Reality TV : Survivor, Amazing Race, Apprentice

It's interesting to me our society's attraction to Reality TV. I have to admit I have my favorites, but some of new shows being touted are not only embarrassing for those on the shows, but speak volumes about the lack of respect in today's television. Some shows are like a bad trainwreck -- horrible, but kind of hard to look away. -- There are too many to discuss them all, but I'm talking about shows like Average Joe, American Idol (tryouts), the Joe Schmo Show, Fear Factor, and The Bachelorette. At times the criticism and humiliation suffered on the shows is really cruel and I wonder how we've allowed ourselves to think this is acceptable.

But there are some shows which are interesting studies in human behavior, and intrigue me such as Survivor, the Amazing Race, and The Apprentice. How far will someone go to win? What will people do for money or is it the thrill of the competition? I love to see people overcoming their fears and rising above the odds to do what they didn't think they could do. I always root for the "good guys" and want the people to win who play fair, don't lose their integrity, and who don't "lie, cheat, and steal" just to win. That doesn't always happen, but I do believe that at the end of the day, those who win with deception or manipulation, really don't win. They may have money for a while, but I think they lose respect for themselves and the respect and trust of others.