Hate, Inc.

What's with all the shows about people being so horrible to each other?

I am overwhelmed by all the TV series showing women being nasty and fake, men being boorish and rude and generally just celebrating conflict of all kinds. Can't we all just get along, people?

While many people are all about the escapism and drama of reality TV, I've gotta say I think the end of civilization as we know it is finally upon us. Before you judge me, hear me out.

Reality TV can be really fun. I enjoyed the first season of Survivor, before people figured out how it worked and used it to launch their own acting/modeling careers. I even loved The Mole, which used to show people figuring out different challenges in romantic locations like small villages in Italy. It was actually a game of wits, and I dig that. I also love Top Chef and Project Runway because, even though these shows can get a little "meow" at time, they require real skill and talent in order to win. Everyone loves a good competition. And I admit, I really like Millionaire Matchmaker becaue she's so ballsy and speaks her mind without hurting anyone. I've also heard great things about Amazing Race.

But when did shows like The Real Houswives become acceptable? They don't even DO anything. I don't even watch any of the show's incarnations (Orange County, New York, New Jersey) but just from the ads on Bravo, my skin starts crawling. Wealthy women getting upset about not getting invited to a dinner party, or being catty about another "friend" behind her back but sweet as pie to her face. Every teaser ad seems to show some sort of immature remark, backstabbing comment, or whining debutante. I'm really sorry you are pissed that she didn't invite you to her dinner party. But can't you put this much energy into doing something about global warming or animal abuse? Geez....

I seriously just think that entire franchise is disgusting. I won't even eatch it because I don't want to contribute one ratings point to this behavior. I struggle enough with my own inner demons and childish behavior - do I really need to encourage yours? What does this say about us as a culture? Fans tell me, "I love that show! It's like my release to watch all their antics!" And I get that. But it's just people being horrible to other people - and we make these people celebrities as a result. People who are so egocentric, they don't do anything but let cameras follow them around as they whine about whose husband got their wife a bigger diamond for Christmas.

I have to admit I melted some brain cells yesterday: I actually watched 15 minutes of Prais Hilton BFF over lunch. I admit it. I was curious. The entire 15 minutes consisted of these pathetic people vying to become best friends with a woman they don't even know (and when someone figures out what she's famous for, other than being brilliant business woman who has snowed us all into thinking she is a celebrity - which I do kind of admire in a warped way - just give me a call). There was a bachelor party and one young woman obliged the groom-to-be's request for a kiss (and not a peck). Apparently, this gal is the goody-goody in the group so it was not like her at all. The next day, she was forced to confront Paris and the other contestants (who Paris had ordered to "look at her shamefully when she comes out.") as well as the groom -to-be and his fiance. It was horrible. And as fake as Pam Anderson's breasts. The groom actor pretended to be all upset; the bride actress pretended she would call off the wedding and said, "We need to talk." And the poor girl who was goaded into all of this fake drama in the pursuit of being someone's "friend" apologized profusely and looked like she was about to cry.

These are the role models my nieces have to look forward to? They are 3 and 1 years old. God help us. After I saw that show yesterday, I needed a shower. I think we're seriously 2 steps away from Running Man.

I'm not a prude and I'm as pop culture junkie as the next person (probably more so), but this has got to stop. It's not like we have to be highbrow all the time, but seriously. We are influencing a generation of people who want to be known for how awful they are to each other, rather than one working to make this world a little bit better. And God knows, we need some help in that department right now. And I don't even have kids!

I have this awful feeling that when civilized society does implode, people will just stare at each other, dumbfounded, wondering what the hell happened. I'll give you three guesses, my friend.