Cruel Reality Shows Don't Play Fair (is a weak article title)

Regardless, the article itself makes some interesting points even if it doesn't pose them with the clarity and coherence of a scholarly journal. In fact, the most insightful part of the article is the last sentence ("unless it's really funny"). When it comes down to it, anything can be passed off as long as it's funny enough. And it's the goal of the creators of these shows to put out the most funny with the least effort: enter reality tv. What cheaper way to gather ratings than blatant exploitation. It's been happening for years; old grindhouse theaters pandered to the mass' need for sex, violence and monsters while keeping the budget low. Really, reality tv is just the evolution of this cheap (economically and morally) entertainment. The problem is that the creators and participants in these shows seem to have forgotten the limits of common humanity and are willing to go beyond the ordinary in order to earn a buck. But then again, they wouldn't make that buck if people were watching. The blame for reality exploitation lies in the culture that cultivates and supports it.