Reality Shows: Or, How I Willingly Sacrificed My Dignity For Fame

Much has been made lately over the suicide of a husband of a Real Housewife of Beverly Hills. Jus this morning, I read an article on msnbc.com about the ethical problem of reality shows and how they *gasp* use production techniques which heighten drama, at the expense of the mental well-being and public image of their cast members.

The tone of this article really highlights how unwilling people are to take responsibility for their choices. These reality show contracts don't just say, "Hey, let us tape you in your regular life and pay you a lot of money." on the contrary, they expressly state that the person agrees to have themselves and their lives portrayed inaccurately and in potentially false lights. In short, people know what they are getting into, so this post hoc, "I was taken advantage of by the big bad producers" is as unbelievable and false as Nicole Kidman's claims that she's never had plastic surgery.

What's even more ridiculous is that the Armstrongs filmed multiple seasons. Multiple. This is how it is: If something is exploiting you or harming you so badly then stop doing it. it isn't rocket science.