5.20.2009

Just Say No...

...to 'Reality' TV! That is to be my mantra for the coming year. No more! I will not be sucked into your mindless entertainment! I will not sit through up to three hours of any one of you in a single night. I will not waste any more time on you.

Bold words, I know, but after spending 4+ hours watching the final episodes of Biggest Loser and Dancing with the Stars I've decided that I need to create my own personal intervention. To be fair (to myself), I've never really been much of a reality show watcher. I don't watch American Idol, or Survivor, or The Bachelor (cause really we all know he isn't going to end up marrying the girl--never has before), etc. and never have, but as has recently been highlighted even if I only watch a couple they are robbing me of my precious time--time that could be spent doing something that is actually productive like finishing one of the loveliest books I've read this year: Fine Old High Priests by Donald S. Smurthwaite.

When I first thought of swearing off reality shows I thought it might be difficult especially when others begin talking about what happened the previous night. But then I realized that people don't really talk about what goes on on reality shows--probably because much of it is such mindless "entertainment" that there is nothing to talk about after it is over. For example, I could say that last night Gilles was robbed of the Dancing with the Stars trophy but beyond that there is not much to say. Perhaps you could attempt to argue the point but as neither of us are dancing experts the argument would quickly fall into a "who is prettier" discussion and clearly Gilles is the winner:


You might still try to argue the point, but then we would begin to sound like the 12 year old girls in my ward who spend 2 hours at a service project seriously "discussing" who is better: Edward or Jacob (clearly Edward) until they are annoyed/mad at each other for not seeing the obvious and no one wants that--trust me I've lived that.

After solving my worries that interesting conversation might drag me back into the clutches of reality TV, I began to look around for other possible reasons I might be sucked back into its evil clutches but finding none (cause let's face it positive, uplifting reality rarely gets air time) I feel pretty happy and empowered by my decision. And now I bid a happy adieu to reality TV!

Here's hoping this little post will keep me strong the next I have nothing to watch.

5 comments:

Science Teacher Mommy said...

Uh. Clearly Jacob.

But I'm so with you on the reality shows. I may watch Idol tonight because Keith Urban is performing . . . .

Courtney said...

STM--I actually may end up watching Idol (a little) as well because my sister is coming over for the express purpose of watching it with someone else.

No comment on Jacob--except to say I am strictly referring to book Edward not movie Edward.

Natalie said...

I love some (not all) reality T.V. *sigh* I am so ashamed :)

But I do recognize that reality TV isn't at all "reality"-some people don't realize that! And, I also recognize how mindless most of it is-sometimes I need mindless :)!

I have to go-American Idol is starting in less than 5 min! LOL!

Unknown said...

Stand strong, Yankee Girl!

Courtney said...

I stayed strong. No Idol for me.

Natalie--you are right sometimes we need mindless. I just need to put a limit on my mindless and would rather my mindless included Eddie Cahill on CSI:NY.