Til the Mob do us Part

 

     The reality show Mob Wives is some piece of art. That was sarcasm. If the Jersey Shore and the Mafia had a baby, this would be the offspring. To be honest, this show would have never came out when the John Gotti case was still receiving media attention. Not only that, the Mafia is very secretive of their business. I mean , if it were not for the Sammy "the Bull", things would still be kept under wrap. If it did, some of these wives would have been sleeping with the fishies. it amazes me as to how this show was still able to get away with being put on the air. Like I have said before, Reality TV is starting to lose its flavor and creativity. In addition, just like any other reality show, there is drinking, swearing, arguing and some possible fighting. I do like how it takes place in Staten Island. It is about time Staten Island was made relevant again. The show just started, but hopefully like the rest of the other reality TV shows, it will get its little time to shine and sparkle. One more reminder people, the Mafia still does exist.

Four of the Most Influential Reality Shows

#1) AMERICAN IDOL

American Idol made its debut in 2002, and millions tuned in to see who would be chosen as the nation's next pop star. The show's audience only grew over time and the contestants received millions of votes each season. Many winners (and losers) went on to find fame, including Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson, and Carrie Underwood. As one of the first programs to introduce the search for fresh talent, American Idol inspired tons of other shows of its kind, including So You Think You Can Dance, as well as spin-offs in other countries. 

#2) THE BACHELOR

The first in a very long line of match-making shows, The Bachelor gathered a group of women to compete for one man's heart. The series kicked off in 2002, and a year later, the ladies got their own turn with "The Bachelorette." In addition to creating all kinds of soapy drama over the seasons, the show inspired countless other love-seeking programs like "Flavor of Love", "Joe Millionaire", and "More to Love". 

#3) LAGUNA BEACH

The Real World may have come first, but Laguna Beach breathed new life into MTV's reality shows. The guilty pleasure (which was actually inspired by The O.C) was the first to explore the scandalous lives of high schooler's, and many tuned in just to mock their immature antics. Even so, Laguna's Lauren Conrad went on to make a name for herself with an even bigger show-- MTV's big money maker, The Hills. 

#4) QUEER EYE FOR THE STRAIGHT GUY

In 2003, America fell in love with the "Fab 5." Hired by friends and family members of men in need of a makeover, their hosts attacked their subjects from all sides: hair, clothing, furniture, food, and habits. Not only was the show one of the first make over shows, it was also the first hit reality show for Bravo, which is now home to hit shows such as Top Chef and The Real Housewives.

 -- I feel that these are the shows that were a major influence to any reality TV series. 

http://www.buzzsugar.com/10-Most-Influential-Reality-Shows-Decade-6697510?page=0,0,0#4 

 

Posted by: Theo Gioles

Rob and Big

In 2006 skateboarder  Rob Dyrdek  and his bodyguard Christopher Boykin (Big) appeared on their reality show on MTV. The show was very funny, my favorite episode was the dog whisperer episode. Rob called a dog whisperer in because his dog was using the bathroom all over the house. The dog whisperer was suppose to help Rob and Big figure out why the dog was using the bathroom all over the house. The dog whisperer suggested that the dog was having problems because the dog did not have a mother. Rob and Big decided to go to get assistance with finding a mate so that the dog can have a mother. Rob and Big were set up with two women to go on a double date with. Rob and Big expected to meet two gorgeous girl, but when the limo arrived with their dates the two guys were disappointed. One of the worse feelings is to go on a blind date and be disappointed. Blind dates usually end with disappointment. Have you ever had a successful blind date?


_Milanna_

Flavor Flav!!

My favorite reality show was "Flavor of Love". The reality show showed Flavor Flav  looking for love. The show started where 20 girls arrive to a mansion that has 15 beds. Each episode girls were eliminated and a girl was chosen to have alone time with Flavor Flav. Each episode had drama with the girls arguing or doing things to make the competition look bad. The show was very exciting and always kept your attention. I think that this was the best reality show.

 

 _Milanna_

Come at Me Bro

Yes "Come at me Bro!" Those were the words Ronnie said to a stranger on the boardwalk of the Jersey Shore. This happened during Season 1 of the Jersey Shore. As a result, Ronnie began to punch the poor strangers face in. This left me wondering. Do these guys get paid to fight random strangers in clubs and on the boardwalk, or are these people just tryng to gain their fifteen seconds of fame? At the same time, is it really worth getting your teeth caved in just to earn some camera time? Personally, it is not really worth it. At the end of the day, you will just be remembere for that one terrible moment on the camera. It could just be me, but that is something i would kind of take into consideration.

-Nicholas Berrios

From Fist Pumps to Elbow Drops

    Let's get ready to RUMBLE! Snooki has jumped from the tanning bed to off the top rope. Like I have told many of my friends, The Jersey Shore opened doorways to big time opportunities. The Situation has written a book, and Ronnie is doing dietary supplement commercials, and now Snooki has not taken her talents from the Shore to Wrestlemania. Who knows where else we will find the cast of the Jersey Shore. I must say though, I was quite impress with the performance she put up in the ring. If the whole reality TV  gig does not work out for her in the future, I believe she does have a career in the WWE. Wrestling is fake and involves a great deal of acting. In addition, Reality TV does involve some acting, and so Snooki will definitely fit in. All she needs to do it trim down her weight a little more, and she could be a fierce competitor/actor in the ring.

Snooki

Snooki was paid 32,000.00 to talk to students at Rutgers University on April 1,2011. Many students were upset that the Jersey Shore cast member was paid this amount of money to talk to the students. They spent $30,000 to hear a Nobel winning novelist speak, but paid $2,000.00 more to hear a reality show speaker talk. The situation at Rutgers makes many concerned people wonder, are your words more influential if you are a reality show cast member or a Nobel winning novelist. During Snooki's visit at Rutgers she told students "Study hard, but party harder." That honestly is not he message that she should have been giving students at a university. Jersey Shore give the impression that life is about partying and taking life easy. Everyone can not live that lifestyle and survive in America. Was it right that Rutgers University Paid Snooki $32,000.00 to speak to their students? Could the $32,000.00 have gone to something more useful?

Reality shows affect on society.

What drives people to want to watch reality shows? I feel there are two main reasons:

1) People feel connected to the reality stars because they aren't actors, they are "real and normal."

2) People enjoy the drama and comedy of the show and use the show as a self esteem booster.


"Reality shows are hitting big time in the TV scenes because the audience empathizes with the show’s stars. Unfortunately, this is also why reality shows have a negative impact on the audience because they tend to think, act, and feel, like the show’s stars, and in the process lose their own sense of critical thinking and “real” emotions towards certain situations. Reality television shows and their effects on society are also dependent on the viewer’s desires and motives, they see themselves in these stars and somehow these stars are living their lives through the show. Each reality show portrays and fulfills certain desires, like power or influence, travel and living, survival and outwitting, beauty and satisfaction, revenge and honor, etc. The viewing audience doesn’t realize that these reality television shows and their effects on society are reflected on how people compromise their well-being and self-worth. This observation may not seem likely but studies show that it has distorted one’s views on the “real” reality. More people enjoy a certain sense of pleasure and satisfaction when they watch these reality television shows and their effects on society are continuously mirrored in the way they interact with others, deal various situations, and face certain challenges. One must be keen in absorbing the messages of these shows and one must remember that each individual handle scenarios, problems, dilemmas, differently. What makes it worse than the way it affects people now, is that viewers get entertained by the sadness, depression, frustration, and emptiness that reality stars feel and experience in the show."

http://www.citytvweb.com/the-reality-television-shows-and-their-effects-on-society/


-Theo

Teen Mom

 

Should  MTV receive  credit for the decrease of teen pregnancies in 2009? In 2009 MTV released its reality show "16 and Pregnant". On season 1 of  "16 and Pregnant" every episode showed a teenage girl that was 4 months pregnant and it shows her journey through pregnancy. Each episode showed a different teenage mom until after she delivered the baby. The show opened up many teenager's eyes to the difficulty and responsibility of raising a baby. Each episode showed how many of the teen moms had to change their lives and give up things that they enjoyed to raise their child. What started out as a controversial show, ended up turning into a show that changed the lives of many teens.

From The Grid Iron to The Big Screen

   Why has no one ever made a reality show that follows the life of a big time Division I college athlete? It is shocking because they have done so much exploit the lives of other people from different backgrounds. It would be interesting to watch a reality show on Cam Newton. I would love to follow this athlete who has experienced a great deal of controversy and adversity with the media and NCAA investigatiors. I know  "True Life" on MTV has had some college athletes on the show, but I have not seen any big time college athletes. Some people look at these Division I athletes at these big time colleges as celebrities, but in reality, some college student athletes struggle just like any other college student.  By doing a reality show on these athletes, people will be able to see their struggles financially and academically. If this were to be done, ratings for MTV would sky rocket greatly, and MTV, you can thank me later.

-Nicholas

Can you Imagine?

To quickly "piggy back" off of Theo's previous blog about casting calls for reality shows, we should all go for it. If everyone's life became a reality show, we would put movies and sitcoms out of business. Just think about it, Why would people sitback and watch fictional scenarios that involve fictional characters. Everyday would be something new to watch and experience. In addition, through a financial aspect, making and being in a reality show is more cost effective than putting together a whole movie or weekly sitcom. In a movie, you have to cast and pay big time actors. In a reality show, you can cast and star an average joe and turn him or her into a star for half the price. There is also the expensive cost to use high tech equipment. In the long run, you're still making TV and keeping a lot more money in your pocket. Can you just imagine if everyone you knew(including yourself) were part of a reality TV show. It would be amazing!!!

- Nicholas

Reality Show Auditions!!

As I was looking on Yahoo the other day I came across an article about reality shows looking for cast members. They are holding auditions for The Bachelor, The Biggest Loser, The X Factor, Face Off, and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Not only that. The article also describes what type of people the producers are looking for. Here is the link to the article: http://tv.yahoo.com/bachelor/show/28908/news/ustv.associatedcontent.com/ustv.associatedcontent.com-audition-become-reality-tv-star-list-shows-seeking-contestants?nc

Check it out and if you feel like you have a shot to become a reality star or if your house needs to be renovated, go for it!

-Theo

What an influence?

Kim Khardashian has developed a certain reputation in the public eye. Kim Kardashian is the daughter of famous lawyer Robert Kardashian. She started to become noticed in the public eye when a sex tape of her and R&B singer Ray J was released. Her and her sisters opened up a clothing store in California. She then started to appear on covers of different magazines. She did a photo shoot for Playboy which she said she regretted. Not to long after, she did a nude photo shoot for the W magazine. Many young girls might have viewed Kim Kardashian as someone to look up to because she owns a clothing store and is a fashion icon. "Keeping Up With the Kardashians" was a family oriented show, but the direction of the show slowly changed. Her little sisters Kendall and Kylie use to appear on the show. It seems like they may be following in their older sisters footsteps. 14 year old Kendal and 13 year old Kylie were spotted shopping wearing short shorts, giving off the impression that they were older. The girls are both surrounded by their older sisters that do wear promiscuous outfits sometimes. Is this the environment that Kylie and Kendall should be in? Is Kim, Khloe, and Kourtney setting a good example for their younger sisters?

_Milanna_

From T.R.L to G.T.L

Does anyone remember the days when TRL was a popular show on MTV? Do you remember the days of Carson Daly standing in front of the camera and saying his cheesy but yet witty remarks? Well people, those days are over and now GTL runs MTV. for those of you who do not know what GTL stand for, it is an acronym for Gym, Tan, and Laundry.

This term was made popular by Mike, Vinny, and Pauly D of the Jersey Shore.  MTV is now all reality shows. It is quite ironic. MTV stands for Musice Television, and there is bearly nay music being played. What there is now are girls being made into cheerleaders, teen mothers stealing credit cards from their mothers, and the tannest fist pumping Italian Americans ever to be seen. Whatever happened to being a VJ and just playing music viedos that the people want ot hear?

Is there hope for MTV to go back to the way it use to be? Maybe, but for now, we just have to sit back, watch, and fist pump

-Nicholas Berrios

Extra Work

On "Keeping Up With the Kardashian's" there was a episode where Kim Kardashian wanted to get her boyfriend a gift. She decided to make her boyfriend a calendar with pictures of her for each month. She decided that before she took the pictures for the calendar,she would go for a cellulite removal session. She said that she works out but wanted to look perfect for her picture. Many young girls strive hard to look like celebrities, but the chances are slim that they could look like the celebrities. Most of the celebrities have work done to their bodies. They try to give off the impression that they are all natural but, almost all of the celebrities had work to improve their image. But is all of cosmetic surgery necessary? Do you need to extra work on your body to feel beautiful? Do celebrities give people a false impression on what beauty is? We consider many of the celebrities as models, but many of them are not naturally beautiful.



_Milanna_

Is too much enough?

With the rise of the "Reality TV" era, is too much reality TV becoming something boring? It seems that reality shows have taken over television. If you take a closer look, MTV airs nothing but realit shows. What ever happened to the music videos? And please don't tell me that MTV2 is the backup. MTV2 also airs reality shows. Yes, reality TV shows give the world and up close look at different life issues people experience, but how long will it take before this trend becomes obsolete. How many Teen Mom shows can a person watch? We get it! There're teens out there who have children at a young age, but that's what happens in the real world, and we don't need to always be reminded. Not every issues in this world need to be put on TV. Let me know what you think?

-Nicholas

Are reality shows taking over TV??

Many think that reality shows are going dead just because a couple of shows like Dancing with the Stars and American Idol have been struggling with their ratings the last few years. Truth is, there are ENDLESS amounts of reality shows on television. I remember a time when their was only a few reality shows: Real World, Road Rules, and Survivor... THAT'S IT!! Now, in 2011, every famous celebrity has their own show. (Paris Hilton, Brett Michaels, the Kardashians, Hugh Hefner, Flavor Flave....) It never ends. Its gone to the point now that MTV, which stands for MUSIC television, is no longer associated with any music at all. It is now only airing TV shows such as the new biggest reality show, Jersey Shore.

In the end, it comes down to what the viewers prefer to watch. For those who like drama, just watch the Housewives of Las Vegas arguing with each other over nonsense. People like to see fights. Who wouldn't want to see two buff guidos fighting on the boardwalk of the jersey shore? I know I would. And who wouldn't like to see other people making fools of themselves on American Idol? Once again, guilty!

Reality shows are taking over television and are showing no signs of slowing down. What do you think?

-Theo

You can do it and I can't!!!

   In the last episode of the Jersey Shore, Snooki was drunk told Sammi that she was starting to have feelings for Vinny at a club called Karma That same night, Vinny was at the same club with Pauly D and Mike "The Situation". As the night went on, Vinny was apporached by a domincan woman who told Vinny that she wanted to have ten of his babies. Vinny decided to take the girl back to the house to engage in sexual intercourse. While those two were doing the nasty, Snooki decides to come back to the house and look for Vinny. In a drunken stumble, Snooki goes into his room. As she enters, She finds him laying in bed with the domincan girl from the club and begins to ask why and starts crying. Now I know she had some alcohol in her system, but she has no right to be getting upset with Vinny.

   In previous episodes, Snooki was bringing multiple guys back to the house and having sex with them and Vinny wasn't complaining. Why can't Vinny bring one girl back to do the same thing. Why can't it be a two way street?  In life, if a guy can do soemthing, a girl can do the same thing and vice versa.  In relation to the Jersey Shore, Snooki and Vinny are not in a committed relationship, and they are young. They are still able to go out and have fun. Snooki just needs to understands that there are other people in the house who are doing the same thing she is doing. People cannot keep that selfish one minded attitude. Everyone has the right have fun just like the any other person.

-Nicholas Berrios

celebrity DUI vs your DUI

On July 18,2008 Khloe Kardashian from reality show "Keeping up with the Kardashians" turned herself in to police custody because she violated her probation. March 2007 Khloe had a DUI and was placed on 36 months of probation and to enroll in a alcohol program. Khloe was not attending her alcohol program nor doing her community service. On July 18 Khloe was suppose to start her 30 day sentence in county jail. Due to over crowding, Khloe only served 30 minutes in county jail.
Many people see the consequences that celebricites have to deal with after having a DUI charge and think that a DUI is a minor charge. Many celebrities have been charged with DUI's and did not  have major concequences. Khloe, daughter of superstar lawyer, Robert Khardashian, for example didnt even do half of her sentence. She only did 30 minutes in jail. If you were charged with a DUI today, would you only do half of your jail sentence? If you violated your parole, would your parole requirements be waived? Chances are, you would be doing your jail sentence. There is a greater chance that if you violalated parole you would be punished. Many times celebrities are not punished the same way that regular people are.