Seven Deadly Sins of Reality TV

If you ever need proof to support the argument that society is immoral, look no further than reality TV shows. If the seven deadly sins are a representation of the worst aspects of mankind, then reality shows are a look into the darkest facets of humanity. You can find each of the seven deadly sins in today’s reality programming—so if the world really does end in 2012, we know what to blame.

Pride – Project Runway, Top Chef, American Idol

If there’s one thing every reality TV contest suffers from it’s a sense of pride. In order to put your art or your passion out there to be judged in front of an audience of millions, you have to have pride in your work. But nobody ever told these people that a little goes a long way.

Greed – The Apprentice, Fear Factor, Joe Millionaire

When a reality show comes with a life-changing prize like cash or a job opportunity, contestants fight tooth and nail to get it. We love watching people backstab, form alliances and play mind games all for that sweet prize. TV shows where people consume animal semen for cash are a sign of how desperately greedy we’ve become.

Lust – The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, Next,

Dating shows are always about a bunch of attractive meat bags burning through romantic partners in a rapid-fire race to find a compatible match. Leave it to reality television to make romance seem tawdry.

Envy –  Made, Wife Swap, The Buried Life

Everybody on reality TV wants to be somebody else. People are ready to trade lives in a heartbeat just to see what else is out there, but in the end the lesson almost always boils down to being grateful for what you have—your fifteen minutes of fame.

Gluttony – The Biggest Loser, Fat Chef, Intervention

In a world of overconsumption these reality shows try to preach a message of self-control while allowing viewers to indulge in the pleasure of watching other people lose control. It’s hard to admit to your own gluttonous behaviors when there are so many people on reality TV that are worse off than you.

Wrath – Jersey Shore, The Real World, The Bad Girls Club

You have to tread lightly around reality TV stars because they can go from zero to crazy in the blink of an eye. There’s a very simple equation to these types of reality shows—gather a bunch of people with volatile personalities, trap them in an enclosed space and add alcohol. The result is a steady stream of swearing, screaming and drunken fist fighting.

Sloth – Hoarders, Supernanny, What Not to Wear

No need to do anything for yourself anymore because reality TV crews are ready and willing to clean out your house, raise your children and make sure you don’t look ridiculous when you go outside. In China, they have shows where contestants go after their dream jobs, while in America we have shows about how to not let our kids act like monsters.