Unreal: “Reality” Shows

          It would seem to take a world of cojones to characterize as “Reality” a show in which pretentious people, paid for their performance, put in contrived situations, create drama for the camera. Actually it takes a world of self delusion and con games. Such is the reality of “reality shows.”

          Recreation, entertainment and play time by definition need not be limited to the real, the useful, the serious. So I see nothing wrong with watching such shows. But don't let the marketers kid you; actors by definition are professional phonies. These aren't documentaries, these are scripted dramas.

          Drama involves artificial conflict. This is true whether your spouse creates a public scene at your favorite restaurant over and extra fifty cents on the tip, or someone on Duck Dynasty, taking a jab at common decency, claims to base intolerance on “religious” beliefs.

          The word “religion” comes from the Latin, signifying “Unite again.” Unite with what? Unite with the Divine, with your neighbors, with all of existence. If anyone can point to any traditional world religion whose basic tenets don't include a call for spiritual connection – for love and compassion - please let me know.

          I've pointed out in previous posts that scientifically and spiritually we aren't really separate beings in the first place – in reality. All religion asks of us is to recognize reality and act accordingly.

          Actors like everyone else have every right – every legal right – to express their opinions. Entertainment companies have every right – every legal right - to broadcast these opinions. The public has every legal and moral right to ignore or follow, criticize or praise them. No one involved loses their status as Divine beings no matter their decisions.

          It's just that some of us aren't acting like the Divine beings we really are.

          Being nonjudgmental about dissenters from our personal truth doesn't come naturally to any of us. Loving our neighbors - or at least acting with common decency - takes hard work. We all need breaks. Winding down by escaping into idealized, funny, dramatic, adventurous, scripted – that is imaginary - worlds needs no justification.

          Calling such fantasy “reality,” on the other hand, doesn't justify substituting pretension for integrity. Calling these actors “down home, religious, and grounded” because they speak their “truth” and a lot of other phonies agree with them doesn't justify intolerance. It all justifies an apology.

          Entertainment, yes. Reality, no.