Our harsh "Reality"

That last entry got me thinking about how Reality TV has accelerated the decline of television. It is a virus that is slowly corrupting our culture and turning it into an endless stream of checkout counter tabloids. The pessimist would decry this filth. I'm somewhat of an optimist. Since it is unlikely that our voyeuristic culture will ever turn on "Reality" I have to come up with a way to profit from this genre. If I can't fight'em, might as well write for them.

Here are a few show ideas...

1. Battle of the Religions- This is so obvious and can go in so many different directions that I'm surprised that there already aren't a handful of shows out there that are trying to capitalize on the fact that almost the entire planet believes in one religion or the other. And it would have the ultimate prize. The rest of the planet would have to convert to the religion of the victor.
   
2. Penning for Jesus- Do you ever get amused by the pithy and creative statements on the marquee of your local community church? This show will appeal to the religious right and will feature competitions in order to discover who can come up with the best traffic stopping statements.
   
3. Day Labor Wars- The Hispanic population continues to boom but there is not a reality show that acknowledges this growth. This show will be a virtual iron man that will force contestants to perform such challenges as advanced palm trimming, how to stand out in the local Home Depot parking lot, and practical survival while having no legal identity.
   
4. Pinewood Derby: The truth behind the Blue Ribbon- A candid look at the no-holds barred competition that takes place in this annual fathers and son ritual. Values and social decorum will be cast aside all in the name of collecting the blue ribbon.
   
5. Penalty Kicks- America's search for the all-American mom. A panel of judges will put a group of soccer moms through a grueling set of tests in order to find the perfect soccer mom. Such tasks will be minivan obstacle course, extreme budget grocery shopping, and creative casserole presentation.
   

As our culture continues its downward spiral isn't it only appropriate that we help hasten its decline? This little exercise proves that there are still plenty of great reality show ideas waiting to earn networks "cheap" ratings.