Michael Z. Newman quotes James Gleick saying, “We are different creatures, psychologically speaking, from what we were a generation ago” (591). This argument is easily evident, and basically irrefutable. Music Television has a distinct ability to capture this change in their television programs. MTV has a deep relationship with the young generation, especially America. MTV was the first to begin showing reality TV shows and continues to be the foremost in attempting new strategies in reality television, as pointed out by Daniel Frankel (1). But still does not make clear, why anyone should give their attention to the topic? MTV’s reality program change has created a generation of uninformed people and scoured the morals that, at one point, people used to hold very dear.
MTV casts American values, the dream of a fantasy life, and the idea anyone can become a star, in front of one’s face. In essence, MTV offers an escape from their everyday life. What is the big deal about this one may ask? What reality television does is mystify the viewer from recognizing actual real life problems. Reality television ignores the troubles of real life: poverty, unemployment, homelessness, illiteracy, hunger, etc. Exclusion of these issues, causes viewers to be unaware of them. Therefore, the audience now has no knowledge of the problem. If an audience is not made aware of the problems of the world, how can they ever be fixed? MTV specifically targets the young generation. The youth of this nation tune in everyday to watch these reality television programs, all the while these problems of society are kept hidden from them. What will happen when this generation inevitably grows up, and is confronted with and has to make decisions about these issues? They will be uninformed, and thus unable to make reasonable choices. Do not worry though, MTV and its reality television shows are entertaining and dazzling.
There was once a time in society, where people held themselves to a higher standard of living. Promiscuity, drunkenness, and brash behavior where frowned upon in everyday life. Today, these topics have become another conversation starter and disregarded as anything important. MTV lauds these behaviors in their programming, and as a result the youth accept these as normal aspects of life. Without these basic and standard morals, which generations before where instilled with, what will this current young generation become? The future looks bright.
