By: Maya S.
Oh, the love that gleams in the air when one thinks of reality TV shows like ABC’s The Bachelor. What could possibly be better than the opportunity of choosing the perfect partner to celebrate Valentine’s Day with for years to come through the aid of a televised broadcast; a show where one is given the chance to find a potential soul mate from within 25 “ideal” candidates? After a grueling interview is conducted the selection of participants is based “solely” on a series of answers that cater to meet the needs of the specific individual that desires to “hook up.” Once the designated applicants are chosen, they would each take turns dating the prospective partner in an effort to gain an extended knowledge of each other. There is nothing like good old-fashioned style courtship; on TV that is. One can’t have a better day than rising and shining to the glitz and glamour of a video camera stuck in their morning-breathed face.
Singletons are thrown into a compound type dwelling and forced to subjugate themselves to the needs of a possible meant-to-be all the while cameras are rolling. One can only imagine the excitement of the camp-fire tales told as each one exposes details about their alone time with the said Casanova. It may be the idea of finding a significant other that entices the entrants (some participate for other purposes), but surely 24 out of the 25 hopefuls will only end up either heartbroken, humiliated or both. Under certain circumstances, some of the losing contestants may even star in a Bachelor series of their own. Most of the competitors are forced into believing that they have in fact fallen in love with the star of the show, but fail to realize that the challenge imposed and insecurity associated with the threat of losing has caused this altered state of mind. They also cease to recognize the impracticality of just how quickly they’re expected to get to know each other and fall in love. The production of the show is complete within a matter of weeks. This hardly qualifies for a suitable amount of time to decide that a person is marriage material. After taping of the show comes to its conclusion the new Bachelor couple can’t see each other until months after the show is aired and the chosen Bachelorette is revealed. This absence causes the new companions to grow distant and re-analyze the value of the relationship altogether.
In the case of the supposed bachelor, he not only gets an invitation to delve into an arena of mostly lust-infested, money hungry, chance-at-stardom, desperate- “I’ll do anything to win,”-women, but will have to choose but one. How is a promising relationship going to succeed when a man is stricken with the ever-lasting “what if” ailment? What a great way to start a relationship, “Honey, if you knew I was the one from the start, then why did you do half of the house?” Never mind that it is humanly impossible to be yourself when displayed on a constant showcase. An automatic facade of improvised perfection is built. Just how genuine is this junction of love? Well, the interconnection success rates for shows like The Bachelor are slim. Apparently 1 couple from the first twelve seasons of The Bachelor is still together. Yes one. It’s just too much of a fast-paced environment for a sincere coupling to transpire. Sources report that a couple of the Bachelors would not sever ties with the runner up causing their chosen relationship to dwindle. Who would have guessed? To think, the network media moguls were onto something far nobler than making a pretty penny. Move over cupid, your bag doesn’t carry enough arrows for this load.
L. A. Breaux
One of the most primal urges of man is to see others fail; these shows aren’t about the winners but the losers and their reactions. The chocolate sprinkles on the top of this whipped cream is when the new couple can’t outlive the supression of who won and end up going their seperate ways. I think deep down inside there’s a little caveman/cavewoman who loves the idea that since they didn’t bonk or get bonked on the head with the club, the one who did should end up drowning in a shallow mud puddle.
This brain child of television executives has come a long way in a short time. I feel it is to the point where nobody expects to find love or even friendship. One look at the “bonus” reels of auditions speaks to the fact that people are in this for their 15 minutues of fame, as well as the hope of a spin off for themselves which is becoming an increasingly popular trend. Flavor of Love has two mutant offspring shows. Tila Tequila has one. One of the revenge of the dating shows has come from The “Real” Housewives of Orange County. Slade’s ex Jo had a dating show and one of her top picks just began making appearances as Mary Carey’s beau on VH1’s sober house. These people who get into this are D-list wannabes. It’s sad, scary and somehow compelling at the same time. Truthfully I think it makes Joe-American feel better about the person that they are dating. Is that wrong? I don’t know the answer. I do feel that it is lazy Television producing to keep throwing out the same dating sceneros with different decor and people.
I think women have been set up to be disappointed in romance. Beginning with those early charming school days, when everyone gave each other little cards, she is led to believe the whole world loves her. Why, here is the evidence in a mountain of paper hearts. Her rude awakening comes slowly as the pile of cards grow smaller with each year. One day there is none at all, and she is crushed. She must learn how to become dating material so she can receive more cards.
Once she joins the dating game, she realizes just how tough the competition is. Everyone wants to be the Valentine card queen. They’ve pulled out all their lethal weapons; hair color, clothing, make up and jewels, and have practiced their best personality smiles. She’s reached a desperate moment. There is only one thing left she can do. Go in front of a camera so thousands of faces can see her. She may not win the contest, but at least she’ll boost her chances of getting a Valentine.