Name the last time you didn't see some form of reality programme advertised on the TV, or the last time you didn't watch a reality programme. From Big Brother to Geordie Shore, The X Factor to Made in Chelsea. Near enough every single channel broadcasts some form of reality show, and they're practically taking over the television. Reality stars have the tendency of jumping from show to show - think how many reality stars you see on competitive reality shows such as I'm A Celebrity, Strictly Come Dancing etc. They're appearing more and more on our scenes too, and because it's becoming the "norm", people are beginning to idolise these stars and look up to them.
According to The Mirror, research has discovered that children begin to look up and "worship" reality stars (and pop singers) from nine years old, as opposed to occupations such as policemen or firemen. They also reported that 7 in 10 parents feel that because their children have been exposed to media and celebrities since youth (whether it's TV, magazines etc), the media has influenced them with regards to your views on reality stars and their future career - ie, they want to be famous, only 25% of children younger than 8 wish to be a farmer or vet. It seems as though the media has a lot to play here, shaping our future generation's minds and somehow, all they seem to care about is money and fame. Shame really when their academic skills might be more beneficial to use.
For me, I don't admire reality stars, nor the Kardashians. Consider The Only Way Is Essex (TOWIE). When I think of it, all I vision is girls in fake tan, fake lashes and a lot of makeup. For some people, this is the absolute norm for them, and if that's what they're into, then albeit. However, are we teaching nine year olds the right lesson? That in order for you to feel pretty and find a boyfriend, you need to kid on you're someone you're not, in terms of both appearance and personality? And that in order to have a good time, we need to be throwing alcohol down our necks? 71% of parents feel that their children aren't encouraged to uptake carrers which will benefit the country, or overall society. That's a worryingly high majority; over 2/3s.We already have a lack of women in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematical) industries, hence the heavy focus and concentration in these departments at school, and there is the potential of the already low numbers dropping even further. This is because of their influence. Of all the reality programmes on the TV, a large majority of the "stars" are females, and this is helping young girls determine their career pathway; fame.
It seems that the lifestyle reality stars portray towards their audience is that their life is all fun and games, drinking, makeup and relationships. But they don't highlight the other side to it. They focus so strongly on wealth, seeing money signs left, right and centre. I don't think young people are quite mature enough to understand how fulfilling alternative careers can be. Of course, a policeman or journalist or farmer etc is stressful, but if you're doing something you're passionate about, then you can overcome the stress. The media are coming to the point whereby they're glamourising football players; these days, it's nothing to do with the sport itself, it's the money side of things people seem to care about more. It's sad and sickening.
Perhaps the parents are partly to blame themselves. Maybe the allow their children to watch these reality programmes. They put these reality shows on later at night for a reason; they're for "older people" because of some inappropriate scenes. Parents need to take control and guard their children's viewing. That way then, maybe a smaller proportion of children will be exposed to these reality shows and so called celebrities.
