Thursday, February 25, 2010
Non-Fiction
As a culture, we seem to be fascinated by the chaos of reality TV, and love the voyeurism of looking at the lives of real people. Today we are bombarded with these shows that chronicle people’s life struggles or stories. All the while, shows on the History channel do not attract a young audience, and most students would find them dry and boring. All of these shows fall into the non-fiction category; what is it about this genre that either turns us off or leaves us captivated? How do you feel about this genre either in print or film?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
History has a way of repeating itself, making for the same stories all the time. What may spark intrest in this story is the fact that it is out of the ordinary. There are no instances that I can think of in history that compares to the story of Chris McCandless and his adveture. It is because of this oddity and various personal reasons that I find this non-fictional story intresting. Although books portay the real story, seeing books in film helps with a visualization if what is being read. However, history in either books or films is still overall boring to me.
ReplyDeleteI feel that what turns people on to this kind of genre of entertainment is that humans seem to have an obsession with looking in at the lives of other people. The other day I watched the "E" channel for an hour. Why? I don’t know exactly why. I just wanted to watch it. I went right by the history channel but when my TV changed to the drama that is happening in Hollywood I stopped. It came to the point where I was like "why do I care is someone wore an ugly dress to a party that I was not even invited to?" I don’t know exactly why I care. I feel the difference between history shows and reality TV to today’s youth is that it is something that is happening now. People can relate to the reality TV's documentation of people's lives because it is more recent. Soap operas are a scripted version of reality TV. Those shows are extremely popular to many because it provides the illusion of viewing the lives of other people from the safety of their own home. These type of shows spark interest in the people of today because it gives them the opportunity to experience the actual life of another person for a short while. The history channel on the other hand is a systematic documentation of past events that cannot be, for the most part, followed anymore. I don’t watch reality shows as many as most but for some reason I find myself not wanting to change the channel when the show "Extra" comes on or "Access Hollywood". I just sit there and watch other people lives along with the thousands of others who say they don’t care but secretly do.
ReplyDelete(Brian Bouyea)
I love this idea, we are doing literature circles with my class and we could maybe incorporate this in the future. I am anxious to hear how it develops.
ReplyDelete-Ali
EDC586-921 class
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI feel that young viewers tend to watch reality TV show rather than an educational TV show because we feel as if we can somehow relate directly to what is happening in another’s person's life. Viewers may believe that it is more interesting to watch something that we can relate to, than to watch something that occurred 200 years ago. I believe that the non-fiction genre captivates its reader or viewer because we can somehow relate to a different person’s story. For example, a reader may find it easy to somewhat relate to the story of Chris McCandless because many of us have found ourselves in the position where we need to get away from our problems or where we would like to experience a greater freedom. With a non-fiction genre I feel that it is meant to be read in print and then watched in film to get the full effect on how the story is trying to be portrayed.
ReplyDelete(Andrew Stephens)
I think people can sometimes relate to what's on reality television and that's why they watch it. Personally, I watch both. I think many people watch reality TV to laugh at the celebrities and their actions. They skip over educational shows beacuse they don't believe it would be interesting to watch. Many people get pulled in by the drama of the reality shows and decide that those shows seem much more interesting than a show on how the Earth was made. Non-fiction shows, movies, and books give us insight into what people really go through in life and sometimes we can relate.
ReplyDeleteI agree that most students would find it boring to watch the history channel then to watch something on reality television. To my perspective I think that people are more interested in other people’s lives during present society then something that happen ages ago. People watch reality television to relate things in there own lives to what other people have experienced them selves. Everyday people have to make decisions in life from experience that they themselves encountered or from someone else’s personal experience. This is why younger people are more interested in reality T.V then older people because older people have had more life experiences. Younger people are more interested in learning of present society because in the future they may come across the same problems themselves.
ReplyDeleteThe differences between watching reality T.V and reading about it are different in some ways. With reality T.V., something like big brother most likely is full of lies and roomers that may or may not be correct. If something was written down it most likely was given more thought, then something said.
Period 5
Eric Adams
Non Fiction is probably my least favorite genre of both television and books. I don't care which celebrity is dating who or how many outfits Lady Ga Ga can wear during one performance. This genre bores me because I live in real life so I crave things that I will never be able to experience. I want to see and read about worlds that I will only go to if I read or watch the t.v. Also, reality t.v. has turned into a genre in itself. Its neither real or fake. The shows do whatever they need to to get ratings. Fiction allows me to escape my life and go to places I've never been.
ReplyDeleteChristopher Croteau Day 1 Period 4
I think that captivating part of "reality t.v." is that it is so unrealistic. The crazy things that go on in these people's life is so uncommon and entertaining that it not only gives us something to relate to, but is also fun to watch because of the outrageous characters that some of these people have. Personaly, the reason that I enjoy watching reality t.v. on occasion is because it is so funny; it is not something I am watching to learn something or to benefit from, but to just get a good laugh when I'm bored. On the other hand, I think that non-fiction is very captivating when put into a movie, because it can be manipulated to attract young audiences. For example, if they are going to make a movie on Abraham Lincoln's life, they are not just going to show his presidency and all of the good times in his life. They are going to show the worst parts of his life; the parts that normal people go through everyday. The main thing that attracts young people to non-fiction are the visible flaws that are somewhat relatable to most people's lives.
ReplyDeleteAlex Caravetta Period 5
I think people watch reality T.V. because it is so different from their real lives that it entertains them. No one seems to want to watch a show on the History channel because they are about people in the past and not about some teenagers making stupid mistakes. The teens in our culture today don't watch educational shows because they find them boring. Personally I like to watch both. The history channel and even the discovery channel both have really interesting shows that are actually realistic and educational. But teens now a days would rather be watching shows about pregnant teenagers and whose dating who then watching worthwhile that will leave and impact.
ReplyDeleteI think people watch reality television because sometimes they can relate. Other times reality t.v. shows have content on them that seem so unreal and out of control that it entertains the viewer. Teens in today's society typically do not like to watch shows on the history or science channels because it is in the past. Also they can not really relate or be entertained by the content on those kind of shows. Personally, I do not like to watch the science channels because I find it extremely boring but sometimes the history channel has interesting shows on. I do not relate to most of the reality shows on t.v. but I do like watching them because I find them extremely funny and outrageous.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Hillary and many of the other pervious comments. Let’s face it. Reality T.V. is entertaining due to the outrageous behavior of different breeds of morons. Jersey Shore, Daisy of Love, For the Love of Ray-J, Rock of Love, and all the other “Loves” all contain people whose social skills are nonexistent. Yet their unpredictable actions keep us guessing and on the edge of our seats. If they didn’t interest us then they would not air on national television.
ReplyDeleteHistory and Discovery Channel may be boring to teenagers, because the initial thought of sitting through another history lecture is an immediate turn-off. Students’ minds may be exhausted from a typical school day and they simply do not wish to spend their remainder of their day gathering excessive information for their brain. That’s when mindless shows such as Jersey Shore appeal to the average teenage mind.
I think reality tv is more appealing to a young audience because it is not something that happend in the past so you do not know what is going to happen next. Reality tv shows are also made for specific audiences and young people happen to be one of those audiences. These shows are made to appeal to young audiences and what they are interested in. The companies behind these shows know this and thrive off this. They know what young audiences are interested in and make shows according to our interests. I am personally not a big fan of reality tv shows because 9 out of the 10 shows are all scripted and fake. All of the people in these shows are mostly told what to say and what to do for ratings and to make a good show. That is how I feel about reality tv shows and that is my view on what they are.
ReplyDelete(Stephen Hutchins)
I personally love old documentaries and non-fiction works because they are just fact nd actually events; however, I think the fact that it is over now is what people dislike about it. The excitement is not there with non-fiction because the end result is quite obvious; we already know how it will play out. There is no mystery or drama when the end is what you start with. Reality tv is made to excite and entice the view, non-fiction just tells a story how it happened. No added frills, no lights and explosions.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Stephen Hutchins. If it was not for the action happening right there and then reality tv would lose its appeal. Unlike non-fiction it has the pop that grasps the audience to keep them guessing about what will happen next. Reality tv makes people want to keep watching it; non-fiction stories are not very interesting because they have no extra pop that most reality shows are made to excite people.
ReplyDeleteChris Kervin
ReplyDeleteI feel that the reason why younger people are interested in the reality TV is because we can relate to what is going on. With the history channel we seem to lose interest very quickly because it is usually not something that we can relate to. Most reality shows are staged in order to make the show seem more "juicy" and that is what attracts us to watching them. When it comes to history, and non-fiction, that is something that is not staged, or changed to make it seem more interesting. We get bored of watching it because there is nothing added to it to make it seem more interesting and there is no gossiping or staging things to make certain things happen and to add more "drama" to the show. Since history is straight forward and it is not altered, it seems boring to us.
ReplyDeleteNon-fiction is a broad genre. I believe that is part of the reason that there are certain types of non-fiction that captivate us while other types bore us to sleep. Non-fiction in the form of a reality television show catches the interest of many people and is generally focused toward younger crowds. These shows let us peak into other’s lives, and allow us to feel like we are getting away with something during private or embarrassing moments in the show. Some reality television shows are suspenseful, or manipulate the filming to make a certain person on the show really loved or hated by the viewers, which pulls us in as well. The history channel, on the other hand, is generally very factual and objective. The topics are generally lacking devious behavior, ridiculous characters, and suspense. Also, the history channel often just has historical pictures, reenactments, or old men talking in a room while they sit in a chair. Basically, it is boring to the eye and lacking any scandal. Current reality tv is filled with provocative images and reflective upon the current culture.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I think that non-fiction is generally more interesting when watched rather than read. When I read a book I like to lose myself in the fictional world of the novel. I feel like losing yourself in the book is not as easy in nonfiction.
Oh Alex, what I was trying to say is that people watch reality T.V. because of the excitement, and that people unconsciously learn from what other people dealt with. I 100% agree with Jules and others who said that they do spark television so that they can get higher ratings, which makes it unrealistic.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Taylor. Books that are non-fiction are sometimes hard to "lose yourself" in, you have to really focus on whats actually happened. It leaves me breathless sometimes, and it's hard to really grasp what others researched while writing that book, while a fictional book is easy to follow. Fiction is an escape route away from all the nonsense and horror we tend to face each day. It's a new way of relaxing into a "new world". The same follows up from television. The non-fictional realistic T.V. shows are hard to attract attention, such as the history channel, yes it can be interesting, but it takes more than to just watch and then understanding it. With fictional T.V. shows its easier, more captivating, such as Alice in Wonderland, or Family Guy.
ReplyDeleteSamantha Cram
Period 5, Day 1 and 2
I think kids today are obsessed with reality tv because of its appeal to every audience. It explores people's lives and nothing is left out. You know what each character is about and the drama that they go through everyday. Kids do not find shows on the history channel appealing to them because there is nothing special about it. Sure you learn about different people or civilizations but you do not get to feel the emmotions of those involved like you do when you watch reality tv. I know I would rather watch a reality tv show than something on the history channel because it was the way I was raised. I grew up watching shows that appealed to my senses rather than watching shows about historical topics. I do think that reality tv would not be as popular in print because it would not allow you to feel the characters emmotions as well and you could not really see all the drama someone is going through.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I would agree that many high school students find non-fiction television boring, such as the history channel, I am personally fascinated with non-fiction stories. I think it’s interesting to learn about past cultures and how even though our society is very different from others we all encompass similar human qualities. Through different eras certain things remain the same, for an example; virtually every ancient culture had a form of religion to explain certain elements of life. To be able to relate to others from so long ago is amazing to me. I prefer non-fiction stories in print because there will always be unexplained questions, when I’m reading it is easier for me to fill in the blanks with my own ideas and develop my own opinions. Chris McCandless’ story is amazing and although the book tells us a lot, there are still a lot of questions I find myself asking. I like the idea of learning about who he is but adding to his personality from the way I picture him in my mind.
ReplyDeleteanna pleskunas
day 1 period 4.
I think that non fiction is entertaining, but that it depends on how it's represented. Some stuff on the History channel can be boring, while "reality" tv shows are action packed. I prefer to read non fiction than to watch it. There's just something about imagining everything rather than having the tv do it for you. I don't really know why "reality" tv shows are so popular. Perhaps it's because people are attracted to other people's stories? People like to escape and what better way to escape than by going into someone else's life? It makes you realize sometimes that your life isn't as bad as someone else's. I think that non fiction is attractive to so many people because it is an escape from their reality.
ReplyDeleteThe history channel is boring because its all jsut facts, and mostly pictures. the younger audience likes to see raw footage of real stuff that is happening. I would much rather watch people fighting on a reality show, then hear about how it happened a long time ago or read it in a book.
ReplyDeletePeople watch reality Tv shows becuase no matter who you are or where your from, everybody likes to see a person make an idiot of themselves. Whenever someone on a reality sow throws a tantrum or acts like a jackass people are entertained. Producers will do anything to up their ratings. To do that they must keep the masses entertained. Hence idiotic shows that keep people entertained and glued to theit tv screens.
ReplyDeleteReality tv really is not reality. People can say it is but the shows on the History Channel are reality and stories from other people who lived through the history. The History Channel is not amped up crap that is skripted and fake. The reality shows are all drama orientated to keep the viewing audiance whatching by new plot lines and issues that come up that make them come back every week and whatch the show. Because our society is so media based our younger generation only wahtches these reality shows and nothing else and not knowing what is going on except to whay is going on with their favorite character. The way that their world revolves around the "reality" of these people is why so many younger kids are stupid and have no clue what is going on.
ReplyDeleteI think that people are more captivated by reality TV because they can somehow relate to what happens. Reality tv is more interesting to people because it is happening in todays society and not in the past, and it isn't just dry information.
ReplyDeleteZach - Period 5
well personally I enjoy reading and watching non fiction books and TV. In the little time that i do watch TV i almost always turn to the non-fiction documentary channels. I like to watch these kinds of shows becuase by watching theses shows i am actually learning something and find it to be good tv opposed to a show where i wont learn anything new from it. I still like the occasional sitcom or cartoon but what i think draws me to the non fiction genre would be the realism of it the fact that it actually happened just interest me.
ReplyDeleteSam Waterman
I agree with Sam in many ways. The majority of TV that I watch is ether NBC thursdays or some kind of nonfiction channel. I am fascinated by history and shows that explore the lives of people from the past and present. One channel that I really enjoy is National Geographic. National Geographic has many shows that explores the lives of musicians, death row inmates, gangster, and historical figures. Their coverage is always very interesting and compelling. I would rather watch a show on National Geographic, than MTV. Not saying that I do not enjoy a good episode of the Jersey Shore, but REAL life is more interesting that fake realities. There is a blur between what is real and what is fake on reality shows. On the Jersey Shore Ronnie always got into fights, but it makes sense. A big guy with a TV crew following him. There are plenty of idiots who would pick a fight with him just to get on
ReplyDeleteTV. There is line where "reality" tv is entertaining, but not the truth.
I agree with zach. Often times when I flip on the History channel, it will be some long documentary on the founding fathers. I go to school to learn about that stuff, generally I am not interested in seeing it at home. My T.V. time is time that I put aside for myself to relax, and unwind after a long day, the last thing that I want to see is 3 hours of World War I. This is why i prefer other programs that would be classified as reality T.V. So what if it isn't "real" happenings to people, I don't watch it for accuracy, I just watch it for the entertainment value. There are a few documentaries that I enjoy watching, but generally, my T.V. time consists of sitcoms, cartoons, and other various programs.
ReplyDeleteJosh Paster
I agree with Sam because I actually like to watch and learn about things that are actually happening or have happened. After watching an educational show I feel as though I have learned something not just spent an hour watching some mindless reality tv show. I do however agree with some of what Josh said as well because some shows on the History channel really are just long and boring about things we have already learned and there for see no point in learning again.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Hillary. I also like to learn about things that have actually happened or may happen in the future. I find it really interesting.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Hope on this. I think more people would find non-fiction more interesting if it was presented in a different way. I do not look forward to sitting down and watching a 3 hour black and white documentary on the history channel. I think reality TV keeps people interested and entertained because people are able to watch real life events happening to real people. Also I think people are attracted to watching other people face different challenges and situations. Overall reality TV is much more entertaining for people to watch as they relax rather than the 3 hour documentary on the history channel that josh had mentioned.
ReplyDelete