Do you think the reality shows on television today make freaks out of normal people?

The Wonders were freaks before they attained their celebrity status. The show, ironically, normalized them to a certain degree. Do you think the reality shows on television today make freaks out of normal people? How do they accomplish this? Why do you think any person would want this?

I absolutely think that this is often the case. And for people who think the reality show will be their only chance at fame and fortune (and everyone wants to just "fall" into that- forget talent or hard work in most cases), then the more outrageous and obscene or obnoxious one can be, then perhaps the better the chance of moving on to the next round. Sometimes it is shocking to see what percentage of American television is a reality show.

Hmmm. "Normal people"...that is the question. Is it normal to want every stupid thing you do or say to be broadcast to others (with too much time on their hands if they can waste it watching the stupidity). Maybe that is harsh but I just don't understand why reality show people do what they do. If it's for the money alone, maybe that's a reason. But, I don't think the money has as much to do with it as the opportunity to be 'seen'. To pretend they are important. To pretend they are relevant. It is a very sad commentary on modern society. It reeks of disillusionment, poor education and moral depravity. So, Yes, TV makes freaks out of 'normal' people.

Agree with rebbecar. Look at Kardashians, Chaz, jersey Shore. These people are freaks as much as The Wonders. Yet the public eats up their acts. Ever since Hunchback of Notre Dame ant Elephant Man people have been fascinated by "freaks of nature". More things change more they stay the same

One good thing about reality shows: I detest them so much and they dominate commercial television so much that I do a lot more reading with the TV off.

{clapping} for deeh's posting above

I feel that all the posts so far have nailed it. I especially appreciate jww's insight. What struck me was how the celebrities fell into line with their own fascination with The Wonders, being willing to pay dearly for a small amount of time with them. This bit of human nature cuts across all lines. Think about this.....why is it when people see a camera, they act like complete idiots? It amazes me to see people in the background of a news story, an interview, or even those in a selfie mug for the camera.