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Thursday, February 28, 2008

New York on TV, Coming Soon

Subway
Photo by myself on the A train at the 50th Street station. My fellow passengers must have thought I was odd for taking this photo, but I liked the colors.

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Bravo will soon be showing a new series called The Real Housewives of New York.

The previews show five socialites in their 30's and 40's. Some have second homes in the Hamptons and attend glamorous functions. One is shown pooh-poohing the suburbs and trying on various pieces of expensive clothing. She looks particularly uptight and annoying.

I'm rather put off by this representation of New York. First, why call these freaks housewives? These are women of privilege, who have 'help' around the house. One is a Countess. Yes, they have jobs, but it's not the same as the rest of us. They don't seem to need their jobs. They don't seem to struggle.

I challenge Bravo to display some real people, who can be just as interesting and who are authentic. I guess one obvious reason for the subject matter is that most people struggle through life. Most people need their paycheck. Why put average people on television when those are the people watching?

Please don't be fooled if you wind up watching the series. What they're showing is a micro snapshot of a smidge of New York, and they have chosen perhaps the least interesting demographic, at least, to me.

If Bravo showcased artists or designers, first-year lawyers or bankers, even hipster douchebags shacking up four to a Williamsburg loft, then I'd tune in.

14 comments:

Mo said...

I don't wath to much TV these days. Another bunch of shallow and vapid women, who probably have rotten children. I'll pass.
Great photo, your fellow passengers noticing you taking a photo in a NYC subway is priceless!

Ming the Merciless said...

Because these "characters" make for good television. Otherwise, nobody would watch it.

That said, I'm so ready to be a bitchy, spoilted house husband who screws around with the help. :-)

Ha Ha Sound said...

I can't stand reality TV. I hate to sound like an old grump, but I think it's symbolic of the dumbing down of America. Have you seen this clip floating around the Internet of the woman on the game show who gets $200,000 for admitting that she cheated on her husband?

I can't even cringe. I'm just beyond it.

Anonymous said...

No I don't watch reality TV either because it bears no resemblance to reality. Who in their right mind would want to "star" in such a programme? No-one normal would, only those after their 60 secs of fame. Would you? I wouldn't.

As for these women, everything they do in life is a hobby really isn't it? I would love not to have to worry about money but I would hate to live like that. A bit of a struggle keeps us sharp and keeps us human.

Fredrik said...

In Sweden we still have two state TV-channels without commercial and they show quality programs, interesting documentaries and good entertainment shows. Just like BBC in Brittain I suppose. The rest is just rubbish. And full of bad reality shows. It's humiliation TV. Personally it makes me sick. We have to ask ourselves what kind of message we send to our kids today when all shows build on contests and voting. Like American Idol and America's Next Top Model.

Kitty said...

Mo, good point. I empathize most with the children. They grow up more prone toward addiction. Many become 'artists', trust fund babies who don't need to work. I don't envy them.

Ming, you crack me up! Bitchy would be fun. I'd hire some architects to build me an extravagent house and then torture them to death.

Haha, the funny thing is, I'm addicted to reality tv. Except I'm a reality tv snob. Top Chef and Top Design yes, NY Housewives no.

I haven't seen the clip, but I have seen the show. It's not as interesting as it could be, and you have to wonder who would sign up to humiliate themselves and their families for cashola.

Reality tv is just a cheap way to get viewers. No writers, no fancy set, no actors to pay.

RB, I am with you. I'm all about the struggle and living my normal life, out of the spotlight.

Fredrik, I had no idea about tv in Sweden. You're lucky! I wish we had more quality public tv without commercials. They should invent a channel changer that automatically mutes or skips commercials.

Kids these days..hm. They have some challenges. I'm glad I grew up without computers and cable tv.

fishwithoutbicycle said...

Hi Kitty, I feel the same way about this show, it's a very unrealistic representation of New Yorkers.

I also like reality TV to an extent, Top Chef and Project Runway are the two I would single out. I like the creative aspect of these two shows, but I can't stand other reality shows.

Spandrel Studios said...

Right on, Kitty!

At least according to that preview episode, one of those so-called housewives isn't even married! They showed Bethenney talking to her boyfriend about taking the next step in their relationship - and he looked none too pleased about having the conversation in front of a camera. And who could blame the guy?

Also, Bethenney was one of the rejects on the Martha Stewart version of The Apprentice - she was annoying then, and looks even more annoying now.

Anonymous said...

Reality TV truly IS dumbing down the children of today. I miss all of my "written" shows like Boston Legal. It's like the schools taking out all of the music and art classes, we cannot thrive without creativity and artistry surrounding us. It's a shame...

Kitty said...

hey Fish! It's great to have the typical NYer opinion on this. We should petition the show.

Spandrel, who in the world calls themselves 'Bethenney'??! I can imagine how annoying she is.

Damien, welcome!
There are so many witty, smart shows that have since disappeared. I agree with you. Thanks for stopping by.

Mike said...

That channel has good shows. I like a lot of them they have on.
But why not show regular people like me who eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches at night and cut coupons out of the paper to save a buck on food?

Kitty said...

lol, Mike, you're signed!

Mom Knows Everything said...

I don't watch shows like that because they aren't real. I don't know any housewives like that. Now if they made a show showing a mom up all night with a sick child, but still being able to drive the car pool, do the grocery shopping, clean the house, help the kids with their home work and still make supper with only 2 hours of sleep it would be a lot more realistic. Oh wait I think I just described myself. hehe

Kitty said...

I retract my Bethenney criticism. She was given her name, after all.

Tammy, you poor thing! I hope you get some R+R soon (in the next few years at least?)