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The Dangers of Reality TV

In the article “The Dangers of Reality TV” Timothy Sexton states that “image over ability” is expressed in media. Appearance is the first thing people look at before looking at your skills. People get judged based on looks instead of their ability to complete a task.  Many believe that by changing the way you look can lead them to becoming successful later on in life. In these reality shows anyone can achieve the American Dream without an education. This is where “image over ability” comes in.

 I agree with Timothy Sexton that for many people looks is what they mainly depend on. In our generations visiting doctors to get special treatments is becoming more normal instead of taboo. Managers look for workers that can help them get more customers instead of looking for someone that can quickly get the job done.

While working in my grandma’s restaurant I realized that she is “image over ability”. She would rather choose a more elegant looking female than one that is hardworking. My grandma believes that by having an attractive waitress more people would start coming to the restaurant. There was once a girl that didn’t have such good looks but was a hardworking, always on time and completed her job correctly, but my grandma didn’t like the way she looked. Instead, she picked a female that was more appealing but was lazy when it came to working. Many managers do this because they believe that attractive workers bring positive impacts to their business.

Another incident that made me believe “image over ability” will get me far in life is visiting my doctor. I came to get my shots since I wasn’t up to date and came out thinking I should care more about my looks instead of my ability to complete a specific task. My doctor suggested that I should get botox and other procedures. When I asked him why, he told me that it’s one step closer to becoming fortunate. This is because in my generation education plays a less important role than looks in an individual’s life. He told me many people rely on their looks to be acknowledged by others.

“Image over ability” can be related to “never judge a book by its cover”. Many people will pick up a book with an interesting cover instead of a best selling book. In comparison, many will choose a more appealing person than a less provocative individual. By watching reality television shows many people believe that the importance of having an education and behavior doesn’t count. It is sad, but in many cases this can relate to everyone’s life in one way or another.