Observations on north-american reality TV
September 24, 2008
I have only this to say: for all the stupidity that goes into european reality TV, we should be thankful that the Atlantic has apparently filtered out so much of the neuron-destroying, soul-sucking, intelligence-melting “qualities” of north-American reality TV. While recharging my laptop in this hostel’s common area, I was subjected to 30 minutes of some “reality” show (completely unreal, which is of course the staple of modern reality TV) that made me discernibly less intelligent. I literally feel more stupid after these 30 minutes.
I hope it’s just that a bunch of neurons have gone into shock, and will recover when exposed to the various historical and artistic landmarks of Ottawa, but I can’t ignore the possibility that they may have committed suicide, and that I have permanently lost that amount of brain power. I am honestly scared that I may have given up a few points of IQ to the height of American entertainment.
If our civilization crumbles into chaos and apocalypse in the coming years, I honestly won’t be surprised. To anyone who has seen what passes for entertainment in what passes for the height of civilisation, it is absolutely clear that we had it coming.
And don’t even get me started on the commercials that advocate potential maiming, all in the name of appearances. Some civilisation we’re building here in the 21st century.