Broadcasting Yourself

1. According to Pinsky, what are some of the dangers of watching reality TV shows?
 Maybe because we tend to mirror some of the negative behaviors as if we had no home training and that it is acceptable because celebrities do it.

2. Which type of reality show is, in Pinsky's opinion the worst?
 He thinks that reality shows such as The Anna Nicole Show, The Osbournes, Britney and Kevin: Chaotic, Breaking Bonduce, and Hey Paula to be malicious.

3. What influences do the producers hav on reality show? How do they manipulate the cast members?
 They manipulate the environment constantly to keep the contestants feeling unsettled and challenged to encourage conflict and thus create drama.

4. Pinsky writes that " the road to fame paved with bad behavior". What does he mean by this? Can you think of current reality TV shows?
I have watched Love and Hip Hop a few times. It is all about who they need to stab in the back toget what they want or need just to have that celebrity status.

5. What is narcissism, and why is it so damaging? What does the myth of Narcissus have to do with narcissism?
Fascination with ones self. This can damage a persons view about themselves. The media tends to glamorize the negative behavior and once a person chimes in on the issues that the celebrity has it can damage their emotional well-being. After all they are humans and they still have feelings.

6. What are "weak ties", and why are they important to Pinsky's argument?
 Relationships with colleges at work or acquaintance are more useful in spreading certain kinds of info than other networks of close friends and family.

7.This reading is a chapter from Pinsky's book titled The Mirror Effect. Based on this chapter what do you think the "Mirror Effect" is?
How being on reality shows can exploit us in a negative way or positive way. When people come from no money and this is their only way for survival then they will be willing to do anything for fame.

Summary
Many will exploit themselves just to have the celebrity status. The 15 minutes of fame but not realizing what it can do to our self-esteem.

1. Would you be willing to be a contestant on a reality television show? Why or why not? If you had or have children, would you want your children to be on such a show? Why or why not?
No i could not be on camera for anything. I am too shy being in front of others. I also hold a respect and values towards my family. There is no way I would want to degrade myself or my family for 15 minutes of fame. As for my children. I don't think I would want them to do it either. The industry is so cut throat and if you do not have thick skin and or aggressive you will be eaten by wolves. They seem to prey on the weak.

2. Andy Warhol's famous quote "In the future, everybody will be world famous for fifteen minutes" refers to short-lived, meaningless fame; how is Chris Crocker an example of this? Can you think of other examples of flash-in-the pan celebrities? What qualities do they share?
Chris Crocker recieved his by posting a message on Myspace about Brittney Spears. As his views grew larger so did his ego. It showed that he had much more brewing deep inside of him, such as physical and sexual abuse.

3. In addition to asserting that reality TV makes stardom seem within anyone's grasp, Pinsky claims that reality TV has created "a new ethos of morality". What does he mean by that? Do you agree or disagree?

4.Do you agree that narcissism is a serious problem in American society? Why or why not?
Yes I do. It's a pattern that only strong people are willing to break and not continue. Now a days people in our society is all about improvement of themselves. No one is uplifting of others anymore.

5. Does social networking encourage narcissistic behavior among people? Why or why not?
We feed into others misery especially celebrities because they seem to be the easiest targets. They are always the ones in the spotlight so of course we do not want to be talked about in a negative way or seen by others in a negative way so we try to divert others attention to the celebrities.