Response 8

March 23 response to Tactical Media

Questions:

1. How does the recent trend of “reality TV” fit into the idea of tactical media?
2. What would be a “true public realm” as opposed to only “private activities displayed in the open”?
3. How can we bridge the gap between the virtual world and the physical world?

Response to question 1:

Reality TV has become increasingly popular in American culture and European culture in the past few years. Reality TV is a genre that takes “ordinary” people and places them in the spotlight for various reasons, none of which include their talent. This genre concerns tactical media and Garcia’s views on tactical media in two major ways. Firstly, it adds yet another element of viewer or user interaction in terms of television. Secondly, it provides more opportunity for the non-wealthy sub cultures to be represented across large spaces.

Not unlike the camcorder or the VCR, both of which Garcia mentions in his essay, reality TV serves as somewhat of an intermediate technology. Viewers can manipulate their own surroundings and information flows using these technologies. Similarly, viewers can further than manipulation now through reality television.

Shows such as “American Idol” and “Nashville Star” require audience participation and interaction. With shows like these, viewers at home can now vote on their favorite contestants and alter the outcomes of certain television programs. The user has control over the ending. Never before have viewers had the power to decide how a program will pan out. This opportunity for interaction and manipulation brings tactical media to another level.

Secondly, reality TV begins to slowly chip away at the tendency of television programs to solely depict the fabricated high life cultures. In the past, most programs have been developed and centered around the wealthy and popular cultures. However, with the rise in reality TV, all different cultures and lifestyles have an opportunity to be represented in the media. Shows such as “Wife Swap,” for example, show “normal” people living their normal lives. These programs are no doubt embellished and lack true authenticity, yet they are a step toward the representation of the real American life, not the high life.