Reality Television

     These days, it seems to me that eighty percent of television programs are categorized as "reality television". Between shows that follow a group of people living under one roof (like Jersey Shore), shows that document certain lifestyles (Hoarders), and shows that encourage a competition (Survivor), it is difficult to believe that any of these shows are anything but influenced by producers. How can a producer guarantee that people are going to watch a group of 20-25 year olds living in a house together? These shows are casted, and individuals are chosen based on the producer's ideal group of entertainers. If you are a nice, hardworking, girl who rarely drinks and would rather stay in and watch a movie than go to a club...you aren't getting on a reality show. The concerning thing is, if people actually believe that these people are realistic or "normal" people, it can have a huge affect on their behavior.
     Reality shows tend to feature violence, reckless behavior, and general cattiness and disloyalty. Constant consumption of this material normalizes it, even to those who may watch knowing it is scripted. People see "Snooki" on Jersey Shore saying, "I'm so upset, I need to go get drunk", and that becomes socially acceptable. Media does have the power to change social norms. And unlike shows that cast actors as actors, reality shows are particularly dangerous because it seems real. For the younger audience, these shows seem to have a much greater affect. We as a society don't want our youth to be influenced by shows that promote promiscuous and hateful relationships. The future needs to consist of good communication and level-headedness, not partying to "solve" a problem.
     That being said, the shows make great entertainment, and a lot of money which is why they continue to be produced. People just need to recognize that these shows are entertainment. Even if a person on a reality show seems relatable, odds are it isn't them you're relating to. Television is always about image and character. Unfortunately, even the news isn't always straightforward. People in mass media have become obsessed with doing what sells. I think that this can sometimes compromise integrity and honesty, two very important elements in the human world.

The Attraction of Celebrities

Why are people so interested in the lives of movie stars and recording artists?
Especially in Western culture, people become so infatuated with the happenings in the celebrity world that they spend money on magazines just to read that Jake Gyllenhaal is dating Taylor Swift or that Christina Aguilera has been arrested. It seems as though fame separates celebrities from "normal" people and their lives outside of the industry only further isolate them from real day-to-day life. It's somewhat dehumanizing to have their social lives poked through as entertainment. Years ago, celebrities were known for the one thing they should be known for: their talent. But now there are people like the Kardashian sisters who leave me wondering, "what are they even famous for?" I think that reality television has definitely played a huge part in the surge of talentless celebrities. Now anybody can be famous because America loves to see these "real" characters. But on these so called reality shows, how much of the stars' actions are influenced by the producer? Certainly most people's daily lives aren't worthy of a whole film crew. And the theory that any publicity is good publicity? Is that really true? I find it hard to believe that every celebrity out there wants their flaws displayed to the critical eye of the public. And it's really unfortunate that those talented and hardworking actors, actresses, and musicians, not to mention the writers and crew that work to make great films or music, get less attention because they don't have a drug addiction. It's almost as if celebrities get to a point in their career where they have to make one of two choices: stay in the business and work hard to gain your fans, or go completely off the deep end so everybody waits to see what you'll do next. It is difficult to imagine a world filtered of the untalented "fluff" in film and music. If only we could return to a world where all of these celebrities could truly be considered artists who do what they do driven by passion, not fame.

The 1920s

In the 1920s, "Vogue" magazine was beginning to grow into a larger publication. It was more widely distributed and therefore wound up in the hands of more women. Articles began to instruct women on what to wear and the finest fashions, often hailing from Paris. Other fashion magazines, such as "Harper's Bazaar" and "Vanity Fair" followed the pattern of pushing for styles. Magazines were illustrated and there were no cover girls.
The 1920s, or the "Roaring Twenties", symbolized a new, post-WWI era and this called for a new look. In 1920 a film came out called "The Flapper". It featured a young woman donning a bob, short dresses, and a rebellious attitude. The look began to take over with help from '20s actresses like Clara Bow and Joan Crawford. While more conservative women wore long hemlines and modest petticoats, the flappers were often frowned upon due to their seemingly risque wardrobes.

Top: Clara Bow in traditional flapper garb, Below: A 1927 "Vogue" magazine cover.

Flappers tended to have a more boyish figure while the conservative women were typically plumper. Actresses were very lanky, making that a popular shape for women who were into films. The fashion magazines were geared toward upper class women and tended to be stylish but still modest. Upper class women were usually more conservative and less likely to mingle with men in "speakeasies", underground clubs where people could go to drink alcohol during the age of prohibition. A slight separation existed between the film and magazine industries in terms of their target audience. Because you must be literate to read a magazine, they went out to wealthier women. Films focused on the beauty of imagery, and nearly anyone could access that.

Women's beauty was based on femininity, not size and shape. The '20s marked a revolution for the vivacious and lively women. It was the first time women really started to utilize makeup on a day to day basis. I believe that by having more freedom in their appearance, women began to feel liberated.

The Early 1900s

     In the early 1900s cinema was still silent and Hollywood had yet to produce any of the major female icons that were lusted after in later years. That being said, silent film actresses, such as Pearl White and Sarah Bernhardt, definitely accurately displayed what women aspired to look like in those times. Both wore their hair in curls, their skin pale and powdered, with a slight bit of rouge on their lips. Clothing was modest and movie stars were rarely seen outside of film. The idea of "sex sells" had yet to bloom. Women in advertisements were most commonly drawn, as opposed to photographed. They were also depicted as much more plain and common than the female movie stars.

Above, top: Sarah Bernhardt, bottom: a 1909 advertisement for shredded wheat.

In the photos above, the general 1900s fashion and style is clear. But upon further examination, it is obvious that Sarah Bernhardt's attire is much more fashionable and expensive looking than that of the woman in the advertisement, who is a display of the common woman.

In what was perhaps a more "honest" age of advertising, companies took the approach of producing ads that were informative and straightforward. They did not have to sacrifice creativity for honesty, but the ads were untainted by sexual or provocative connotations.