Guilty as charged! I watch reality shows. It’s a guilty pleasure for many people, and I think that, really, there’s noting to feel guilty about, unless you’re using these shows to avoid a real life of your own.
So, what’s the up side of these shows? Top Chef , even through all the editing and drama, shows creativity and resilience and sometimes even some interesting food. All of the contestants were certainly accomplished chefs or they wouldn’t have made the cut. The show itself doesn’t necessarily test cooking skills. Instead, it tests creativity, flexibility, sometimes teamwork, and the ability to perform under pressure. I can’t say that Project Runway has made me want to buy anything from these designers, but, again, it’s fascinating to see what can be done in a tight time frame – and with some pretty unlikely materials, on occasion.
Will a new wardrobe change your life? Despite the impression that What Not to Wear gives sometimes, the answer remains no. Â It’s the off-camera conversations that we sometimes see a glimpse of that are interesting about this show. It’s not really about wardrobe, although there are plenty of good ideas about what is and is not flattering for the less-than-perfectly-shaped, it’s about self-care and self-esteem.
Mindless escapism? Yes, certainly. And a few good life lessons as well.