#sisterswhomakewaves

Reality TV

Definition of Reality TV from different angles:

Reality TV, a dominant television format for the past two decades, spans various genres including gamedocs, dating shows, makeover/lifestyle programs, docusoaps, talent contests, court programs, reality sitcoms, and celebrity-based shows (Murray & Ouellette, 2004).

Reality TV has changed over the years:

Reality TV has shifted away from its origins in documentary and social observation, now characterized by camera-ready individuals dramatically performing in emotionally charged scenarios, facilitated by semi-scripted formats, on-set manipulations, and post-production enhancements. Formerly portrayed as 'ordinary people', participants now hover on the brink of celebrity status, lured by the prospect of leveraging the attention garnered from their reality TV dramatic appearances for diverse forms of capital (Kavka, 2018, p. 7).

Authenticity:

Reality TV mirrors contemporary cultural concerns regarding authenticity in the midst of societal fragmentation, accentuating a broader societal desire for authentic connections and meaningful existence in an era marked by increasing uncertainty and individualism. Additionally, it champions the idea of embracing one's innate traits and values, influencing current understandings of self-identity, especially in relation to queer sexualities and gender identities (Lovelock, 2019, pp. 7-8).

Case study: Sisters Who Make Waves (Chị đẹp đạp gió rẽ sóng)

"Sisters Who Make Waves", a reality TV music show that aired on VTV3 on October 28, 2023, is the Vietnamese adaptation of a popular Chinese program aired on Mango TV. The show unites female artists aged 30 and above from diverse entertainment sectors such as music, film, modeling, acting, and business. With courage, participants push past personal boundaries to revive their youthful aspirations and ambitions on the music stage.

Talent show

This show could be characterized as a talent show, which is structured as a competition based on some form of talent (as this term is normatively construed) (Lovelock, 2019, p. 9). Firstly, the participants are represented to be actualizing and affirming an innate (and thus authentic) talent for singing, dancing, composing, playing different instruments, or whatever the show concerns through their involvement in the show. Secondly, the emotional turbulence resulting from the pressurized context of the mediated competition is mined as spectacles of apparent affective authenticity.

Liveness

Broadcasting the show on YouTube according to a specific schedule is an effective method to enhance two-way communication and foster a sense of "liveness". The comment section on YouTube serves as a platform for shared social interaction, allowing individuals from different generations to come together, whether in person or through technology. This enables the audience to watch and engage with the show in real-time, enhancing the sense of immediacy and connection.

Living brands

The show, featuring renowned artists like Diep Lam Anh, Huyen Baby, Trang Phap, My Linh, etc., embodies the concept of 'living brands' in a capitalist setting, where individuals strive for social recognition by transforming into branded products, especially pertinent amidst economic instability and gendered consumption patterns (Ouellette & Hay, 2008). These artists leverage various platforms, from TikTok's Behind The Scene footage to Facebook posts, enhancing their fame while reinforcing the show's positive message: empowering women to defy age stereotypes, pursue passions, and push their limits. This content not only encourages women aged 30 and above to explore new opportunities but also fosters unity and support among them, ultimately advocating for feminism. Through social media, participants extend their moment of fame, generate income, and share unfiltered perspectives on show events, challenging perceptions of reality and authenticity in TV production.

Discussion

Moreover, it is true that Reality TV is a genre that is designed to elicit talk and shared opinions. In the case of this show,  "Divo, Diva Group Vietnam," a Facebook group with over 100,000 members critiques on-screen actions, scrutinizing participants' behaviors and questioning the authenticity of the content. Moreover, discussions on this platform are infused with puns, quips, animated gifs, memes, and sarcastic commentary as audiences vie for likes and shares. Notably, key lines, scenes, and expressions are repurposed as memes, circulating widely and acquiring new meanings beyond their original context (Deller, 2019, pp. 158-159). Such memes have the potential to prolong the relevance of the reality show and its participants.

References

Deller, R., 2019. Chapter Six: Reality Television in an Age of Social Media. In: Reality Television: The TV Phenomenon That Changed the World. s.l.:Emerald Publishing.

Kavka, M., 2018. Reality TV: its contents and discontents. Critical Quarterly, 60(4), pp. 5-18.

Lovelock, M., 2019. Reality TV and Queer Identities: : Sexuality, Authenticity, Celebrity. s.l.:Springer International Publishing AG.

Murray & Ouellette, 2004. Reality TV: Remaking Television Culture. s.l.:NYU Press.