Is reality TV just a modern day freak show?

[Red Moon]

I was wondering what people thought of the premiss that: "All reality television is just a modern extension of the old fashion fair freak show into a modern medium."

Once again there was an article in the press claiming that the X-factor was in fact a freak show and exploiting the contestants. We have also seen the same sort of claims about Big Brother in the past with particular with reference to Big Brother 7 and the choice of Nikki Grahame, Shahbaz Chauhby, Pete Bennett, Lea Walker and Sam Brodie as housemates.

Is the premiss true or false. Is reality television just a modern day freak show for the entertainment of the masses or is it more than that?

[Jackie]

I dont think so they put themselves up for the show no one forces them into it .

[~Kizwiz~]

I have certainly noticed that BB has gotten more and more bizzare with their choice of housemates. Its as if they want to shock more than entertain.

With regards to the x factor, people go on that, knowing ful well they have no talent whatsoever, but there is the small chance, like the cheeky girls, who came out of this show, that they could have a bite of the apple.

People want their 15 seconds of fame..... even if it does make them look like moronic idiots

[Red Moon]

Originally posted by jackie46
I dont think so they put themselves up for the show no one forces them into it .

That is very true but the shows don't have to pick the contestants they do.

It was clear in Big Brother 7 they went out to select people with extreme personalities. Some of these had personality problems. Surely the producers of such shows have responsibility to pick individuals of sound mind and body to a certain degree. I think it is safe to say Big Brother 7 was clearly a freak show when compared against other Big Brothers.

However, it's interesting to note in order hold ratings up over the years the people on reality TV shows has become more and more extreme. Hence the premiss that "All reality television is just a modern extension of the old fashion fair freak show into a modern medium." could be considered true.

[Conor]

Yes and no. It depends on the person, not the show. Theres some very normal BB contestanys, especialy from BB1 & 2.

I myself would love to star in a reality show someday!

[Red Moon]

Originally posted by kizwiz
People want their 15 seconds of fame..... even if it does make them look like moronic idiots

It amazes me that they put themselves though it. Surely if these people had any friends they would tell them not to go on such a show. Look at the auditions of the X-factor. Some of the people really think they have what it takes and the can't even sing a single note in key. So why aren't there friends telling them not to go on?

Once again should the producers, of the X Factor, be using these people? Aren't they just lowering the quality of the show for cheep laughs by using the lonely freaks that audition?

[Jackie]

Yes i do agree they do select odd housemates like pete and jonty,just to see if they cope with everyday people,but pete came out a winner and i think the public really liked him and excepted him as a normal everyday person.

[~Kizwiz~]

Originally posted by Red Moon

It amazes me that they put themselves though it. Surely if these people had any friends they would tell them not to go on such a show. Look at the auditions of the X-factor. Some of the people really think they have what it takes and the can't even sing a single note in key. So why aren't there friends telling them not to go on?

Once again should the producers, of the X Factor, be using these people? Aren't they just lowering the quality of the show for cheep laughs by using the lonely freaks that audition?

Ahhh but there is a difference here with the x-factor.

There are those that have no talent at all..... tone deff.... and they go on it just for a laugh..... down the pub with their mates laughing at themselves bragging that they got on the x-factor. Dont forget that thousands upon thousands audition and so the ones who are shown are the "cream" of the crop so to speak.

Then there are the ones who, with encouragement from their family, truely believe that they can sing but cant. Now, this is mainly the friends and family's fault as they have built up their belief in their "talent" so much that they really believe that they can sing to the standards that this show is looking for

[Red Moon]

Originally posted by jackie46
Yes i do agree they do select odd housemates like pete and jonty,just to see if they cope with everyday people,but pete came out a winner and i think the public really liked him and excepted him as a normal everyday person.

They might not have thought him was normal at all. People might have vote for him because they were laughing at him, felt sorry for him or just because he was different?

We will never know for sure why he was the winner but he was the winner from day one until then end. It wasn't what he did in the house that made him the winner because he became the most boring housemate in there other than the tea lady after a few weeks. So what was it that did make him a winner? Clearly he wasn't judged on what he did in the house.

[Captain.Remy]

Big Brother 7 did show us how sometimes real tv can be freaky. We had a bizarre bunch of housemates, it was bad for the viewers. But more for the housemates themselves: being exposed 24/7 with their health/mental problems, it would have been quite hard for them as Shabbaz, Pete, Sam or Nikki.

One thing made me sick the most is how those people have been exposed, they were like some animals in a circus, like monsters and then "Hey would you like to see the new freaky thing ?"

And this year we had Chanelle, a completely lost women with no identity, who her exemple is Victoria Beckham. She doesn't have any clue about her own personality, she does have a psychic problem.

And then we had Jonty, a man who had needed more a psychologist than Big Brother.

The producers must not do that against, I have pity for that type of housemates, I don't hate them, I'm just sad for them.

[Red Moon]

Originally posted by kizwiz
Ahhh but there is a difference here with the x-factor.

There are those that have no talent at all..... tone deff.... and they go on it just for a laugh..... down the pub with their mates laughing at themselves bragging that they got on the x-factor. Dont forget that thousands upon thousands audition and so the ones who are shown are the "cream" of the crop so to speak.

Then there are the ones who, with encouragement from their family, truely believe that they can sing but cant. Now, this is mainly the friends and family's fault as they have built up their belief in their "talent" so much that they really believe that they can sing to the standards that this show is looking for

I agree, but I put the same question aren't the producers belittling the quality of the show by allowing the people that can't sing to be broadcast for cheap laughs?

[Jackie]

I dont think people felt sorry for him i think people actually warmed to him because he was quite funny especially when he fell down the stairs in the beginning.That was put on.

[Red Moon]

Originally posted by jackie46
I dont think people felt sorry for him i think people actually warmed to him because he was quite funny especially when he fell down the stairs in the beginning.That was put on.

But he was boring by the end. He wasn't even mildly funny. So why didn't he lose support over the length of the show?

[~Kizwiz~]

Originally posted by Red Moon

I agree, but I put the same question aren't the producers belittling the quality of the show by allowing the people that can't sing to be broadcast for cheap laughs? Maybe, but its the same a slap stick homour isnt it??

Or Carry on??? People doing silly things for cheap laughs!!!

[Captain.Remy]

Message original : Red Moon

They might not have thought him was normal at all. People might have vote for him because they were laughing at him, felt sorry for him or just because he was different?

We will never know for sure why he was the winner but he was the winner from day one until then end. It wasn't what he did in the house that made him the winner because he became the most boring housemate in there other than the tea lady after a few weeks. So what was it that did make him a winner? Clearly he wasn't judged on what he did in the house.

If I was Pete I would be so embarassed to know that I know only because I have a mental problem, just imagine his dignity. He didn't win because he deserved it too, he won because he has a mental problem.

I feel so sorry for him, he shouldn't have been allowed to do Big Brother. The producers have made their biggest mistake ever.

[Jackie]

Not sure why maybe a great deal of advertising or clever editing kept him at the top.

[Red Moon]

Originally posted by sunshine30
Big Brother 7 did show us how sometimes real tv can be freaky. We had a bizarre bunch of housemates, it was bad for the viewers. But more for the housemates themselves: being exposed 24/7 with their health/mental problems, it would have been quite hard for them as Shabbaz, Pete, Sam or Nikki.

One thing made me sick the most is how those people have been exposed, they were like some animals in a circus, like monsters and then "Hey would you like to see the new freaky thing ?"

I was felt in particular Big Brother 7 was edited to show how freaky these people actually were. It was made to look like a circus from day one when the people entered the house. I don't think anyone forget will Nikki having the tantrums in the dairy room even if you like her or dislike her. It was freaky.

Like you go on to say Big Brother 8 had some similar suspect housemates, although you forgot Charley and her anger management issues.

Is this a worrying trend for reality TV. Are the shows becoming freak shows?

[Red Moon]

Originally posted by kizwiz
Maybe, but its the same a slap stick homour isnt it??

Or Carry on??? People doing silly things for cheap laughs!!!

But where the carry-on films quality or just dross for the masses? Weren't they a form of freak show in themselves?

[Captain.Remy]

Message original : Red Moon
Like you go on to say Big Brother 8 had some similar suspect housemates, although you forgot Charley and her anger management issues.

Even if Charley did offence people I don't think she's suspect of anything. She said it herself, she's not like that in the outside world, it was the context. She's maybe argumentative at all but not until having some mental problems.

Freaky people in BB7 weren't fake, it wasn't about the context, they were real, and that's the biggest problem.

So I will reply to your question by "Yes because if the producers of the shows see that mad, mental, psychos and freak people make some great ratings, then they will continue to provide our screens with that type of people".

[KissyLittleMissy]

I love a lot of reality shows and big brother and the x-factor are just two of many and we sure love those specially as this is a big brother forum. i wouldnt call it a freak show as such, more about entertainment for the modern age. my parents complain a bit and would like to see more game shows and entertainment which was very evident in the 70s and 80s but reality tv is what todays generation wants, my friends live for it and talk about it all the time

i think that many of the x-factor auditions create very good entertainment and the silly ones make us laugh. what is wrong with a good laugh at crappy auditions? thats my fave part and i love it. I know that some housemates from bb7 and evne bb8 were pretty freakish, even cbb's to, but once again, that is entertainment of the highest order, but not to evryones taste

[Red Moon]

Originally posted by sunshine30
So I will reply to your question by "Yes because if the producers of the shows see that mad, mental, psychos and freak people make some great ratings, then they will continue to provide our screens with that type of people".

Clearly we can establish a link with using freaky people or even freaky task (CBB4) with Big Brother Producers to gain ratings.

The question that remains does that apply to other reality television shows too?

[Captain.Remy]

Message original : Red Moon
Originally posted by sunshine30
So I will reply to your question by "Yes because if the producers of the shows see that mad, mental, psychos and freak people make some great ratings, then they will continue to provide our screens with that type of people".

Clearly we can establish a link with using freaky people or even freaky task (CBB4) with Big Brother Producers to gain ratings.

The question that remains does that apply to other reality television shows too?

Of course we can establish that link it's obvious, we all know that special people make ratings !

I don't know if it does apply to the other shows as in France there is law about this, peole who have been recognised as "mentals and stuff" by the psychologists aren't aloud in real tv.

[Retroman]

With Big Brother 8 especially, a large majority of the housemates were looking for fame...

And even the one's who you'd possibly assume weren't, are taking advantage of the offers that have come their way after leaving the house. So they aren't really losing out by putting themselves on tv. Im sure many would argue their lives are now better, not worse. And I don't think they gain that attention for being freaks.

Even poor X Factor contestants have gone on to say how popular they've become for being so terrible, and they've gotten to take part in certain shows/events and just generally be the talk of the town in their local area.

In my eyes reality tv = mostly unedited, completely unrehearsed and unpredictable television from common members of the public.

That's its biggest advantage.
It manages to make everything more interesting.

X factor type shows are a balance of things.
Cheering on the potential hopefulls, having your favourite singer, admiring the talents of people from all ages.

Whilst also being about laughing at how deluded and strange some people are.

Only the auditions contain the "freaks" and not all the auditions are of "freaks" so the majority of the show is actually showcasing untapped talent around the UK. If people notice the "freaks" more that could say more about them if anything.

But if watching people delude themselves intreagues us enough to be entertaining, then so be it.

Big Brother is on a different level however...
I wouldn't call them freaks, or deluded as such. They're all just very unique, which Big Brother does on purpose to create more interesting viewing. It is a social experiment that encourages entirely different people to all live in the same house, whilst also being a journey for those people.

Nikki for example, is a very unique individual.
But she has a decent enough grasp on reality not to audition for a singing contest by doing some of the things X factor contestants do.

[Captain.Remy]

Message original : Retroman
Big Brother is on a different level however...
I wouldn't call them freaks, or deluded as such. They're all just very unique, which Big Brother does on purpose to create more interesting viewing. It is a social experiment that encourages entirely different people to all live in the same house, whilst also being a journey for those people.

Nikki for example, is a very unique individual.
But she has a decent enough grasp on reality not to audition for a singing contest by doing some of the things X factor contestants do.


Nikki should have been more prepared for Big Brother, it was a huge shock for her, they would have been more careful with her and Shabbaz too.

And of course they are freaks and deluded, did you see the BB7 cast ?

Edited by Sunny_01 - suggesting or calling other FMs ignorant is against the forum rules, please dont do this in future

I'm personally not interested by watching that type of people, you can be unique and not being mental. I found BB7 terribly pathetic and ridiculous, I was fed up so much !

The producers must be careful with who they cast, BB is not for everyone, it's for strong people and they take the risk of destroying lifes only for ratings.

[Retroman]

Originally posted by sunshine30
Nikki should have been more prepared for Big Brother, it was a huge shock for her, they would have been more careful with her and Shabbaz too.
And of course they are freaks and deluded, did you see the BB7 cast ? Don't be ignorant please.
I'm personally not interested by watching that type of people, you can be unique and not being mental. I found BB7 terribly pathetic and ridiculous, I was fed up so much !
The producers must be careful with who they cast, BB is not for everyone, it's for strong people and they take the risk of destroying lifes only for ratings.

I don't think you have the right to call me ignorant because I class people that are out of the ordinary as unique =]
Whereas you just pass them off as freaks clearly.

They are people afterall...
And it is you who is ignorant if you aren't aware of the truly freakish people out there in the world, who do things far beyond anything a housemate would even care to contemplate.

Pete had terrettes, I don't think you can label him as a freak.
Nikki had temper tantrums and reverted to child behaviour, but she's nothing completely out of the ordinary.
And im pretty sure nobody else had any major character traits that made them such a freak that they don't fit into todays society.

So yea, in short...

1. Don't call me ignorant because I class unusual people differently than you do. You're entitled to label people as freaks, but the next time you call me ignorant you may want to add a little substance to your claim.

2. None of these people are so abnormal that they should be labelled freaks. They're all relatively normal if anything...with one or two major character traits.

[Captain.Remy]

Message original : Retroman

So yea, in short...

1. Don't call me ignorant because I class unusual people differently than you do. You're entitled to label people as freaks, but the next time you call me ignorant you may want to add a little substance to your claim.

2. None of these people are so abnormal that they should be labelled freaks. They're all relatively normal if anything...with one or two major character traits.

So first:

1. Nonody gives me orders, even my parents, so it won't start with you right ?

2. And I don't know what you have watched during 13 weeks in 2006 but obviously it wasn't Big Brother, I know someone who has tourettes and he's not like Pete, he does work, he's simple, funny and not pathetic and ridiculous as Pete, it's jsut his character.
Nikki, Sam, Pete and Shabbaz did admit they have problems so I just say what they said after all, don't blame me for that.

[Retroman]

Originally posted by sunshine30
So first:

1. Nonody gives me orders, even my parents, so it won't start with you right ?

2. And I don't know what you have watched during 13 weeks in 2006 but obviously it wasn't Big Brother, I know someone who has tourettes and he's not like Pete, he does work, he's simple, funny and not pathetic and ridiculous as Pete, it's jsut his character.
Nikki, Sam, Pete and Shabbaz did admit they have problems so I just say what they said after all, don't blame me for that.

Noddy gives you orders? well ok...

Edited by Sunny_01 - please follow forum rules and report offensive posts rather than retaliate

But ok, you can call me ignorant without substance if you really wish to rebel against what I said in the name of being awkward =] im fine with that...but I don't think it'll do you any favours.

And I think you just don't plain like some of them, such as Pete for not working, being pathetic and ridiculous.
So you class him as a freak more for insultive purposes, not because he's an actual freak.

However, this is an argument between my opinion on how they're all just normal people with certain character traits.

And your opinion on how they're just plain freaks.

So this argument won't actually go anywhere, it'll just be my view against yours.

[Captain.Remy]

Message original : Retroman
Originally posted by sunshine30
So first:

1. Nonody gives me orders, even my parents, so it won't start with you right ?

2. And I don't know what you have watched during 13 weeks in 2006 but obviously it wasn't Big Brother, I know someone who has tourettes and he's not like Pete, he does work, he's simple, funny and not pathetic and ridiculous as Pete, it's jsut his character.
Nikki, Sam, Pete and Shabbaz did admit they have problems so I just say what they said after all, don't blame me for that.

Noddy gives you orders? well ok...
Perhaps you're one of these so called freaks yourself ^_^ lol.

Maybe because I'm a mature boy, because my parents do trust me, maybe because I'm responsible and I give order as I'm the President of plenty of things so it's quite normal that nobody gives me orders don't you think ?

And actually, I assume what I said so you can blame me for what you want, I don't really mind at all.

Well I think the argument is over.

[Retroman]

Originally posted by sunshine30

Maybe because I'm a mature boy, because my parents do trust me, maybe because I'm responsible and I give order as I'm the President of plenty of things so it's quite normal that nobody gives me orders don't you think ?

And actually, I assume what I said so you can blame me for what you want, I don't really mind at all.

Well I think the argument is over.

Mature boy?
Parents trust?
Responsible?
President of plenty of things?

So you're a boy with his parents trust who's the president of some kind of club/ school related thing most likely.
With some kind of "I don't take orders from anybody because im too good" complex.

>_<
I really don't see what this has to do with things, but since im a man with a job, a car, with true responsibilities who has lived on his own..i'll choose not to take notice of what you just said.

Unless you wish to change this into a "who's the coolest" competition. Which may go against your claim of being a mature boy

[Captain.Remy]

Message original : Retroman

Mature boy?
Parents trust?
Responsible?
President of plenty of things?

So you're a boy with his parents trust who's the president of some kind of club/ school related thing most likely.

>_<
I really don't see what this has to do with things, but since Im a man with a job, a car, with true responsibilities who has lived on his own..i'll choose not to take notice of what you just said.

Unless you wish to change this into a "who's the coolest" competition. Which may go against your claim of being a mature boy

You don't see how it has to do with things ? You gave me orders so I replied nothing wrong isn"t it ?
Don't worry I have a job too, I'm not the President of plenty of clubs but some important instutitions for young people in my city, just the second of France.
So if you don't take notice, why do you open your mouth then ? That's quite ridiculous but well you are like you are.

And now there is no competition about "who's the coolest" don't worry even if I would beat you .
And ask all the members here they would reply that I'm a mature man, don't forget I'm a old member, you don't know anything about me. :thumbs:

[Retroman]

Originally posted by sunshine30
You don't see how it has to do with things ? You gave me orders so I replied nothing wrong isn"t it ?
Don't worry I have a job too, I'm not the President of plenty of clubs but some important instutitions for young people in my city, just the second of France.
So if you don't take notice, why do you open your mouth then ? That's quite ridiculous but well you are like you are.

And now there is no competition about "who's the coolest" don't worry even if I would beat you .
And ask all the members here they would reply that I'm a mature boy, don't forget I'm a old member, you don't know anything about me. :thumbs:

So you're a boy who lives with his parents, and is the president of an important institution for young people..who is apparently cooler than me =] and likes to tell me how he's got his parents trust in the middle of an argument.

Indeed, you do sound very mature *long silence*

And not take notice was a polite way of saying i'll take your statement as void =] whether I choose to reply to it or not is irrelevant.

It's obvious by your reply towards me telling you not to call me ignorant that you're immature. With your whole "don't give me orders, im president and I have my parents trust" speech.

This is getting very petty, mainly thanks to you dragging this into a "im a mature, trustworthy boy so ner" area.

[Captain.Remy]

Message original : Retroman
Originally posted by sunshine30
You don't see how it has to do with things ? You gave me orders so I replied nothing wrong isn"t it ?
Don't worry I have a job too, I'm not the President of plenty of clubs but some important instutitions for young people in my city, just the second of France.
So if you don't take notice, why do you open your mouth then ? That's quite ridiculous but well you are like you are.

And now there is no competition about "who's the coolest" don't worry even if I would beat you .
And ask all the members here they would reply that I'm a mature boy, don't forget I'm a old member, you don't know anything about me. :thumbs:

So you're a boy who lives with his parents, and is the president of an important institution for young people..who is apparently cooler than me =] and likes to tell me how he's got his parents trust in the middle of an argument.

Indeed, you do sound very mature *long silence*

And not take notice was a polite way of saying i'll take your statement as void =] whether I choose to reply to it or not is irrelevant.

It's obvious by your reply towards me telling you not to call me ignorant that you're immature. With your whole "don't give me orders, Im president and I have my parents trust" speech.

This is getting very petty, mainly thanks to you dragging this into a "im a mature, trustworthy boy so ner" area.

OMG you are so boring mate I don't even enjoy arguing with you.
Well end of, continue if you feel good like that.

Back to topic then, Red, I replied to your question and I confirm what I said.

[Retroman]

And with that abrupt end to the argument i'll assume I won =]
As I never fall for the whole "OMG you are so boring mate I don't even enjoy arguing with you." line, especially after so many replies to my posts. Of course you don't enjoy arguing with me, you lost.

Also, im not your mate.
Nor would I ever be mates with someone who makes statements such as "I don't take orders because my mummy and daddy trust me and im president!" lol

Nevermind Pete being ridiculous, you've taken it to a whole new level.

I'll be on my way...

[spacebandit]

Originally posted by Retroman


Pete had terrettes, I don't think you can label him as a freak.
Nikki had temper tantrums and reverted to child behaviour, but she's nothing completely out of the ordinary.
And Im pretty sure nobody else had any major character traits that made them such a freak that they don't fit into todays society.



Yet both of those people were willing to sell themselves, and their conditions to producers looking for something to grab the attention of a tv audience willing to spend money on them, and stretch the envelope for a tired game show.

They were willing to ***** themselves and play on their "handicaps" for "fame and celebrity"

I would regard what they did as played up and played upon to win a game show, as such I find that most certainly freakish, as the dictionary says, "markedly strange or abnormal"

To be so desperate for "fame", to me is pathetic.

[Red Moon]

Before I add more to the debate I need to put my moderators hat on and remind people we don't allow people to make personal insults towards each other or make accusations against members which are false. Personal remarks lower the level of the debate to that of the play ground. What ever age we are we are all allowed to debate a subject without fear of attack.

Please remember this when posting replies. It could save you from getting warning and a temporary ban.

All done now on with the debate

[Retroman]

Originally posted by spacebandit
Yet both of those people were willing to sell themselves, and their conditions to producers looking for something to grab the attention of a tv audience willing to spend money on them, and stretch the envelope for a tired game show.

They were willing to ***** themselves and play on their "handicaps" for "fame and celebrity"

I would regard what they did as played up and played upon to win a game show, as such I find that most certainly freakish, as the dictionary says, "markedly strange or abnormal"

To be so desperate for "fame", to me is pathetic.

Im not sure if cashing in on your handicaps is all that "abnormal" anymore to be fair.

I think it's wrong, but as for normal/abnormal..im not sure.

I think we've got to distinguish the difference between us disliking them/what they do, and being actual freaks.

If we're going to critisise their actions then i'll be first to jump in and contribute to how awful some of their behaviour is...
But I think "freaks" is a slightly different matter.

[Red Moon]

Right I want to stick this article in. It's about BB7 and the housemates that should never have been in the house.

Three Big Brother contestants should not have taken part, says psychologistAt least three of the contestants on Big Brother should have been barred from taking part on the grounds of emotional vulnerability, it was claimed last night.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/graphics/2006/08/20/nbruv20a.jpg
A frenzied Pete Bennett after winning the show

After a series that was punctuated by emotional outbursts and contestants leaving the show, Cynthia McVey, a senior lecturer on psychology at Glasgow Caledonian University, called on Channel 4 to tighten up its selection procedures.

The programme's finale on Friday attracted 8.2 million viewers but some were shocked by the frenzied reaction of Pete Bennett, who suffers from Tourette's syndrome, when told that he had won. The 24-year-old leapt about uncontrollably and threw furniture around.

Concerns were also expressed about the pressure put on Nikki Grahame, a contestant who has a history of mental illness. She became hysterical when told she had finished only fifth and later had to abandon an interview with presenter Davina McCall when she was unable to speak.

Dr McVey said Grahame, who has a history of anorexia and was once sectioned, should not have been allowed to take part. She also suggested that neither Shahbaz Choudhary, a depressive from Glasgow, who walked out of the show after six days, nor Sam Brodie, a 19-year-old transvestite evicted in early June, should have been allowed to compete.

"People who want fame are often insecure and very unstable," said Dr McVey, who advised the BBC on Castaway, another "reality" television programme. "If you put people under stress and they are emotionally vulnerable, then their vulnerabilities will come to the fore. There is a real potential for disaster and very vulnerable people should be filtered out in the selection process."

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/graphics/2006/08/20/nbruv20b.jpg
Nikki Grahame has a history of anorexia
The seventh series of Big Brother has been at the centre of controversy since it began 13 weeks ago. The decision to include Bennett led to accusations that producers were exploiting his disability and, when it emerged that other participants had experienced mental health problems, Sane, the mental health charity, accused the show of "playing fast and loose with people's lives".

Yesterday, Zoe Streather, whose 12-year-old son has Tourette's, said Bennett had made the condition "cool" and eased her child's life at school.

However, she admitted that other sufferers had experienced different reactions. "I know of one 17-year-old who has been ostracised by his friends because they think he is copying Pete," she said. "He has even been thrown out of the band he was in."

Tim Gardam, the former C4 director of programmes, believes that the nature of Big Brother has changed radically since he originally commissioned it in 2000.

"Then it was about producers letting go and housemates being very unselfconscious. Today it's about producers manipulating what happens and the housemates being caricatures," he told Broadcast magazine.
Source:Daily Telegrraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2006/08/20/nbruv20.xml)

Assuming Dr McVey knows what he is taking about doesn't this article show how the makers of reality television are turning these shows into freak shows?

[Retroman]

Ah well...
Mentally unstable contestants and hyper terrettes victims at winning ceremonies, especially with those photo's lol, could easily classify for freakish behaviour.

But if we're talking about the entire reality tv industry, I don't think all their "quirks" and "personalities" can be put down to mental illness and terrettes sufferers reactions.

[Captain.Remy]

Thanks Red for the article, it shows how much those people have taken part only for ratings and for being watched like animals in a freak circus.

[Sunny_01]

I have mixed feelings about this, those that have mental health problems or who have previously had are vulnerable but still capable of choice. However I think that often these people are encouraged to enter, to get on with things. Friends, family etc.. all think they are great people and think that just because they like them millions of others will.

I think "freak" is a strong word to use about another person, just because they are different to our picture of the norm, does it make them a freak?

I also think that TV producers need to make their selection processes more fit for purpose for shows like BB, they seem to let those who are most vulernable enter with the thought that they may fall apart before our very eyes.

[Retroman]

Perhaps Big Brother choosing such vunerable people to enter the house is more freak like behaviour..
It could be considered abnormal to purposefully choose people in the hope that they'll break down infront of us, as Sunny said.

I think the modern day perception of a freak is much more extreme these days...
As we've become used to odd behaviour and people who are different, due to over exposure to it. So people have to go the extra mile in order to be classified as a freak these days.

[TopzTom]

Personally, I think Big Brother is the biggest reality show in the UK (despite its ever-falling ratings). Because of the pressure the producers are under to find interesting characters for the 13-week run of the show, they seem to end up making questionable decision on who the housemates should be.

From BB1-BB3, they seemed to have at least one slightly bizarre housemate, but after they failed to deliver many intriguing housemates in BB4, they pushed the boundries too far and ended up with transexuals, transvestities, anorexics etc.

Following the furore of CBB5, they toned down BB8 and we were given only a few strange housemates - a good choice, in my opinion.

Personally, I feel CBB5 spelt the end of Big Brother and within the next two/three years, I can see the show running its course and ending... For now.

Of course, once we're rid of BB, there'll be a similar type of show that'll come along and will be filled with just as many outrageous and weird people as ever before.

[bananarama]

Personally when I hear of psychologists opinions I feel the only people that should not be allowed near a reality tv show and kept off TV is psychologists. They contribute nothing exept freakish theories about human behavour. Nikki for example has done well and come out a stronger person which I think proves what a load of garble psycholigists come out with. That's my pet hate out of the way......:bigsmile:

With regard to BB and realty shows being freak shows. Yeah I would broadly agree with that in the loosest sense of the word. Because there is a danger of confusing "freaks" with "eccentrics". Extrovert eccentrics may well come across as being freakish.

Does it matter if reality shows are freak shows. I would say not as long as those concerned are fully informed of the zoo mentality of the shows and are genuine volanteers. Which I have no doubt is the case.


BB is however I believe more than a mild freak show for those that want more from it. Learning how to judge people without the silly trappings of pre-concieved psychological theories as posed by the psycho babble merchants is a fascinating pastime.....


During the auditions the X factor is not a freak show in my opinion. Just a vehicle for some extreme show offs and exhibitionists to get their 30 seconds of fame..

After the auditions however it does become a freak show the freaks being the public who choose the biggest losers to get the prize........:bigsmile: