Hello, again! Well, I had a few things on my mind to share with you all today:
The Real House Wives of New Jersey
I won't lie, sometimes I like to watch "reality" shows because there entertaining. I'm usually one that harps on and on about using tv viewing hours for something more productive like watching the news, but I had a sudden revelation yesterday while watch TRHWNJ:
"Reality" (if they were so "real", no one would be getting paid) shows actually do serve some purpose outside of entertainment. During the final episode, there was a confrontation between all the "housewives" which I think probably could have been handled in a better way, but the producers need their ratings and the cast needs their paychecks. Anway, a verbal brawl ensued when one of the wives, Danielle was finally able to tell her side of a scandalous story that took place over twenty years ago and a book resurfaced divulging some not so good information about her. She attacked Dina because she believed Dina passed the book around the community (and for whatever reason, the two don't like each other). Then Dina's sister Caroline chimed in to defend her sister. Their sister-in-law Jacqueline was brought into the fire and had to choose between her friend Danielle and her family. Then the family friend Teresa got very upset, rightfully so, because the dinner was her way to have fun with everyone's families and to celebrate her family's new home. It seems that Danielle's decision to discuss the book wasn't very favored, especially since it appears that once again she is at the center of attention. It probably would have been best to just confront the one person she thought was being malicious versus turning over a nice family dinner. Sometimes you have to learn when to pick and choose the place where you will have your battles. Anyway, this got me to thinking that this whole thing (in real life without the cameras) is a lesson on how to be "therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves" (Matthew 10:16).
This isn't necessarily a rant on how the women weren't being Christian, because quite frankily, I don't know if they are. But this is my monologue about how "reality" shows teach us how to and how not to act. Everything that boiled over seemed to be something that could have been discussed weeks ago everyone if just took the time to listen and hear each other's (especially Danielle's) side of the story, versus thinking about it, talking about it, and not necessarily going to the source. (Jacqueline actually did talk to Danielle about the situation.) Needless to say, this seems to all boil down to wisdom and the maturity to realize and admit that they all essentially added to the problem. Of course the book was public knowledge and anyone could have stumbled upon, so I don't understand Danielle's concerns. Also, if something happened eons ago, holding it against someone you really don't know doesn't seem the most fruitful thing to do. All in all, this situation seemed to be handled in an immature way.
Of course I wasn't in that situation with any of the women or their families and I can't judge because I have been in tense situations like that. But looking back on my own experience, many times, it wasn't anything to gossip about or get into a fight over. It was of no significance. This leaves me wondering, are the portrayals of these women "real women" or "real girls"? Needless to say, the one thing I've learned from watching "reality" shows is how not to be immature and unwise.
