Reality television has evolved significantly since its origins in the 1940s. Some argue that reality TV is beneficial because it can teach life lessons and build cooperation, while others counter that it often relies on racial stereotypes, places unrealistic physical standards, and contains inappropriate crude content that violates the public trust. Ultimately, the essay concludes that reality television has become a permanent fixture of popular culture.

1. REALITY TV
Quinten Bailey

2. THESIS
• Some consider Reality TV to be bad for the general populace, while others argue
that it is neutral, or in some cases beneficial.

3. DEFINITION
• “a genre of television programming that presents purportedly unscripted dramatic
or humorous situations, documents actual events, and usually features ordinary
people instead of professional actors, sometimes in a contest or other situation
where a prize is awarded.”

4. EVOLUTION OF REALITY TV
• 1948: Candid Camera
• 1960’s: Transition toward vulgarity
• 1970’s: An American Family
• 2000’s: Transition toward competition

5. REALITY TV IS GOOD FOR
AMERICA

6. COOPERATION
• History Channel Reality TV show about a sea voyage

7. EMBARRASSMENT
• Reality TV helps people handle embarrassment

8. LIFE
• Reality TV teaches young people about life

9. REALITY TV IS BAD FOR AMERICA

10. STEREOTYPES
• Reality TV enforces racial stereotypes

11. TRUST
• Reality TV shows violate the public trust

12. APPEARANCES
• Reality TV shows place unrealistic standards on physical attractiveness

13. CRUDITY
• Reality TV is often inappropriate

14. CONCLUSION
• Reality TV is here to stay

15. WORKS CITED
• Images gathered from Google images
• Hill, A. Reality TV, Audiences and Popular Factual Television. Chicago:
Psychology Press, 2005. Print.