(Courtesy of Bunim/Murray Television)
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I can’t watch reality TV shows without feeling a vague sense of brain atrophy. Something about the petty fights, over-dramatized problems and shallow themes causes the neurons in my cerebrum to wither even during a short 30-minute program. If a culture may be evaluated based on the integrity of its entertainment, the United States is in a sorry state of affairs with the existence of “Wife Swap,” “Pimp my Ride” and “The Simple Life.”
What would happen if a reality show promoted – hard to believe – good morals? Can a reality show honor activism, entrepreneurship, creativity and passion? Could viewers appreciate passion other than a drive for money and fame? What change would this genre of reality TV show create, and would young people today actually buy in and be interested? Is the Millennium Generation too jaded for a show built on optimism and hope for a brighter future?
“The Great Experiment” is in the works of creating this exact genre of reality TV show, and will launch early 2010. The two minds behind the project, Eric Hornak and Robert Hall, are working to create a show with a depth beyond the current state of reality TV. Working with entities like the U.S. State Department and Facebook, “The Great Experiment” strives to bridge pop culture and world-changing policy.
Accordingly, Robert and Eric believe in today’s generation unlike many of our parents’ generation. In fact, they might just be staking their careers on this idea, but they’ve got good faith that we “Gen Y-ers” will come through.
The idea that young people have the energy and passion to create change is not new in history. In fact, upon examining revolutions throughout history, young people are often at the helm of change and progress. Most of history’s greatest moments were initiated by college-aged revolutionaries. However, today’s generation of kids have great reasons to be demoralized by the idea of social revolution. We are watching our world tumble down around us, as the U.S. economy, foreign policy and environment crumble from underneath our feet. It’s common for today’s young adults to ask: “What change can I create?” “What difference can I make?” “Is the struggle worth it?”
Eric Hornak and Robert Hall’s resounding answer to these questions is manifested in “The Great Experiment,” which stands on the foundation of change initiated by young idealists willing to chase passion and a dream to make a difference in today’s world. Perhaps today we have the greatest chance to create change than any who have come before us, due to instant communication and unlimited information. Rather than the resources, perhaps today’s generation needs rather the inspiration and motivation to realize their dreams for a better future.
I hope that other reality TV shows follow the trend of “The Great Experiment” and begin to work for a better cause than watching Paris Hilton survive “The Simple Life.”
You can watch the teaser/trailer for “The Great Experiment.”
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Chelsea Komlo at Chelsea.komlo@colorado.edu.
