The fad of Reality Television seems to have spread like a disease, altogether infecting TV watchers. It has become increasingly hard to turn the page of a magazine, or change the channel on the television without being bombarded with supposed “Reality” shows. Sitcoms are being outdated by these racy programs where contestants are challenged to live their lives with cameras in their faces. The reward: cash and prizes and inevitable humiliation. In shows such as “Survivor”, people compete for a cash prize of 1 million dollars, while “The Bachelor(ette)” takes participants on a rollercoaster of emotions in the hopes of finding their soul mate and leaving with a possible engagement ring. Some argue that as soon as a camera is set up people unconsciously begin to act, yet American culture is fascinated by these so-called reality shows. But why?

We've developed into a winner-takes-all type of culture. For this glorified prize, competitors are willing to betray their friends and family, humiliate themselves, and even lie, cheat, or steal. The means by which these contestants attempt to achieve celebrity status is seemingly warranted, but this should not be the case.
The notoriety achieved by using unethical methods to upstage and beat out other cast members will not last long. Looking at contestants from the first seasons of Real World and Survivor, only few are remembered. Sure they might land a job in the entertainment industry or return for the show’s reunions and challenges, but mostly they just try to get back to life as usual. Their lives may have changed for a short while, but can you name any of them? Celebrity status from reality TV shows is often the most short-lived. Cast members are viewed as characters. Manipulating your behavior to become famous can be harmful, but manipulating your physical appearance to become one can be much worse.

Shows such as “The Swan” and “Extreme Makeover” chronicle people who want to feel better about themselves. MTV’s “I Want a Famous Face” shows people who get plastic surgery to try and look like their favorite celeb. Doctors and psychologists agree that all plastic surgery should be about boosting your self- confidence, not about looking like an entirely different person. So, whether through lies and manipulations or plastic surgery and treatments, trying to achieve celebrity status has no long term benefits. Be happy with who you are in the world and what you look like. Betrayal of self and others can only lead to grief and stress. Remain as an individual and understand that, “Although nobody’s perfect, We’re All Role Models!”