Finding Treasure in the Trash: Critical Merits of Trashy Reality TV

Session Submission Type: Panel Discussion

Abstract

This panel takes a fun and innovative look at today’s most popular television genre, reality TV, specifically that which is deemed trashy. While the genre has faced backlash from the court of public opinion and the academic community, this panel suggests this burgeoning popular genre provides new possibilities for critical/cultural scholarship. The panelists all suggest reality TV engages new discursive spaces for race, gender, class, and consumer culture unlike any found in standard television fare.

Sub Unit

• Critical and Cultural Studies Division

Chair

• Rachel E. Dubrofsky, University of South Florida

Session Organizer

• Rachel E Silverman, Univ of South Florida