Living In The Real World

I heard about the new reality show on FX called Black White and thought it sounded interesting. One black family and one white family get to experience how the other race lives firsthand by becoming that race. The white family becomes black and vice versa. The makeup is pretty amazing and so far the characters have not been inadvertently found out. I say that because the white daughter has already come "out" to her poetry group, all of whom are black. So far I've only watched the second episode (I missed the first one) and found it very intriguing. There are some truly compelling moments in the show and it gives insight into the general misconceptions and assumptions we make about other races and they about the white race. In the second episode it seemed as if the two teen children had more understanding and more acceptance than the parents; that's both good and bad for reasons that should be obvious. I think I'll definitely give it at least one more look. Doesn't sound like your cup of tea? This got me thinking about other reality shows on right now and there is really something on for everyone. Below is just a sample of some of the shows and believe me there are plenty more than what I've got listed. Some even have monetary prizes.

Want to see the world but can't afford it? Check out The Amazing Race. Prize: $1,000,000

For the backyard buddy who wants to rough it in an exotic jungle with no food, no fire and no shelter, or at least pretend: Check out Survivor. Prize: $1,000,000 (although all contestants get some monetary prize. The longer you survive, the higher the prize.)

Want to help pick the next big thing in music? Let your fingers do the voting with American Idol. Prize: A record contract.

Not into music but idolize Thomas Edison? Then check out American Inventor. This show, developed by tart-tongued American Idol judge Simon Cowell, lets viewers judge the invention they think is the most practical, not to mention the most marketable. Cowell does not appear but the show has its own panel of judges. Some of the inventions are a cockroach racetrack (handy in the South no doubt), a portable fan for your hot dogs (the four-legged variety), and a suit carrier in which one can do number 1. Prize: $1,000,000 and a product launch with bragging rights to be called the best thing since sliced bread.

For those who enjoy looking at young girls who do splits, jump, and cheer there is Cheerleader Nation. Nation follows the Kentucky Dunbar High School cheerleading team from tryouts to their competition at the UCA National Championships. Prize: No money but they either win or lose at the championships.

For the kleenex clutchers who enjoy human interest stories with lots of sobbing and sap there's Miracle Workers. I prefer to call this show Extreme Makeover but with humans instead of homes. Each week features two stories of people with overwhelming medical problems but who don't have the overwhelming bank account. The show features a cardiovascular surgeon, a cardiac surgeon and, of course, a crack team of nurses.

Want to keep those pesky kids in line? There's Supernanny which features British import Jo Frost whose "practical, no-nonsense style" will keep those kids seen and not heard. Seriously, Frost has been a nanny for more than 16years and is even a best-selling author of "Supernanny:How To Get The Best From Your Children." Then there's Nanny 911 which is loosely based on the tv show Little Angels, yet another thing British. This team of four nannies, each with a specialty such as proper etiquette and temper tantrum control, helps families and children deal with the pressures of child rearing. One of the nannies even served the British Royal Family. And one family on Nanny 911 inspired a spin-off, Marriage 911, when it was determined they were too much for the nanny to handle. Prize: No monetary prize but you can claim to have the best kid on the block. Added bonus: Your child will speak with a British accent and can be their own show-and-tell at school.

For those of you who want to change your life but want to see what it will be like first there's 30 Days. Hosted by Morgan Spurlock, the guy from the "anti McDonald's movie" Super Size Me, Days features such episodes as a mom, concerned about her college daughter's drinking, switching places with her daughter to hopefully get through to her. Also featured is an episode in which a homophobe red-stater takes on a gay roommate, joins a gay sports team and attends a gay friendly church and sees how it is to live as a minority in San Francisco's Castro district. Of course each story details 30 days. Prize: No monetary prize but hopefully lives will change for the better and each person gains more empathy.

For the Olympic skater lover there's Skating With Celebrities. A panel of judges reigns over professional skaters and minor celebrities as the public votes for their fave.

For the dance lover, Dancing With The Stars. Again a panel of judges and professional dancers dance with minor celebrities as, again, America votes for their fave.

I could go on and on. And for those of you who want to make your own reality, turn the tv off and live life.

peace out,

paul