Speaking of Reality Shows

Reality shows are evolving just like society and entertainment evolve. One particularly interesting reality show is called "Wife Swap" on ABC.

It was not particularly interesting at first, when the families involved were basically different only in minor variations, i.e. from different economic strata, or different geographic locations, or with different family arrangements, e.g. single parent or extended familiy etc.

Then it got interesting when stark contrast between very different families were involved: different races, different faith, different lifestyles. Instead of simply providing entertainment, the show takes on a whole new dimension, of providing social commentary to the audience, and soul-searching for the participants.

What makes the show successful, in my opinion, is the unique structure of the families forced to follow the rules of the wives, so that they are forced to live in the others' shoes. The rules are prepared according to a "Household Manual" which each wife prepared before the swap. The show revolves around their attempt to follow the rules. At the end of the first week, each wife is allowed one week to change the rules for the new household. And the final wrap-up session between the couples facing each other to discuss what they learned from the experience is often very revealing.

So, what constitutes a reality show, and how is it part of Alvin Toffler's prediction of a "Prosumer" society? What does blogging have in common with reality shows? ...to be continued.