We've all seen them - the reality shows where drama reigns supreme and a select cast of characters dish out insults like confetti. But what's the actual cost of this entertainment? This trend of showcasing bullying as a path to success might be warping our perception, especially for younger viewers.
The Vicarious Thrill: Are We Secretly Playing the Game?
Many of us get sucked into these shows, subconsciously placing ourselves in the contestant's shoes. We wonder how we would handle the relentless pressure and calculated abuse. This self-insertion can be dangerous. It normalizes bullying as an inevitable part of the claim to the top, a hazing ritual on the way to achieving your dreams. The message, however subtle, is clear: success comes at a price, and that price might be your dignity. (Fucci 2017)
Beyond the Glitz: What Gets Lost in the Edit
Sure, glimpses of valuable lessons are buried beneath the layers of manufactured drama. We might see the importance of self-image reflected in a contestant's breakdown or the power of support highlighted when alliances crumble. But the shows often paint a success-at-all-costs picture, where bullying those below you becomes an acceptable stepping stone. What about the emotional toll on contestants who don't win? The shows rarely address the long-term impact of this manufactured drama. We're left to imagine the psychological scars of being publicly humiliated and ostracised, not for bad sportsmanship, but simply existing in the game.
The Bully Label: Does it Tell the Whole Story?
- Fucci (2017) states that the standard definition of cyberbullying - using electronic media to hurt or embarrass others - seems a bit toothless when faced with the reality show phenomenon. Fucci (2017) argues that simply labeling someone a bully doesn't capture the whole picture. Mental health issues might be at play, creating a complex web of motivations behind the hurtful behavior. Perhaps the contestant is simply mirroring what they've experienced themselves, perpetuating a cycle of abuse. On a broader scale, the shows themselves might be a form of bullying, exploiting the vulnerabilities of participants for entertainment value.
Media Literacy: Equipping Ourselves to See Through the Script
These shows highlight the importance of media literacy. We need to be critical viewers, questioning the messages these programs portray. Is success really defined by how many people you can belittle on your way up? Fucci (2017) questions whether it is necessary for drama or simply lazy storytelling. By engaging with these questions, we can become more discerning viewers, refusing to be manipulated by the manufactured outrage.
Shifting the Narrative: From Rating Grab to Conversation Starter
Fucci (2017) offers some advice :
- The next time you watch a reality show where prof
Sedimental bullies reign supreme; use them as springboards for conversation. - Talk to your kids or friends about the portrayal of bullying, the impact on contestants, and the importance of building each other up, not tearing each other down.
- Let's challenge the narrative that bullying is a necessary evil and instead promote empathy, respect, and healthy competition.
References
- Fucci, D. (2017). Cyberbullying: Hateful, Harmful and Insidious - Six Students Speak Out [Review of Cyberbullying: Hateful, Harmful and Insidious - Six Students Speak Out]. https://learningcloud.infobase.com/5703/learnit/138590
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