The Appeal of Reality Stardom

You've seen them,
from the 20-somethings in search of themselves
to the rude housewives with no husband
to people willing to do anything for money.
Every week, you tune in and cheer or mock them.
You're so appalled yet can't look away.
Reality TV is taking over scripted television,
and it's nothing new.

But you just have to sit back in wonder sometimes,
"Why would these people put their whole lives on TV like this?"
Are they mad? Possibly.
Unable to go on without delivering a monologue to a camera? Wouldn't be surprised.
Starved for attention? Certainly and without a doubt.

But one day,
as I watched an episode of Real World: Las Vegas (2),
it finally hit me.

People who go on reality shows are just being themselves,
or an exaggerated version of themselves, rather.
They are on a show because the casting director deemed interesting.
In honesty, every person on a reality show is interesting,
some more so than others, admittedly.
Then a camera crew just films them in their everyday life;
this crew isn't even allowed to talk to you.
It could give you the feeling that they are beneath you.

Once your show airs,
viewers will love you if your charismatic enough.
Shit, viewers could hate you but they'll still watch.
They will continue to watch just to hate you.
(see Ronnie and Sam of Jersey Shore).

The break out personalities on these shows
are then offered deals to just come out to a club.
They aren't paid to perform.
They're paid to show up.
They just request your presence.
You're paid to have fun.
People want to meet you.
Granted, your 15 minutes will be just that, 15 minutes.
Still, dedicated viewers will remember you and call you their favorite.
How could that not warm you heart and brighten your day?

Some even use reality shows
as a jumpoff point for their career.
There's no greater example than the Real World kids.
Kevin Powell, from the first season in New York,
is an political activist, writer, and entrepreneur.
He even appear on Oprah back in 09.
Mike The Miz" Mizanin, of the 2001 season in New York,
is the current WWE Champion.
Pauly D from Jersey Shore not only has a spin-off reality show in the works, but he's also the exclusive resident DJ at the Palms Casino Resort in Vegas.
You can even get a book deal and not be a creditable writer! (see the Situation and Snooki)
Oh yeah, and that one white chick from Real Housewives of Atlanta has that one song.
Ain't no such thing as fashionable late to her shindigs.

Reality shows:
the only job that can make you famous for just being who you are.
Word.