Lady Liberty isn’t so good in the love department. She can only keep a man 50 percent of the time, which, when placed up against my odds and that of a few of my friends, is pretty good. Of course, I’m not talking about one lady, but Americans as a whole.
When it comes to making love work, we kind of stink at it.
This lack of luster in the love department has spilled into child-like wonder on the boob tube. And while looking for love is nothing new to the reality-show circuit, the new flock of adrenaline-crazed, survivor-style raunch fests is. It’s got me wondering, has reality TV gone too far?
(Before I point fingers at any reality show, I have to divulge the fact that I’m an avid watcher of all things reality).
Most recently, while recovering from surgery and having daytime marathons as my entertainment, I came to learn that Americans, myself included, have a problem finding the answer to one question: Why can’t I find a man, or a woman?
And for some reason, like millions, I seek refuge in “reality” to see if cast members reflect negative traits that I might be able to fix. Earlier love shows like The Bachelor and The
Bachelorette offered some positive, even constructive suggestions, like how to make a good first impression.
These recent love-breeds, however, have me feeling mocked and strung along. I feel like I’m in a bad relationship and I can’t get out.
Case in point: Flavor of Love.
Now I have to say, I love me some Flavor Flav, but need there be a Flavor of Love 3? This season, like the past seasons, hosts a box-of-chocolate selection of girls, but the Twins nicknamed Thing 1 and Thing 2 make me think these love shows have gone too far. The fact that he’s keeping twins on makes me want to ask Flav, “Do you know what time it is?”
You can’t fall in love with two sisters.
Another recent love mockery gone wild is Tila Tequila’s A Shot at Love, where a load of guys and girls bids for Tequila’s heart. Now, at first run, I thought this bisexual hottie was really in it for love. The final toss-up came down to a guy named Bobby and Dani, a female Deerfield Beach firefighter. I was heartbroken when our hometown girl didn’t win. But not so much anymore. As soon as last season wrapped, Tequila got back on the market. Casting has already begun for the next season.
Need I even mention Rock of Love 2, which stars rocker Bret Michaels of Poison? The show has very little to do with love and more to do with naked chicks and stripper poles.
Before, I truly believed these reality shows were about finding real love. But now, producers are making fun of those who are soul-mate challenged. Not only are they pimping love for a profit, but with so many Americans single and still searching, I wonder if it can be coined unpatriotic, too?
OK, unpatriotic may be a stretch. But this is certainly kicking a dog while it’s down.
RochelleOliver@RochelleOliver.com
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