Beneficial Reality Shows

The first reality shows sought manufactured drama. This was achieved by either shutting away groups of strangers in a small house or by impossible competitions. These kind of shows (i.e. Real World, Survivor, etc.) are obviously still present today (i.e. Real World, Top Chef) but are defined as the crappy television. When most people hear the word reality, they think of ridiculous drama, contrived situations and awful human beings that unfortunately exist.

But some networks have given myself and other television enthusiasts hope. TLC is the best example of this. Shows like Little People Big World and specials like World's Heaviest Man are about the lives of disabled individuals. They give healthy people a glimpse into the the daily hardships these subjects experience. Even though every television show's purpose is to be successful for material reasons, I am glad that they are doing something good at the same time. These shows are educating healthy Americans about things they do not know. I am hoping that this will make children (and even a lot of adults) think twice before they make an immature and cruel comment about disabled individuals faced with daily hardships they cannot control. I believe that humans are innately insensitive when they are uneducated and unfamiliar with disabled persons.

Some followers of TV Squad believe that Little People Big World exploits little people. Although I can see how people arrive at that accusation, I do believe that this show can only do more positive than negative. It shows how this family is just like yours and mine, with a few exceptions here and there. Forcing disabled people to hide in the shadows would only breed more cruelty because people are uncomfortable with what they do not understand.