¶ … reality in reality television. She points out how the show appeared to more of a joke than it did anything else.
For instance, she states that the creators of the show have "set up a number of artificial challenges geared to maximize the tension" between the contestants. The author expresses that CBS was successful in raising its ratings but if it were really serious about attracting teens to the show they would have "put a few baby boomers on the island, so that kids could have the pleasure of seeing their parents get kicked off." In addition, she felt the advertisements were not geared toward a younger audience.
Clearly the author has issues with the genuine circumstances about the show. This is evident when she says, "I myself killed a spider in my bathtub just the other night, using nothing but my bare hand and a few sheets of one -ply toilet paper; and I have managed to survive on the island of Manhattan for twenty-one years without being voted off." Her point is that the circumstances on the "island" were not as challenging as surviving in the largest populous city in the United States. She asserts that the show "bears as much relation to reality as a corporate retreat does to regular office life." In fact, she goes on to call the show an "elaborate fake," comparing it the Music Television's "Real World.." It is not "Robinson Crusoe" she declares, it is "Dysfunctional Robinson Crusoe."
With humor, she is able to express her dislike for the show, even though she enjoys watching it. She admits the show is riveting, but "not particularly interesting as a phenomenon." It is drama, she admits, but she has to question if it is real.
She states that the contestants were well aware that being laughed at was part of being a contestant. In addiction, the author of the article found the "Survivor" series to be more of a comedy rather than reality television. "Survivor" isn't happening on any island, but in the CBS editing room. She clearly identifies the attraction to the show isn't the reality aspect, but the "people watching" aspect that every human being possesses.
In conclusion, I agree with the author of this article. She clearly makes her points and proves her case that "Survivor" was clearly entertainment for the sake of making money more than anything else.
