Why I don't watch reality TV

It's hot today.  The kids are relaxing in their air conditioned room watching Bob the Builder so I have a few minutes to share some random thoughts.

I am as guilty as the next girl of being drawn into celebrity culture.  I occasionally buy Star magazine and I have the Us Weekly app on my phone.  Guilty as charged.  Honestly, the magazines are a complete waste of money because I never read the stories. I just look at the pictures.  I like to see what they're wearing or doing, how they've changed their hair or if they've gained or lost weight.  That's about it.  What irritates me now is that reality TV "stars" are now appearing in celebrity gossip magazines.  For Heavens sake, is nothing sacred?  Everywhere I turn people are talking about Housewives of Wherever, Teen Moms, Jersey Shore, and I don't even know what else.  Who are these reality TV show people and why do I care?!  It's true, I used to watch a couple reality shows here and there.  And then I started noticing every time I did I was MAD at the people in them.  I was judging them.  I was thinking how completely stupid and annoying they were.  I was shaking my head in disgust.  But by watching I was supporting their behavior and helping them exploit themselves.  So I just decided one day not to watch anymore.  And I stopped watching the news and The View too.   Call me crazy, but "reality", or least how it is portrayed on TV, really bums me out.

I don't want to see teens being abusive or abused, unloving or unloved.  I don't want to see adults in their 20's being reckless, irresponsible, classless, sloppy and disrespectful.  I DON'T WANT TO SEE GROWN WOMEN TEAR EACH OTHER DOWN,  or mothers being petty and immature.  I get the concept of watching a train wreck and how alluring that can be and I know these people and people like them exist, but I refuse to accept them as reality.  It is not my reality and I pray it is not the reality of most people.

Disclaimer to friends and family who enjoy these shows:  I am in no way insulting your TV watching habits.  You have the ability to watch with enjoyment and without getting worked up. I am completely down with that.  Go on with yo' bad selves!