(Given all the hype about 10/10/10 you’d think that today being 10/20/2010 would get some life. It is almost, but not quite, a palindrome, which is almost, but not quite, the alternative name for the governor’s mansion in Alaska.)
When I was writing about MTV and Jersey Shore earlier this week I forgot to bring up one important point, which is the fact that the network is promoting both Jersey Shore and Teen Mom simultaneously. Essentially they are saying “If you party, get black out drunk and hook up with everyone you meet we will give you your own television show! And if we don’t give you a show on that go around just come to us when you are pregnant with no future and we will send out the camera crew!” It seems to be a really, really bizarre message to bring.
It’s also amazing to see the difference between what people on MTV’s reality shows do now versus what they did in my time. On the first couple of seasons of the Real World none of the people hooked up with anyone, especially on camera. Even though Pam and Judd ended up getting married from the San Francisco cast you never saw any on screen action. The first that I can remember is the shower scene in Miami (which would be season 5) and then I think you would probably have to go a few years after that. Now, it would be stranger for the stars of the show to not be hooking up.
Now part of this is the fact that we have become a bit more promiscuous as a society over the past 20 years though not by much. Attractive young people tend to sleep with each other no matter what situation they find themselves in. I doubt that it is because MTV is now more eager to show this type of footage because I know people in reality TV and they pretty much kill for these types of scenes. Sex results in ratings pretty easily. No, what I think is the real cause is that the people on the show are much more willing to become exhibitionists in exchange for momentary fame.
Think about it. The cast of the Jersey Shore is not operating under any pretense that they are part of a true to life documentary. This isn’t an attempt to capture the true essence of their existence. They’ve essentially been cast to play a role in real life that is almost, but not entirely, like their actual life. So if that means being filmed in compromising situations so be it. The Situation is going to make four million dollars this year for doing just that. Good work if you can get it.
Now excuse me, I have to bang my head against the wall for the next hour after realizing that someone who calls himself “The Situation” is going to make four million dollars this year.
Wednesday Night Music Club: David Ford is probably my favorite singer that absolutely no one has ever heard of. How this guy isn’t a superstar is beyond me.
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