Not A Jealous Hater

Really, I'm not. Envious sometimes, maybe (I'm only human). I'm one of those people who actually likes to see others be happy. If I'm watching a game show like "Deal or No Deal" and the contestant does not do well, I feel bad for them--even if they were greedy or screwed up. If a gossip mag reports about a celebrity breakup or divorce, I don't find pleasure in it--in fact, I rarely read those articles--I just see the headlines while I'm standing in line at the grocery checkout or hear the blurb on a TV promo.
I don't "hate" Jon and Kate Gosselin because they bought a large new home with acreage--it's HOW they bought the home that I have an issue with. Selling out your children's privacy so you can achieve a certain lifestyle is just not right, in my opinion. Receiving offerings from well-meaning churches is fine if you are totally honest about your situation--no half-truths or "lies of omission." Getting "free" things--appliances, furniture, trips, etc.--not a crime--if they are, in fact, donations. However, nothing in life is "free" --there is a trade off--and parents trading their children's private moments for more "stuff" is not OK with me. If it were a matter of survival--having to trade certain things like the right to privacy for necessities such as food, clothing, shelter and medical care--I would be less critical. However, that is clearly not the case with this family.
For those that say "no one is perfect"-- I say, DUH! Of course no one is perfect. We all make mistakes, errors in judgement, wrong choices, etc. We human beings sometimes act selfishly, misbehave, act cruelly or thoughtlessly. You live, hopefully, you learn.
In the end, I really do wish the best for the Gosselin family--yes, Jon and Kate included. What I mean by "the best" does not mean "the best" houses, cars, clothes, trips, etc. I wish them a loving home with parents and children that appreciate and respect one another. I hope they can have good relationships with friends and extended family. Heck--I wish that for everyone. Peace.

Reality TV and the "Culture of Mean"

If one looks at the majority of reality TV programming-- it would seem that "mean," "nasty," "obnoxious" sells. Apparently, the viewing public loves to watch people that they "hate." I wonder why this is-- has some PhD in Sociology or Psychology done a study/thesis about this phenomenon? When did this start?
Some possible candidates responsible for the popularity of meanness in reality TV story production:
Omorosa-- meant big ratings for The Apprentice-- people even loved seeing Donald Trump saying "You're fired!"
Puck on The Real Word -- big ratings for acting like a borderline nutcase
Richard Hatch-- season 1 Survivor winner--fat, naked, lazy, lying and manipulating man won the million

Simon Cowell-- 'nuf said

The Jerry Springer Show -- I cannot for the life of me understand why this show still is on the air

Don't even get me started on Bridezillas, My Super Sweet 16 and similar shows that glorify bratty behavior and conspicuous consumption--they make me want to send my first through the TV (and no, I don't watch these shows anymore--not good for my BP).

Some viewers have said that that they enjoy such programs because they are "real"--showing human behavior "warts and all." Well, the REAL real world has enough "realness" for me. It's out there for all to see and experience--don't need to watch a TV show for "realness." TV is an excellent medium for sharing information, educating, entertaining, discussion, debate, etc.--I'm not trashing the whole television industry.

It has been said that we are a nation of voyeurs--but why do we apparently like to watch the negative aspects of human nature so much? Does it make us feel better about our own shortcomings? Does watching others behave badly somehow justify our own bad behavior?

Is it Schadenfreude?--enjoyment over the foibles/misery/troubles of others?

I don't know--I wish someone would enlighten me.