Hyper Reality in a Reality Show

Reading several articles in Kompas about reality show, it seems that all the rotten things behind those programs unveiled. The first article is about Ian Kasolo, the finalist from Dangdut Mania 1 in TPI. He was one of the striking contestant at that time, who successfully stole the attention from the society. Supported by his resemblance to Ian Kasela, he was one of the memorable contestant. Though he didn´t manage to win the competition, the impression that he left is quite good.

In that article, he admitted that after the show, life didn´t go as he already expected. There is no glamorous job, no glamorous life like all artists, not even any privileges. Yes, he did star in some sinetron at TPI, accepting singing job in some cheap show sometimes, but not more..... His recent life turned out to be miserable, working under another contestant. Nothing he could do to help and assist his family. And furthermore, he is scared to death to come back to his hometown. Why? Because almost all the people in his hometown thought that he is already a successful and rich singer. What an ego!

Surprisingly, at Monday (06/04), Kompas again published three articles in its Kehidupan rubric about the reality show. (Wew, so happening, eh?) It is said that in the recent situation, where the economic growth is way beyond our expectation, and the social condition is far weak, the television has positioned itself as the Messiah, as the salvator, as the way to reach something in an instant. It offers us with the temptation of dreams, fame, and richness.

No, I didn´t try to criticize the television, since they have absolute power in looking for the profit. They offer things, they make people dreamed, they lead people to ecstasy. Seen from the marketing and economics side, it is legal for the television to turn into a stage of hyper reality, where something beyond reality happened. This is a fake thing, quasi matter, but beyond the real reality. (Ouw, confusing!) In this case, the television became a phantasmagoria room, where the images come and go in a speed of light, within the pre-created hysteria.

If I had to put the blame on someone, I will certainly put it into the people, who take everything literally, by giving in all their dream within this room, who also giving in all of them within it, thus leaving the real way, the usual way, the usual self, hence being someone completely different from themselves.

And quoting the manager of TPI´s comment, ¨We just gave them the chance to be on TV, not promising the contract or such!¨ Thus, allow me to laugh!