Reality TV thrives on drama, but in the past three years, shows targeted at young Black audiences have taken it to a whole new level. Networks like Zeus Network, NowThatsTV, and WETv have built empires on a formula of fight culture, overt sexuality, and sometimes even questionable behavior. Now don’t get me wrong. I LOVE reality television; it is my guilty pleasure, however, I watch the shows as social experiments and compare how cast members handle their situations versus how I would handle mine.
Let’s explore how Black women have been portrayed in this recent wave of reality shows, and how it intersects with social media influence.
The Rise of “Ratchet” Reality TV
Since 2021, reality TV for young Black viewers has embraced a more “raw and unfiltered” aesthetic, often at the expense of positive representation. Here are some prime examples:
- Zeus Network’s “Baddies” Franchise: This show, launched in 2019, has become infamous for physical altercations like Natalie Nunn, Bad Girls Club alum, throwing drinks and escalating arguments. Spin-offs like “Baddies South” (2022) followed suit, with cast members like Chrisean Rock, Blue Girls Club alum, throwing objects and instigating brawls.
- “Real Sidechicks of LA/Charlotte/etc” (WETv): This franchise normalizes the “side chick” lifestyle, often portraying Black women in exploitative relationships and materialistic pursuits.
- “Crazy in Love with Blueface and Chrisean” (Zeus Network): This show cashes in on the volatile relationship between rapper Blueface and Chrisean Rock. Their constant online arguments and public spats blur the lines between reality and performance, feeding into the narrative of conflict as entertainment.
The Origin of Fight Culture of Reality TV
The exact origin of fight culture on reality TV is difficult to pinpoint, but it’s a culmination of several factors that have converged over the years. Here’s a breakdown of some possible influences:
The Rise of Reality TV: Reality TV emerged in the early 1990s with shows like “The Real World” pushing boundaries and showcasing “real life” drama. As competition for viewers increased, networks began to focus on more sensational elements to grab attention.
Scripted Drama Blending with Reality: The lines between scripted and reality TV have blurred over time. Producers might encourage or even orchestrate certain conflicts to create dramatic moments.
Audience Preferences: Ratings are king, and networks cater to what viewers seem to enjoy. High ratings for shows with fights might signal an audience’s appetite for this type of drama.
Social Media Amplification: The rise of social media has created a feedback loop. Reality TV stars use platforms like Instagram to promote their shows and their on-screen antics, further fueling the drama and potentially attracting viewers seeking these conflicts.
The “Trash Talk” Culture: Trash talk and verbal sparring have been a part of various entertainment forms for decades. Reality TV might be an extension of this phenomenon, playing on arguments and insults as a source of amusement.
Additionally, here are some specific events that might have contributed to the rise of fight culture in reality TV aimed at young Black audiences:
The Success of Shows Like “Love & Hip Hop” (2007): This show, featuring drama and conflict among Black B-List to D-List celebrities like Joseline Hernandez, Tommie Lee, and others, might have paved the way for more shows with a similar focus.
The “Super Bowl Brawl” of The Real Housewives of Atlanta (2013): This highly publicized physical altercation between cast members on a mainstream reality show might have normalized such behavior in the genre.
While the exact origin is debatable, it’s clear that fight culture on reality TV is a complex issue with multiple contributing factors. It’s important to be critical of this portrayal and advocate for more diverse and positive representations of Black women in television.
Social Media: Amplifying the Drama (and the Endorsements)
Social media fuels this reality TV firestorm. These women promote their on-screen antics on platforms like Instagram, attracting viewers seeking drama and shock value. These same stars often leverage their notoriety to land brand endorsements, like FashionNova, further blurring the lines between reality and performance.
Beyond Catfights: Is This All Black Girl Magic Offers?
This portrayal isn’t the only story. Here are some positive trends:
Docuseries and Talk Shows: Shows like “The Real” and “Unsung” offer a platform for Black women to share their struggles and triumphs, celebrating their journeys beyond the superficial.
Entrepreneurial Spirit: Many young Black women are taking control of their narratives by creating online content showcasing their talents, businesses, and passions.
Finding Your Voice Beyond the Hype
The pursuit of fame shouldn’t come at the expense of self-worth. For young Black women considering reality TV or social media fame, here are some things to consider:
Lasting Impact: Is a short-lived reality TV stint or a curated social media persona worth potentially damaging your reputation or limiting your opportunities?
Building a Legacy: What message do you want to send the world? Focus on developing skills and talents that create a lasting impact.
Finding Your Audience: Social media platforms offer a powerful tool to build an audience on your own terms. Showcase your unique voice and talents, without resorting to negativity.
The Takeaway: Black Girl Magic is More Than Clickbait
Black women are diverse, talented, and capable of achieving greatness. Reality TV and social media can be fun, but they shouldn’t be the only paths to success. Let’s celebrate authentic stories that showcase the full spectrum of Black excellence, the entrepreneurial spirit, and the drive to make a difference in the world.
There’s More to Black Women Than Reality Bites! Ways we can make sure we keep this line alive include supporting Black-owned businesses and social media influencers who uplift and inspire, using our own social media voices to promote positive representation and stories of Black Woman excellence, and looking for mentorship programs and scholarships designed to empower Black women.
Let’s move beyond the clickbait and celebrate the Black women who are breaking boundaries and redefining success.
