The Representations of Race and Women in Reality Televison

Reality television has been around for years, and despite its popularity, there really has not been much written about it. There are two articles, however, that discuss this television genre. One of the articles is written by Mark P. Orbe titled Representations of Race in Reality TV: Watch and Discuss. In this article, Mark Orbe states that, "According to Murray and Ouellete, reality television represents an attractive form of programming given its low production costs, ease for foreign distribution, and independence from unionized actors and writers." The creators of reality television shows do not have to pay out high salaries to the people starring in the television shows because they are just "ordinary" people. Also, these reality T.V. shows do not usually have big expensive sets that they are shot on. Due to these factors, it does not cost a whole lot to produce these reality television shows and the money made is mostly profit. Most of these reality television shows are so general that filmmakers can copy ideas from the reality shows in other countries and even from other television stations.

Orbe also talks about how realty T.V. has actually contributed to greater diversity on television. The reason for this is due to the fact that the most popular reality television shows are the ones that have the most drama and conflict. How does a "reality" show create all that drama? They do it by hiring people of different races to star on the same show. Each race has a different set of values and beliefs. By having these people with conflicting beliefs around each other for such a long period of time, they are eventually going to start butting heads and fighting, which is exactly what the audience likes to see.

The article Domesticating Politics: The Representation of Wives and Mothers in American Reality Television written by Jim Brancato is another interesting article which examines reality television. The four main reality T.V. shows that Jim Brancato focuses on include The Supernanny, Nanny 911, Wife Swap, and Trading Spouses. The first two shows are essentially the same as well as the last two shows except for the fact that they air on different networks. In all four shows, the mother or wife is the character focused on. Her actions as a mother or wife are not ideal so the point of these shows is to transform her. Brancato notes that, " the audience will eventually be reconciled with the familiar expectations of indoctrination and fantasy." Basically, these shows are popular because viewers, mostly women, watch them to see everything these women are doing wrong. They are able to compare their lives to that of the women on these shows and think about how they would do things differently. In a way, it makes the viewers feel better about themselves after watching these reality television shows.
Whether for entertainment of watching drama or for the purpose of the audience comparing themselves, reality television has become extremely popular.