Reality Tv: Poor People's Escape

Television has the power to shape our perceptions of the world, and reality TV is no exception. While it's true that people of all income levels watch reality TV, there are a few reasons why it might hold a particular appeal for those who are poor. Firstly, it offers an escape from the difficulties of everyday life. Watching the lives of the rich and famous, or even just the day-to-day lives of ordinary people, can provide a form of entertainment and distraction from one's own troubles. This is especially true when reality TV is viewed as a source of comedy, which has been a traditional role for television since its early days.

Another reason could be that reality TV often portrays people who are facing similar challenges, and this can foster a sense of connection and empathy. Seeing how other people cope with financial struggles, housing issues, or health problems can be relatable for viewers going through similar situations. It can also spark important conversations about poverty and government welfare, as seen in shows like Benefits Street and Skint.

Additionally, reality TV often showcases diverse personalities, and this can be appealing to viewers who are looking for characters they can identify with. The participants in these shows may exhibit traits such as extroversion and openness to new experiences, which can make for dynamic viewing.

Lastly, reality TV sometimes offers the hope of financial gain or a career boost for its participants. The promise of money or a new career as a model or chef, for example, can be a strong motivator for people to join these shows, regardless of their economic background.

In conclusion, while there are likely many factors that contribute to the appeal of reality TV for poor people, it seems that a combination of escapism, empathy, connection, and the potential for financial improvement all play a role.

Television is a source of happiness and entertainment

TV shows that portray the lives of the wealthy, such as "Succession", are popular because they allow viewers to vicariously enjoy the characters' lavish lifestyles. At the same time, it is easier to enjoy these when the characters themselves are incapable of doing so due to their personal issues. This is especially true when massive wealth is associated with corruption. Similarly, viewers may enjoy watching the wealthy suffer problems of their own, perhaps even worse than those of the viewer.

On the other hand, television shows that centre the lives of poor people, such as "Maid" and "Reservation Dogs", can evoke empathy from viewers. However, it is important to note that these shows are less common, and there is a risk of them becoming "poverty porn", perpetuating stereotypes of the working class. Shows like "Benefits Street" and "Skint" have been criticised for treating low-income participants like zoo animals.

Television can also have a significant influence on people's lifestyles and behaviours. For example, in Brazil, the number of births dropped sharply in areas where soap operas portrayed most female characters as having one child or none.

Television is a priority purchase

There are several reasons why television is a priority purchase for those with limited financial means. Firstly, television provides a form of entertainment and escapism, making life less boring and more pleasant, especially during difficult times. This is evident in the case of a man in a village in India, who stated that television and a smartphone were more important to him than food.

Secondly, television can serve as a source of information and influence societal norms and behaviours. For example, in Brazil, soap operas with female characters who had few or no children led to a sharp drop in birth rates in areas where these shows were aired. Television can also provide a sense of connection and community, as people gather around to watch shows together, as seen in the example of slum dwellers in Mumbai, India.

Additionally, television can be a source of aspiration and a way to keep up with societal trends. This is particularly true for reality television, which has shifted from portraying ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances to showcasing the lives of the super-rich. While this trend may be satisfying for viewers who want to learn that the wealthy have problems too, it can also contribute to a sense of economic injustice and a focus on extreme lifestyles.

Finally, television can be a source of comfort and familiarity, especially during times of uncertainty. This was seen during the recession in the 1970s when the sitcom "Good Times," which centred on a family living in the Chicago projects, became one of the highest-rated shows on TV.

In conclusion, television is a priority purchase for many people, regardless of their economic status. It serves as a source of entertainment, information, connection, aspiration, and comfort. For those with limited financial means, television can be a way to bring pleasure and distraction to their daily lives.

Television provides access to information

Television can also shape our perceptions of the world and the way we view certain groups of people. For instance, reality TV shows like "Here Comes Honey Boo Boo" have been criticised for perpetuating stereotypes of the poor as "stupid, lazy and hopeless". On the other hand, some argue that these shows can provide a platform for diverse voices and experiences, allowing people to relate to the stories they are watching.

In addition, television can provide a means of escape and schadenfreude, especially when it comes to shows about the wealthy. Viewers may enjoy seeing the wealthy experience problems and conflicts, perhaps finding it satisfying to learn that the rich also struggle despite their privilege.

Furthermore, television can be a source of comfort and entertainment for those facing difficulties. During challenging economic times, people may turn to television as a way to cope with their struggles and make their lives more pleasant.

While television can provide access to information and diverse perspectives, it is important to recognise that it can also perpetuate stereotypes and present biased portrayals of certain groups.

Television can influence lifestyle choices

Television can significantly influence lifestyle choices. In Brazil, for example, prime-time soap operas called "Telenovelas" have influenced viewers' lifestyle choices. The shows portrayed most female characters under fifty as having one child or none, and this image of the "good life" had historic consequences. Following the show's release, the number of births in areas where the soap operas were available dropped sharply, and mothers even began naming their children after the main characters in the soap.

Television can also influence our perceptions of the world. For instance, television shows can shape our perceptions of poverty. Shows like Good Times, which debuted in 1974 during a recession, drew criticism for giving the impression that being poor is not so bad as long as there is love. On the other hand, shows like The Wire, which is set in Baltimore, and the CBS sitcom 2 Broke Girls, try to explore the human condition and create characters who live in poverty but still have distinct personalities, relationships, and dreams.

Reality television, in particular, has been criticised for portraying working-class people as "zoo animals to be poked, prodded and guffawed at". Shows like Benefits Street and Skint have been described as "poverty porn", perpetuating misrepresentative stereotypes of working-class people. However, some argue that reality television can also have a positive influence on lifestyle choices. For example, it can provide an opportunity for diverse representation on screen, challenging past portrayals of minorities and encouraging empathy for those in poverty.

Overall, television can influence lifestyle choices by presenting viewers with different images of the "good life" and shaping our perceptions of social issues such as poverty. While television can sometimes perpetuate stereotypes and present a skewed view of reality, it can also offer diverse representations and encourage empathy.

Television can be a source of aspiration

For those with limited means, television can offer a glimpse into a world of luxury and excess. Shows like "Succession", which follows the lives of an obscenely rich and morally bankrupt family, or "Bling Empire", which showcases the extravagant lifestyles of the super-rich in LA, can provide a form of escapism for viewers. While most viewers will never experience such opulence, there is a certain pleasure in watching the lives of the wealthy and imagining what it would be like.

Television can also be a source of inspiration and aspiration. It can expose viewers to different ways of life and broaden their horizons. For example, in Brazil, soap operas featuring female characters with no or few children influenced a sharp drop in birth rates, as viewers aspired to the lifestyles portrayed on screen. Television can introduce new possibilities and encourage viewers to dream bigger.

Additionally, television can provide a sense of hope and motivation. It can showcase rags-to-riches stories or offer self-improvement tips, making viewers feel that they too can achieve success and improve their circumstances. Reality TV, in particular, often dangles the promise of a career boost or financial reward, holding out the prospect of transformation and a way out of poverty.

However, it is important to recognise that television can also perpetuate unrealistic expectations and contribute to a sense of dissatisfaction with one's current situation. It can set unattainable standards and create a sense of aspiration that may never be fulfilled. This is especially true when television focuses solely on the lives of the rich and famous, offering a distorted view of reality.

Furthermore, television's influence on viewers' aspirations can be complex and contradictory. While some shows may inspire viewers to strive for a better life, others may normalise or glamorise negative behaviours, such as excessive consumption or unethical practices. The line between aspiration and exploitation can be thin, and the impact of television on viewers' attitudes and behaviours is multifaceted.

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