The Appeal Of Ratchet, Reality Television

Some of the most watched and talked about shows are also some of the ones that are low in quality from the acting to the writing.  Yet people watch these ratchet, ghetto shows regularly.  They are discussed via social media and even at cookouts and the workplace. It's show such as The Real Housewives,  Basketball Wives, and Love and Hip Hop that have people's attention. 

Anyone who knows me well knows how I feel about these types of show. They make people of color look ignorant and predictable. Networks such as VH-1 and now Bravo are capitalizing on this foolery and drama. The stars on these shows have book deals, appear on the cover of several magazines,  and are in the public eye big time. It's sad, disturbing,  and confusing.

Here are some reasons why these God awful programs continue to rise in popularity. 

1. Desensitization

People have been used to seeing this type of stuff for a while, and are quite frankly addicted to it. The producers and networks are like drug pushers.  They are constantly devising shows and ideas to keep the audiences watching and social media crashing. People are so used to it they find it hard to appreciate good television when it's on.

2. Economics

Not only are these shows bringing in money,  they're saving the network's money on auditions,  writers, paying high salaries to top actors.  They are building careers, rather than showcasing them.  These shows are in high demand, and many networks, even TLC, ensure they aren't in short supply. 

3. Lack of revelance

Part of the reason we are at this point in entertainment is because there is a lack of great shows, especially urban shows. People tire of turning to HBO, AMC, and Netflix for a quality drama or sitcom. At one time, Thursdays,  Sundays and Mondays were your must see TV nights. Now you don't have much selection except for reality shows and fake, buffoonish behavior that a five year old could conjure up.

4. Exposure in the wrong places

There are too many people that have a basic, ignorant side to them. They aren't trying to enrich their minds with anything except for acronyms such as THOT, and sayings and hashtags such as #rhoa, #lhhatl,  #twirl,  and twerk. It is exposing how some people are on the set,  as we as their viewers.

5. No one cares enough to take these shows off

At one time in history,  it wasn't hard to get a controversial, low quality show removed. Think of Beavis and Butthead, Jackass,  and even Family Guy. The shows that I'm speaking of display much more heinous behaviors. The problem is there is too much tolerance of these shows. Even the Boondocks has taken a dramatic dip in quality following Aaron McGruder's departure.  Not a hoot is given, people still watch, and the show stays on.

So the next time you say that there is no quality television on, do as I did. Ask yourself why this is, and how it can be fixed. It's not hard,  but it takes numbers. Otherwise,  the problem will grow like your grass you have yet to cut this season,  and you will have weeds and snakes. This problem is a potential epidemic and will not stop itself.

Which shows do you like to watch? Are they considered ratchet?  Why do you like to watch them?