Response to: Christianity in Reality TV? (The Holy Blogle)

This is a response to: "Christianity in TV?" a post on The Holy Blogle:  

http://christandpopularculture.blogspot.com/2012/02/christianity-in-reality-tv.html#comment-form

Although I do not follow 19 and Counting, and Jersey Shore, I believe shows like these, or those also imbued with Christian themes, tend to steer away from an explicit depiction of faith because it deviates from popular demand. Despite the importance of religion and the links it may have with popular culture, other appeals such as entertainment, sex, money, and even materialistic possessions provide greater appeal. Not only are they more easily accessible, taking into account how society has developed over the centuries, they have become primary means that can easily evoke consumption from the masses. For example, the models on Abercrombie and Fitch barely have any clothes on, yet they are still able to attract many customers and establish a name for themselves in the fashion industry. Models are slapped onto commercials to accentuate the product and give it an alluring appeal, even though they may have nothing to do with the purpose of the product itself. Rerouting this back to 19 and Counting, although initially filmed for religious purposes, it is true that the bulk of the appeal of this show is due more to its uniqueness and originality rather than the Christian ideals that the Duggar family fashions themselves after. After all, how often do you hear about a family having nineteen kids and counting?

Moreover, despite certain characters making explicit references to their faith, there can be situations where these characters (producers, screen play writers, and directors included) do not fully comprehend both the content and implications of what they are saying. As human beings, we can sometimes be unaware of the impact that our words and actions may have on others; we can remain completely oblivious of how explicit it may appear to others, yet to us it might be implicit. For instance, I may be an Atheist who wears a rosary around my neck simply for accessorial purposes. To those that do not know me and see this, immediately they create an assumption that I am a Christian.  I believe the same thing can apply here to media and popular culture; religious objects may be incorporated into shows, but it can easily serve to be a means of attracting a wider audience; its purpose may be strikingly different, subtle and hidden even.