to not intervene in dangerous situations. The main example used was drunk-driving. When a reality show subject is going to do something that will most likely harm themselves, or others, the crew can't stop them if the subject refuses help.
ReplyDeleteThe author also highlights the lawsuits that the networks carrying these programs incur. He adds that the "intervention" itself has never been sued. The show technically doesn't create an environment which puts it subjects in jeopardy. The situations(however) dangerous) would occur with or without cameras present.
The author made alot of key points in his article. however i feel he as a little biased. He only focused on producers watching "reality" happen and not standing up to do anything but that is yet another element in the real world. it is very often that crimes are committed everyday and probably most of these crimes are witnessed by innocent by standers. yet they do not say anything either. we were taught from young not to meddle into other people business.These producers are not purposely going against the law. They are juss doing their jobs. Yes, it is unfortunate that they do not step in and put an end to all the actions done by their participants, but the author did mention, once things get out of control, someone will step in
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