Television shows promote bullying for drama and it’s not okay!

There are some really interesting reality television shows available for our viewing pleasure. They cover an array of tastes and interest — anything from House Rules to The Hotel Inspector, and reality programs about dancing, singing and food. I really love the competitions, watching particpants’ skills develope in front to my eyes. However, one thing that leaves me cold is the bullying that is creeping in to some of these television programs, especially those claiming to be ‘reality’.

Fortunately, not all reality programs are guilty of airing such behaviour, but I’ve found that on some shows bullying and intimidation seems to be a theme for the entire program. I’ve been appalled to see promotional ads played on television that highlight to everyone just how venomous and malicious some of these contestants can be. This behaviour is distasteful. Consider the number of people who tune in to such television shows and then consider the number of ‘little people’ who might be watching and interpreting that such behaviour is acceptable. No doubt the television — one with a big screen too — takes pride of place in the lounge room of a house, it belts out a lot of sound and flashes a lot of colour (remember how big we thought the television was when we were young?). Has anyone considered the impact television shows have on children and decision making?

Consider how you react when you’ve got the grandchildren visiting or you’re sitting around the television with your whole family, and bullying behaviour — ganging up on people, throwing around insults, name calling; all behaviours that are used to intimidate and humiliate — is being displayed on the screen. That might translate into certain actions in the school yard or in relationships with other children. We shouldn’t be condoning such mean and horrible behaviour, especially when we know there is a problem with bullying in schools that needs to be addressed.

Hell’s Kitchen and My Kitchen Rules (being nasty to someone’s face is apparently popular); The Block and House Rules (a show that was created with the illusion of promoting teamwork, only to see team members turn on each other); The Bachelor (contestants are nice to each other’s face, then they are stabbed in the back a minute later) are just some of the programs I’ve seen in recent years, but there are no doubt many more. We are told as a society that we thrive on drama, but I say we should protest by turning these shows off until they realise that behaving badly is not on!

Have you noticed bullying in some of the television shows you watch? How have you responded?

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