America's Next Top Trend is... Going Green!

Reality shows have rapidly grown in television within the past decade. From MTV’s Real World to The Hills, reality shows have become a significant part of television. Having become a reality show addict myself, I decided to investigate how reality shows generally portray environmentalism. I examined three shows: Survivor, America’s Next Top Model, and Keeping Up With the Kardashians. These were selected based on three sub-genres of reality televsion: the early reality shows, celebrity glorification, and scripted reality.

Survivor made its television debut in 2000. Countless media outlets, including ABC News have labeled the show to be one of the “Top Ten Reality Shows of the Decade.” The show unites a group of strangers who are forced to reside in extreme natural habitats. By its second episode, they had reeled in over 18 million viewers.

In general, environmentalists are generally pleased with the show’s premise. Although the show doesn’t report blatant “go green” ideas, the fact that the entire series is based off different, natural, and inhabited locations can leave viewers with an unconscious appreciation for the Earth. EarthTalk Magazine mentions a few disturbances, such as the affects on the spikes of tourism among those regions. However, these affects are considered minimal.

When Supermodel Tyra Banks launched the reality show America’s Next Top Model, the show became an immediate sensation. The ninth season in particular emphasized a “go green” theme. Tyra starts the season off by revealing the models’ method of transportation: a 100% biodiesel bus decorated with plants and seats made out of recycled tires. Many photoshoots also had environmental themes. The contestants were asked to pose rock-climbing in couture outits, model as a flower, and fashion outfits made of recycled materials. In addition to photoshoots, the model house consisted of nature-themed decorations and the individual commentaries of models had nature backdrops.

I use the phrase “celebrity glorification” to express people’s fascination and admiration with celebrities. Having a powerful celebrity consistently promoting “go green” ideas can leave viewers to think of pro-environmentalism ideas as being “cool.” Although Tyra Banks thinks collectively of the public's interest when accentuating the importance of preserving nature, how credible of a source is she? Why should I, a college student, trust the words of a former Victoria’s Secret model?


The same question comes into play when watching Keeping Up With the Kardashians. A show that follows the daily lives of the Kardashian family, the show is an example of a “scripted reality.” How can a 20-minute show accurately reflect a week of events filmed? In the third season, one of the sisters, Khloe, is approached by PETA to participate in the “I’d rather go naked” campaigns. Despite Khloe’s personal body image insecurities, she decides to partake in the campaign after seeing videos of animals being treated cruelly.

Sure, I believe that we don’t let silly celebrities interfere with our thinking. But with millions and millions of viewership, there has got to be some unconscious consequences for being exposed to reality shows. I am generally a believer in preserving nature, but how much of an influence did reality shows come into play? These messages are on television, which is easily accessible. Can this lack of the messenger’s credibility be dangerous? This time, don’t let Survivor’s tribal council or Tyra dictate. You be the judge.

-Lydia Kye