Watching
Sexist Dating Reality Shows: An Anamoly
There
is a tonne of dating reality shows based all around the world, including
Single's Inferno, Love Island, The Bachelor series, and even our own MTV
Splitsvilla. And it almost seems as though their popularity has never been
higher. It is undoubtedly rather voyeuristic to watch others fall in love or at
least experience the attraction under various preconceived circumstances, among
other things. Why then are we so involved with it?
Vicarious
living and escapist entertainment
The
majority of romances in these shows do not last for very long, but despite
this, viewers continue to return to them. These extravagant and frequently
dramatic expressions of affection captivate us. We can only imagine making a
confession while bungee jumping or popping the question on the sand. Dating
reality shows provide us with the chance to experience them firsthand without
taking on the associated dangers and negative effects.
Even
while we are enjoying these shows, it may be important to look at their
underlying issues. Participants in these shows frequently exhibit toxic
masculinity norms and are sexist. In an odd display of male hubris, the males
square off against one another, treating the ladies like prizes and
objectifying them in the process. And even if they are allies, the women are
still being treated as objects of desire.
The
majority of dating reality shows follow a similar structure, with many
conventionally attractive single people looking for mates in a remote and
frequently confined setting. However, dating programmes like Change Days
challenge the "standard" by employing alternative methods (whether or
not these differences make things worse is a whole different conversation,
though).
As
a result, spectators can notice a variety of situations in this. Because we
were primarily confined to our homes and had few opportunities for outdoor
exploration during the pandemic-induced lockdowns, dating reality shows became
very popular.
We
all enjoy a little drama, whether we like to acknowledge it or not. Even if we
might never want to participate in them in real life, dating reality programmes
give us the ideal opportunity to observe them from a distance. All of this is
done in the name of love! Observing such shows can also teach us a little bit
here and there about red flags we should be aware of, phoney gestures, and
other facades.
Prizes
are frequently offered to winning couples in dating programmes, whether at the
conclusion or after each round. The need for love is therefore motivated by the
goal for material gain, turning it into essentially a tool to promote success.
Even if the show is conscious of what it is pushing, striving to be the romance
torchbearer makes it more difficult to watch.
And
in the end, it appears like there is nothing wrong with a little escape entertainment.
Toxic
masculine standards
Even
while we are enjoying these shows, it may be important to look at their
underlying issues. Participants on these shows frequently exhibit toxic
masculinity norms and are sexist. In an odd display of male hubris, the males
square off against one another, treating the ladies like prizes and
objectifying them in the process. And even if they are allies, the women are
still being treated as objects of desire.
Prizes
are frequently offered to winning couples in dating programmes, whether at the
conclusion or after each round. The need for love is therefore motivated by the
goal of material gain, turning it into essentially a tool to promote success.
Even if the show is conscious of what it is pushing, striving to be the romance
torchbearer makes it more difficult to watch.
Sometimes,
some participants are portrayed in a particularly villainous light, and this is
almost always the result of carefully thought-out editing. This is troublesome
not just throughout the course of the show, but also after it has concluded
because of the scathing criticism they face on social media. Additionally,
women are nearly invariably the ones who face the ire of the public and are
stigmatised, frequently without cause. Compared to their male counterparts,
they typically receive more open sympathy from the public. For the LGBTQIA+
community, the situation is worse.
During
the course of completing numerous "challenges," actors, idols, and
other celebrities from South Korea's former reality series We Got Married
pretended to be married couples. The dating behaviours of their favourite
celebrities are probably not greatly forgiven by Korean internet users. Most
famous people are shunned following dating rumours, and idols may even face
pressure to quit their bands.
Placing
those same superstars in a controlled atmosphere in order to arouse emotional
attraction in them for primarily public amusement is then highly disingenuous,
if not cruel.
Western
notions of love are frequently propagated in reality shows that are largely
depressing in representation and disdainful to the realities of the wider
world. The western conception of dating frequently demeans customs and ways of
life in other cultures and places a greater emphasis on sexual attraction than
on emotional chemistry.
On
the other hand, Asian reality programmes uphold harmful (and occasionally
bizarre) beauty ideals. They may only say something like, "I like her
creamy, white complexion," or "I like men with keen noses." Such
remarks merely serve to exacerbate the toxic beauty standards issues that
already exist.
Actually,
there is nothing improper about watching dating reality shows. Everyone enjoys
a little entertainment and pleasure every so then. Nowadays, when these shows
air, social media is very active. So, having curiosity is normal. Whatever the
motivation for viewing it, it is always preferable to be a vigilant viewer who
asks what is wrong and points out issues as they arise.