Are You A Reality Show Junkie?

By / Food / April 8th, 2010 / 1

There’s a new reality show on W Network called The Cupcake Girls. It features two best friends who started a cupcake/cake shop a few years’ back in Vancouver. Based on the first episode, this reality show is no different than any other. The personalities are the product. It’s kind of like Marshall McLuhan’s “the medium is the message” taken to some bizarre conclusion. I’ll admit it right upfront: I’m no fan of reality shows. They’re not reality. And any references to The Lord of the Flies is distorted at best. The very fact that people know that they’re being filmed automatically negates the authenticity of what they happen to be doing or saying. The reality show becomes nothing more than a story performed by amateur actors.

Heather and Lori, the protagonists of the show, jumped on the cupcake bandwagon without knowing a thing about baking or business. No skills, no business plan, yet they now have six locations. I suppose there’s certainly something to be said about ambition and drive! Well, good for them.

I’ll say one thing for The Cupcake Girls: I was totally drawn into the show. Even as I knew that what I was watching was heavily edited to portray a particular tone and message, I couldn’t help being interested in the characters. Do you really believe that what you’re seeing on a reality show is real life? I think I’d rather enjoy a cupcake with a good book.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rosemary Mantini has always loved words. When she isn't working as the Associate Editor at Tidings Magazine, she's helping others achieve their writing dreams, and sometimes she even relaxes with a good book and a glass of wine.

Comments are closed.

North America’s Longest Running Food & Wine Magazine

Get Quench-ed!!!

Champion storytellers & proudly independent for over 50 years. Free Weekly newsletter & full digital access