I think Dave Pell makes an excellent point about, [GASP!], a possible upside to reality television…
The irony here is that reality programming is
essentially driving Americans back to their
dinner table conversations and away (at least
momentarily) from the tube. Unlike the average
sitcom, reality TV almost demands conversation.
Slowly but surely, average Joes and Janes may find
that they enjoy the sound of their own voices even
more than the ones pouring out of their digital
surround sound systems. By getting us talking once
again, reality television may ultimately squeeze
itself right out of the primetime lineup.
I find this somehow both encouraging and disturbing.
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