Mom Rant #1

OK - as a mom, there are just some things that really bother me in the world. And, I feel the need to rant about them. Can't think of a better way to do that than here...

Therefore, this will be the first of probably many "Mom Rants". They may not make much sense but if I get them out of my head, maybe someone else will agree and we can make a small change in the world. =)

So...first rant is about Reality TV. Specifically, a new show about to come out called "Murder" on Spike TV (yes, I'm a mom and I watch Spike - I like CSI and this channel does so many reruns of it!)

According to SpikeTv.com, "Each episode of MURDER will feature one real crime, complete with a gruesome recreated crime scene and real crime footage, ripped from the closed case files of Homicide Departments across the United States. Two teams of real people, comprised of three members each, will compete to be the first to solve the case, correctly, in 48 hours."

Now, as I professed/confessed CSI fan, you'd think this particular reality show wouldn't bug me. In fact, it might intrigue me. And it probably would have except for a few points:

1. REAL crime will be featured. Basically, they are going to exploit a REAL person's death and their friends/families pain and anguish on a cable station for money and "entertainment". Shows of this ilk in the FICTION aren't too bad, as they can be "teaching" tools and you know it's not a real person that was run over, shot, etc. It's just a story, however real or reflective of reality it can seem. It's really different when you KNOW it's real.


2. Gruesome recreated crime scene and real crime footage. Ok - minor aside here. My family NEVER watches the first 5 minutes of any CSI, ER, etc. Why? That's when the most horrific moments of the show USUALLY occur. When we watch them with the kids, we also listen closely to the music or already know the episode and change the channel when it will be graphic. Otherwise, the kids watch. Because we see this as a learning tool - logic and reason applied to solving a problem and [some] correct science. Back on point - this show will be showing the REAL recreated crime scene. See point number one above regarding reality versus fiction.


3. Compete to be the first to solve the case. OK - these are closed cases. Meaning supposedly already solved. However, what if there was a loophole discovered during the show? Or ideas posted that no one followed through on previously? Now, you might be giving possible "ammunition" to convicted felons and basically treating everything like a GAME.

So - there's my main issues with this show. I'm not big on most reality TV - but that's another rant. Don't know if this makes much sense, but I needed to let this out. Thanks for "listening"!