Stereotypes In Cmt's Party Down South

Reality TV is becoming more and more popular as the years progress, and the options are endless. You can catch an episode of CMT’s Party Down South or to go to the opposite end of the spectrum with MTV’s Jersey Shore with many other reality shows in between. The problem with these programs seem to be that they categorize and capitalize on particular stereotypes. Without even consciously being aware we are allowing stereotypes to develop through these shows on a regular basis. We don’t usually question what we watch on TV or why we enjoy it may just be something we need for stress relief after a long day at work, so watching reality where “real life” people are closely followed by a camera crew. While watching these shows people fail to realize that these “real” people tend to be a little more dramatized

for higher ratings.
It is shown in fact that most reality shows do encourage stereotypes and gender roles, for example in the show by CMT Party Down South one of the cast members Tiffany Heinen makes the statement “ We are about to show them what the south is all about” in the intro of the program.

Well if this statement and the shows activity’s correlate this means being from the southern states means to consume large quantities of alcohol, participate in any activity involving mud or dirt, and to hit your local honkey tonk on a regular basis. Unfortunately much more often than one would like the southern states have earned the title of being “simple” or “redneck” much before shows like Party Down South was released, but when this show aired this group of housemates gave the stereotypical southerner a whole new meaning. There are multiple other reality shows that exhibit the same forms of stereotypes such as Jersey Shore, The Real Housewives, Duck Dynasty etc. Although these shows are directed at many different viewers they all have the same message that particular races and genders from varying locations and economical standing all live life on a day to day basis in a certain

way.
Although it is claimed to be “real life” television many of behind the scene moments are set in to make real life seem a little more dramatic. One does have to wonder is life of a southern resident really that interesting, the answer of course not. If a camera was to document the day to day life of a normal 25 year old male or female from any state of their choosing the likely hood of the rating being off the charts would be slim to none. Why? There is no drama, real life although may have its ups and downs on a day to day basis but unfortunately for ratings sake, it is not up to soap opera standards. Therefore drama (arguments, hospital visits, sex, and chaos) must be added to make real life just a little more interesting.
Although reality TV is highly ranked for entertainment purposes is it really doing anything for Americans and how we view one another? In this day and age stereotypes and racial slurs are everywhere, there are derogatory actions and comments used continually. With shows like Party Down South it puts a very negative stereotype on those who reside in the southern states, it does not portray education, values, or manors that are upheld in the southern states on a regular basis. It shows ignorance, and your typical “redneck” behavior. We as a whole should want better from our entertainment. There is a fine line between “reality” and “real life”, maybe the producers of shows should find it.