Hunger Games

I thought that the novel was really good. I like the way Suzanne Collins writes, I think she has great word choice and imagery. In times I felt like there was a vivid movie playing in my head. It really does parallel reality television  except in a more violent fashion. It exploits the people involved in the "Games" so that the viewer can get some entertainment. The whole love triangle with Katniss, Peeta, and Gale, added an interesting plot point. I feel like reality television today also uses the love triangle aspect to create drama for the viewers enjoyment.

Reality Tv

I would not consider myself a fan of reality television however, if it is ever on I always get sucked in. Neal Gabler's article on reality television really made me think about it. Why do we like it so much? Why does it suck us in? He tells us its because its socially expectable voyeurism and claims, "Watching these programs is a way of safely exercising mischievousness in a society that allows few opportunities to do so. They allow us to be moral outlaws." I am not sure if I agree with that of not. What I do agree with 100% is his second reason, we can relate to the people on the shows because they are people just like us, except they got on air.

The new season of, "The Real World", really sums up reality television. The episode I watched was the first of the season. They were all meeting each other and there was not much drama yet. But I feel like the producers put people together that they know are not compatible to create drama.