Abstract This paper explores the role of actors and popular personalities on shaping society, especially when seen on reality TV shows. The author explains the appeal of reality TV and further describes the methodology used in this study. Additionally, the psychological factors of being a viewer of reality TV are discussed. Some of the pitfalls of this research project from a sociological standpoint are presented and analyzed. The paper contains a long discussion on qualitative research and how this approach is applied to this study of reality TV. The paper also contains a chart that categorizes reality TV characters.
Outline:
Methodology
Rationale
Reality TV as a Social Observation Experiment
Conducting Credible Sociological Research
The Nature of Qualitative Research
Reality TV Character Categorization
Transforming Observational Data into Numerical Form
Works Cited
From the Paper " Reality TV is one of the most popular genres in the mass media today. The viewership of these programs increases at an astonishing rate. Reality TV allows the viewer to combine both reality and fantasy in a unique blend. We know that the characters have some effects on the adults that watch. However, until now this subject has received little attention. Some of the characters on reality TV would not be considered role models a major portion of the society. The proposed research will examine the presence of negative role models in British Reality Television."
Abstract This paper focuses on Starhawk's philosophy that language shapes consciousness and consciousness shapes reality. Within the paper it is shown that Starhawk's belief is that language can have a deciding factor on a person's perception of themselves, and through this perception they develop concepts of reality in their consciousness. Therefore, this perception then shapes their reality.
From the Paper "Reality, according to Starhawks, is a state in which we must find definition. It is how we define reality within our consciousness that ultimately determines the type of power that will control our lives. As individuals, what we perceive to be real will be. What we believe to be true will happen. The key to discovering a harmony in life is to come to the realization that people do have a final say in how their lives will be lived, and through the consciousness every individual can make that choice. To understand how this is possible the individual must first comprehend that there are powers in the world. Starhawks contends that there is the "power-over" which is any power that comes from outside of the individual that is controlling."
Abstract This paper examines the reality show phenomenon and considers whether they benefit or harm society, particularly its young people. It discusses the attraction of reality shows and harmful ideas promoted by such shows.
From the Paper "Reality shows like Survivor appeal to people who are concerned about fitting in with the crowd they hold little interest for those who are not influenced by peer pressure. For those who do feel compelled to watch reality shows however the ..."
Abstract This paper uses reality television as an example of race, class, gender and sexual orientation in popular culture. The author argues that reality television shows are filled with stereotypes. The paper relates that these stereotypes are used to maintain the status quo.
From the Paper "Reality television, which is a hybrid of a game show and a documentary, is a relatively recent development. Basically contestants have to do some type of unusual activity and this activity is filmed for a television audience. The nature of the activity and the prizes vary from show to show with some shows involving stunts and large cash prizes, other shows involve changing life styles and the prize is a new and supposedly better lifestyle. Although the contests on reality television programs are not actors they are still picked using a very deliberate selection process."
Abstract This eight page undergraduate paper examines reality TV and its impact on viewers, producers, and the television industry itself. Through summarizing the main content of the reading, the writer shows that a structured analysis can be formulated which confirms that the interest of the television audience drives the process. The writer points out that TV producers react to what the public wants to see, and it is obvious from the ratings success of reality shows that they are very popular.
From the Paper "Conducting an independent study of television is useful and instructive, for it provides an opportunity to analyze the challenges, concepts, and arguments involved concerning reality TV and its impact on viewers, producers, and the television industry itself. Through summarizing the main content of the reading, a structured analysis can be formulated which confirms that the interest of the television audience drives the process. TV producers react to what the public wants to see, and it is obvious from the ratings success of reality shows that they are very popular. In "Addicted to the Tube" author Mark Pizzato's main argument is that people are vulnerable to becoming addicted to television because it stirs the human desire for fantasy and escapism."
This paper looks at the work of Janet Cardiff, examining the ways in which she uses her voice and other sounds to create a false but convincing "virtual" reality.
2,025 words (approx. 8.1 pages), 4 sources, 2005, $ 80.95
Abstract This paper examines two of the audio installation works of Canadian artist Janet Cardiff "The Large Slow River" and "Missing Voice" in the context of creating virtual realities. The paper also looks at aspects of the history of recorded sound and voice. In addition, the writer discusses virtual reality as a personal storytelling device. The first page presented in this article is a research proposal.
From the Paper "The creation of virtual reality is an attempt to re-create the world of actual human experiences through digital means, always attempting to make it more and more realistic. Janet Cardiff's work attempts this also, but without using digital visual representations of reality. Instead she uses sounds and words to elicit the memory and pre-existing knowledge of the audience/participant. This process creates an even more realistic "virtual reality," since memory often involves synesthesia, using all five of your own senses and not just the digitally created artificial ones of computer "virtual reality"."
Abstract The representation of reality in Western civilization has shifted at various points over millennia in response to fundamental changes in society and shifts in the paradigm through which people viewed the world around them. In this context, this essay will argue that Boccaccio's "The Decameron" can be seen both participating in the secular humanist movement of the late medieval period, as well as deviating from it with his characteristic preoccupation with the world "as is" as opposed to humanist focus on the "ideal".
This paper discusses reality therapy and explains that this therapy focuses on the unsatisfying relationship or the lack of a relationship, which is often the cause of clients' problems.
Abstract This paper presents an overview of reality therapy and explains that reality therapists deal with people as if they have choices. In particular, the paper discusses the primary goal of reality therapy, why it can be considered as a mentoring process, and what approach the reality therapist takes with her client. In addition, the paper explains what reality therapy emphasizes, e.g., an understanding and supportive relationship, and what qualities a reality therapist must possess in order to be effective. Lastly, the paper discusses two major components of reality therapy, key procedures in the practice of reality therapy, and limitations associated with this type of therapy. The paper concludes with the writer's thoughts about how she could apply the reality therapy approach to her own life.
From the Paper "Clients are not expected to backtrack into the past or get sidetracked into talking about symptoms. Neither will much time be spent talking about feelings separate from the acting and thinking that are part of the total behaviors over which clients have direct control. Clients will most likely find therapists to be gently, but firmly confronting. Reality therapists will often ask clients questions such as, "Is what you are choosing to do bringing you closer to the people you want to be closer to right now?" Lastly clients can also expect to experience some urgency in therapy."
Abstract This paper introduces an approach to counseling, developed in the 1960s by Dr. William Glasser, called "Reality Therapy". The paper presents a basic explanation of Reality Therapy, includes a history of Reality Therapy, discusses current research in Reality Therapy, and takes a look at its relevance to today's society.
Outline
Introduction
Definition of Reality Therapy, What Is It?
The History of Reality Therapy
Current Research on Reality Therapy
What is the Relevance of Reality Therapy Today for Individuals and the General Population?
From the Paper "It was during the 1960's that Dr. William Glasser developed the new approach to counseling called 'Reality Therapy'. According to this therapy, the various choices that an individual makes are based on the present life that he is leading, and it doesn't matter what the person has undergone in his past, or what has happened to him in his past life. All the choices are based on the situation that he is in at the present time, and his reactions and his behavior are based on the 'here' and the 'now' of the particular situation. The theory also states that the existence of an unsatisfactory relationship or the non-existence of a relationship with others is the primary cause for psychological problems among individuals."
Abstract The writer of this paper introduces, discusses, and analyzes the books "Atonement" by Ian McEwan and "The Things They Carried" by Tim O'Brien. The writer discusses how each author uses fiction to deal with reality. The paper's author says that reality is the backbone of both of these very different war novels, but contends that they both utilize reality in very different ways. Briony, the central character in "Atonement", retreats from the reality of what she thinks she has seen and creates an alternate fictional reality that blends her Cinderella dreams with reality. O'Brien, in his collection of short stories based on his own experiences in Vietnam, reshapes reality with fiction because Vietnam was a horrible experience that cannot be forgotten, and the only way to survive such a horrible experience is to blend reality with fiction so the result is easier to accept.
From the Paper "From an early age, Briony has showed an interest in writing, and even at 13, she understands many of the elements of fiction, which also help her replace reality with fiction in the very real story of Robbie and Cecelia. McEwan writes, "A crisis in a heroine's life could be made to coincide with hailstones, gales and thunder, whereas nuptials were generally blessed with good light and soft breezes" (McEwan 7). Thus, there has always seemed to be an element of unreality in Briony's life, so it would be natural for her to blend reality with fiction to create the most important story of her life. A literary critic writes, "McEwan debates fiction and fact in this historical panorama covering six decades of the twentieth century. Beginning in prewar Britain and concluding with the millennium, Atonement is a study of before and after, cause and effect, crime and punishment" (Stovel 114). Indeed, it is a novel of atonement, and so, it may have more in common with O'Brien's novel than might appear at first glance."
Abstract Most philosophies regarding reality assert that matter, life, society, cultural creations and mind are not what they appear to be. Many philosophers believe that true reality exists beneath the surface of what most people see as reality. This paper looks at alternative realities, such as the world of the internet which has become a tool for individuals to explore their inner, desired identities. The paper discusses Timothy O'Brien's novel, "The Things They Carried", in which the author analyzes how people handle their emotions through avoiding or distorting reality. The paper also looks at ideas from philosopher Robert Nozick's 1974 essay ?The Experience Machine" in which he discusses reality.
From the Paper "Most people believe that they have a reasonable grasp on reality. They understand that certain things do not exist, such as Santa Claus, the Easter bunny and leprechauns. They are suspicious of people who claim that they have been abducted by extraterrestrial beings and rely on science to determine what reality really is. Most people assume that being awake, sober and healthy means that they have a strong grasp on reality, while dreams, drunkenness, drugs or delirium put them in a state of unreality . However, many philosophers and psychologists question these common beliefs."
Abstract This paper analyzes the meaning of reality. Reality may mean different things to different people. But if they get out of the analogous cage explained by Plato, they may all notice that reality is One, that of their Creator. Although both Plato and Aristotle talked of reality in an ambiguous way, Descartes was clearer. All three agreed that reality is not the same as appearance. Since God is unseen, He is the reality.
Abstract This paper examines the reality of reality television according to Annette Hill, a leading expert on the rise of reality television, in her full length book, "Reality TV: Audiences and Popular Factual Television." The paper explains how reality television is a hybrid of factual television (documentary and news) and scripted popular television that creates a program that makes money and that viewers enjoy watching.
From the Paper "As Hill points out early in her work "reality television" is not mean to be real and such a controversy is relatively mute as it does not bode well with the viewer, who would rather just watch it and accept what they wish to be true and the producers who would rather just keep making it and making money off it. Though some are concerned about the effects such television might have on children, who might be predisposed to believe it over other types of television because it is labeled "reality." (Davies 1) The overall response by the public is positive as more and more programs percolate through the whole of the television media and viewership continues to increase."
Abstract This paper examines the subjective nature of reality. It discusses the importance of experiences and thought and how only humans think about the reality of their lives. The paper also discusses the influence of language on our social constructs and reality. Finally the paper discusses cultural subjectivity and the impact that has on reality.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Language
Social Constructs and Reality Reality and Cultural Subjectivity
Conclusion
From the Paper "The social constructs inherent in human societies are responsible for so much of our psychological development and conceptual perceptions that most of us are completely oblivious to them. We know only the rules and norms communicated to us by the society in which we live. In many respects, this is a benign phenomenon of social development, but human history also illustrates the depths of objectively immoral conduct of which almost all of us are capable, despite even superior intellect and education. Only by comparing different social constructs can we begin to contemplate what may be truly offensive in our own culture of origin. Even then, it is a difficult task."
Abstract The following paper suggests that we look for the purest form of reality that is causing the appearance of the world around us.
From the paper:
"After all, how can anyone study real wisdom (or real science, for that matter), if they cannot first be sure of the reality of the things they see and experience" Without addressing reality itself, it may be difficult for any thinking philosopher to be able to address issues of morality, civic duty, the nature of God and man, ideal governments and more ideal revolutions, or any other such thing. Without knowing what they believe about the existence of reality, there is no way to ground any other idea.?
