Shock TV Still Shocks Me

After Strange Love led to Flavor of Love, and Flavor of Love led to I Love New York, one would think I would no longer be surprised by the shows networks will put on television. But, when it came to my attention that Steve the long time head of security on the Jerry Springer Show, is now the host of his own show where he takes "Springer Like" guests to task for their questionable behavior to say the least; I must confess I was shocked!

Now I will watch anything at least once, just so I can say I've exposed myself to as many things in the media as possible, but I am finding that the older I get, the less TV I want to watch. For most people this would not be a problem, and a stranger reading this would say at this point "if you don't like it, don't watch it, and shut up", but the dilemma I find myself in is caused solely by the fact that I aspire to make media my profession. So to that end, I'll continue to watch Bill O'Riley until I've screamed so much I've lost my voice. I'll continue to watch Tiffany Pollard's search for love until her theatrics make me question if BET's Un Cut was more kind to the reputation of African-American Women. And, due mostly to the writer's strike, I'll even watch Steve hand out his brand of "Dr. Phil like" advice with an extra dose of assertive attitude.

Despite media programing habits and American viewing habits, my greatest enigma where media is concerned is how does Tiffany Pollard feel when she is watching herself on Television? How does Bill O'Riley feel when he's walking the streets and overhears people commenting negatively on his brand of news? And how do I feel when my peers and mentors criticize a song or show I know I love, but choose to keep quiet about at the time because I am ashamed its misogynistic lyrics or negative images entertain me? How much of ourselves have we given up as viewers, consumers, actors, and industry professionals to the media? Is that piece of our self, no matter how slight, a small price to pay for money, ratings, advertising, products, and escape from reality?

What performers are willing to do, viewers are willing to watch, and advertisers are dieing to pay for; now that is really shock TV. And although I am just as big a part of it as everyone else, it still shocks me.