What does this show and other reality shows say about us? Why are people so happy to open themselves to insults on a grand scale all in the name of 'reality'?'


Sure, I agree with people wanting to lose weight, but does the host of such shows have to stoop so low to insulting the contestants just to gain high ratings for a television show which is (in my eyes) demeaning to others?

Baring in mind that some of these shows are broadcasted before the 'watershed' (before 9pm GMT) it isn't any wonder that some of these insulting remarks find their way into schools and children are using such insults towards teachers. We have a number of over weight staff in our school, and children are openly calling them names - echoing the names they have heard on tv.

High on my 'Most insulting reality shows list.......
Big Brother
Wife Swap
Dating In The Dark
The Next Top Model (all countries)
Queer Eye


What are your views on reality shows?

I think reality shows are rot, so I don't watch them.

There on TV for ratings!! I guess If you go on TV and air your dirty laundry you should expect a little trash talk! If some wanted help more than there 15 minutes they could get it without a television program!

I agree with you to a point, what I don't agree with is the amount of abuse suffered by these people from seemingly uncaring hosts. I think the sensorship mojo has been broken........

I see your point Bonny but one thing to think about is that these shows have been one for many seasons so these people have to know what it is like.

I would never be on a reality show, but I like watching them. It's entertainment to see what people will actually do just for money or fame.

I watched Big Brother......Once! I cringed all the way through it. I happened to be at my sister-in-laws home when she turned the tv on to watch her favourite programme 'The Biggest Loser' I was also cringing at this one when the hostess ( kind soul that she was) called one of the contestants a 'fat pig, greedy, greedy little piggy'......... She had the poor woman in tears, apparently ( according to my sis-in-law) the contestant subsequently left before the end of the series, I would too. There is no need for insults.

Give me the making of River Dance anyday.

I actually never watched the biggest loser.

I get a kick out of trading spouses and wife swap because they go into it thinking one way but SOMETIMES they end up learning something. it is just total opposite families

I think I like things like Survivor and Big Brother because of the mind set of people. I don't know that I could lie and such just for money. I know it's part of the game, but it fascinates me what people would do for money and whether they are really that way in real life.

Wife swap makes me want to jump off a cliff. No wonder divorce is so high if that is what marriage has come to in America. BrideZilla's, which you didn't mention, is another. Biggest Loser I am surprized they haven't had a fatality but then those tapes would never make it out of the studio. Psycological bullying is wrong regardless of the target.

What this says about our society I don't know. Probably not a lot good. If you find it offensive register your complaints with the broadcasters and sponsors to start. Sponsors especially.

If staff are putting up with offensive behavior in the classroom then I think it is and issue to be addressed by the administration or the teachers union if not the teacher themselves. There is power in numbers and if teachers would demand surveillance in the classroom they could protect themselves from this kind of abuse. With their neighbors and extended families and the political clout they have they could do a lot to clean up the problems in the schools.

Sad to say I think a lot of the verbal abuse that teachers are subjected to in upper grades is from failed teachers in the younger grades where this kind of behavior could be prevented. Teachers that look the other way when kids are catching hell from classmates or teachers that try to be funny, friends, or verbally, even physically, bully kids in the lower grades make life miserable for everyone.

Treating parents as the enemy doesn't help when if you asked most to be part of the solution they would jump at the chance.

You can bet if my local teachers told me they wanted some observers on the campuses to prevent this kind of abuse I would make it a priority.

Golden Balls springs to mind, that's a game show where the contestants have to lie and decieve each other to win! I have seen teachers go on this show and tell lies, makes me so happy that my children have grown up and (I hope) know right from wrong.

I have watched the American Version of Wife Swap and have compared it to the UK's version. I thought the US contestants were more positive in their approach to the "game"

However much I protest at reality shows, I would never miss Nanny 911.

I told my son that if his fiance (when he becomes engaged) becomes a bridezilla...he better elope

And the beat goes on and on and on.........

I work in a secondary school, most kids come to us with attitudes already set from lower schools (failure and fear of correcting behaviours )It is a worry to my everyday working life. I work with adults who are terrified to address behavioural problems for fear of reprisals from parents who deem their child or children as 'a good boy or girl'

There is a trend which seems to reward bad behaviour, e.g, the child who misbehaves is targeted for more attention, sent on programmes for correcting behaviour, given anger management ( inside of school time) they get out of lessons for this, the ensuing results; a child who feels important (despite their foul behaviour) and one who leaves school without the basic 3 R's........... Welcome to the real world O dysfunctional adult and a drain on tax payers to keep these miscreants in a prison with some great incentives.

Has she had a 'Sweet Sixteen' pampering party too?