DANIELLE SMITH

According to the Oxford English Dictionary ‘reality TV’ is “television programmes in which ordinary people are continuously filmed, designed to be entertaining rather than informative.”

A post on Everydaypsych.com posits that “It is the uncertainty about what is real and what is fake in these shows that drive interest in them.” Resolving this uncertainty depends in part on where the show falls on the reality TV continuum. At one end of the continuum are shows like news broadcasts where everything (often unfortunately) is real, or supposed to be. At the other end is something like Game of Thrones, where everything is fake/fiction. Between these two poles, there is a vast grey area that allows viewers to decide for themselves what is real and what is not.

“Even the most devout reality TV fans recognize that it’s a TV show. Obviously, there are camera people. Obviously, there is some staging to the scenes. Obviously, the stars on screen are aware of both of these things and so there is some acting going on … Because viewers have to figure out what part of the show is real and what part is television, viewers themselves are the ones who get to ‘create’ (or determine) which experiences are authentic.”

To decide what is real and what isn’t, viewers compare themselves to what is happening on screen. If they would have reacted in the same way as the protagonist it heightens the sense of authenticity and vice versa.

This relates to another reason reality TV can be so compelling. It’s usually full of conflict and drama, making it difficult not to choose sides. “And just as a sports game becomes vastly more appealing when you want one team to win, so does reality TV become more appealing by giving you someone to root for (or root against).”

I have to say that based on some discussions that I have been unfortunate enough to overhear, I question the veracity of the statement that “reality TV fans recognize that it’s a TV show.” It just doesn’t make sense that somebody can get as worked up as I’ve seen about something they know is fake…

A study by Steven Reiss of The Ohio State University and James Wiltz of Benchmark Human Services asked respondents to rate their motives for action (power, status, curiosity, etc.) and how much they enjoy certain reality TV shows. Their biggest finding was that those who enjoy reality TV most are likely to be motivated by self-importance. (Why do I not find that surprising?) To a lesser extent, they are also likely to be: “vindicated, friendly, free of morality, secure and romantic” compared to society at large.

Whatever your view on reality TV is, one thing is certain: It’s hard to avoid.

Until next month

DEADLINES - MARCH 2023 ISSUE

Bookings - 13 February 2023 | Artwork - 15 February 2023 | Editorial - 13 February 2023

Notice For Public Comment

INTENTION TO START PARKING MANAGEMENT ALONG THE MAIN ROAD IN FRANSCHHOEK

Notice No. 8/2023

Notice is hereby given, in terms of the Municipal Council's Resolution, Item 11.6.1 taken at the 7th Council Meeting held on 22 August 2022, of the Municipality's intention to start with parking management along the Main Road in Franschhoek.

Parking Management comprises the implementation of parking tariffs, the collection of fees and other associated tasks. Recent commercial developments in the Franschhoek Central Business District, have led to an increase in the demand for parking, necessitating the need to implement parking tariffs. The municipality therefore intends to implement parking tariffs from 1 July 2023 on approximately 146 parking bays located on the Main Road. The parking tariff amount will be determined through a separate municipal process, and these will be made known in subsequent publications. It is noted that free parking is still available at the municipal parking area located at the corner of Dirkie Uys and La Rochelle Streets.

The public is invited to provide comment / input to the municipality, on its i n t e n t i o n t o s t a r t w i t h p a r k i n g m a n a g e m e n t a l o n g t h e M a i n R o a d i n Franschhoek.

Any inputs may be forwarded to: engineering.services@stellenbosch.gov.za or submitted to the following address: Second Floor, Ecclesia Building, 71 Plein Street, Stellenbosch.

Comments / inputs must be submitted on or before 1 March 2023. Any person who is unable to read and write or has any sight disability, will be assisted by an official at the above-mentioned address, should they not be able to provide comments on their own accord.

Geraldine Mettler Municipal Manage

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