Is it just me, or has the search for the next
”
reality show
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gone a bit too far?
Is it just me, or has the search for the next “reality show” gone a bit too far? First off, who really thinks these shows have anything to do with reality? Most of us are not plucked from our humdrum daily lives and tossed into exotic places where we have to learn basic survival skills under the watchful eye of a camera crew. And no matter how many people pine for their dream partner, the chances of finding him or her on a television show is pretty lame, even if they are (or aren’t) a millionaire.
Now, I’ll admit to being hooked on one reality show – “American Idol.” At least this show highlights real talent, without all the back-stabbing other shows seem to court. Getting through the audition process was an amazing challenge in its own right. I wouldn’t blame any of the judges if they popped tranquilizers during the auditions. I could barely sit through some of the auditions they showed on TV because I was too embarrassed for the contestants.
Now there is a new reality show called “Mr. Personality” in which a beautiful woman chooses the man of her dreams, who happens to be wearing a mask. My first question for the producers of this show is, why is the woman looking for her dream man a beauty? Let’s go for the regular-looking gals, not a drop-dead gorgeous woman who’s probably never had a problem getting a guy in real life. Of course, all these men will do their best to impress her. Beautiful women have always encouraged men to do their best.
But what if the female contestant was 30 pounds overweight with an average build, crooked teeth, unruly hair, a face filled with freckles and a knockout personality? Would these guys still try so hard to get her to choose them? Probably not, but then this is a “reality show,” and in real life we know there are no average-looking people, only beauties – if we believe what we see in Hollywood.
Not only are these reality shows hitting the airwaves, they’re creeping into the everyday world. Some restaurateurs have decided that for diners to get the full taste of their food, it’s better to eat in the dark. It’s a new trend that begin in Europe and has slithered across the Atlantic Ocean into some U.S. restaurants.
Since dining in a dimly lit room is supposed to be romantic, how about going one step further and eating dinner in the dark? Not only do you not see your date (and on a blind date this would mean having to go with personality alone), you don’t get to see what you’ve ordered. I guess chefs would find this easier – no longer would they have to spend precious time on food presentation. One swipe with the knife and fork and it would be all over the plate anyway.
In one New York restaurant the bar is lit but the restaurant is plunged into darkness. Diners are seated next to anonymous couples, a good way to meet new friends or make new enemies. They are then served their meal, which they eat in total darkness. Let’s hope no one has to use the rest room during this time. Guests staggering around the dining room could be hazardous to everyone’s health.
And how do the waiters and waitresses see to serve the meals? They don night-vision goggles, allowing them to take care of the guests during the forced blackout. According to those who try this method of dining, your taste buds are enhanced by the lack of vision, allowing you to enjoy your food to the fullest.
Personally, I’m not sure I’d be comfortable eating this way. I want to see my food, analyze it, make sure it looks like it’s cooked properly. Sitting next to an anonymous couple wouldn’t bother me; when I lived in Germany it was a common practice. In most small restaurants the tables were like picnic tables. Strangers were always joining you.
Then there’s the question of the waiters and waitresses. Since they’re the only ones who can see, they’d have free rein to make fun of the guests – using gestures, of course.
It will be interesting to watch this new reality trend creeping into our restaurants. If it continues, there may come a day when we literally have to sing for our supper.
