Watching reality television is one of my guilty pleasures. I’ve been a fan of reality television since MTV’s Real World first aired in 1992. I honestly can’t explain why. I simply find reality television entertaining. I make no apologies for keeping up with the Kardashians, or for being a fan of the “Housewives” franchise. And it’s clear that I’m not alone. There’s a reality show to fit the interest of everyone. From game shows, to cooking competitions, to reality court shows, the market is saturated with more reality shows than any one person can keep up with.
Over the years, reality shows have become more and more sensationalized. The more drama the stars of the show create, the better the ratings. It’s disappointing that I no longer watch many of my once favorite shows. They have become too over the top and portray negative stereotypes. In an effort to combat some of this bad behavior, many reality shows have introduced counseling into their story lines. Shows use various forms of counseling to help counteract the bad behavior their stars have become known for. Not only do cast members have conversations about mental wellness, shows also incorporate the use of pastoral counseling, marriage/couples therapy and even anger management.
Reality television has opened a conversation about mental wellness to people who might not otherwise be introduced to the concept. It’s sad to admit, but many African-Americans still have a problem discussing their mental health issues not to mention going to therapy. Overall, Black people are just less likely to go to therapy. So, is reality television helping or hurting the effort to expose African-Americans to mental wellness and treatments? Dr. Seth Meyers worries that some reality shows might tarnish the image of psychotherapy. What do you think? Do you think it’s a good idea to highlight mental health on reality television, or do you think that reality television gives mental health and therapy a negative image? I’m torn between the two. Sometimes I think that including mental health issues in reality shows can be negative. For instance, these mental wellness additions could possibly be a strategy to divert any potential law suits. Take for example, Porsha Williams of the Atlanta Housewives going to anger management. (click here to view clip) Or the shows can perpetuate negative stereotypes African-Americans have about mental health and therapy. Tamar Braxton provides a humorous yet culturally true sentiment about how some African-Americans view therapy in her show Braxton Family Values. On the other hand, discussing mental wellness on reality television can be positive. The talk show The Real provides viewers inspirational content about postpartum depression. (Tamera ‘Postpartum Doesn’t Last’)
In the meantime, as we debate this issue, the content is still available to viewers. I hope broadcasting any information about mental wellness to millions of people will outweigh any negative pretense or consequence. It all boils down to this. Watching a therapy session on television doesn’t take the place of actually going to therapy. And, hearing about mental wellness on reality television doesn’t make us more informed. We have to do our part in our personal reality to deal with any mental health issues that might arise in our life. Let’s keep this conversation going. And as always, let’s press on together!
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