Eat what you like

When it comes to popular culture, we are not what we eat.\nThis idea, for which I wish I could take credit, was articulated in a gender studies course packet of mine. I'm fond of it; it eases my reservations and my shame of watching -- and enjoying -- "Laguna Beach" every week. The reruns, too.\nWhat can I say? I was alarmed when LC started dating Jason. I yelled aloud when Jessica kept going back to that same guy, being treated like dirt and yet always running back for more. My good friend and I eagerly awaited the season finale (it was commercial-free!) and planned our evening around it. "Is Jason really that appealing?" we wondered. We decided he is not.\nNonetheless, the person I am does not reflect the petty arguments, the vacuous conversations, the shallow ramblings of the Orange County princesses and dudes I examined each week on the show. \nIn no way do I resemble either of the flawlessly sun-tanned, made-up Alexes on the show, nor do I strive to. Moreover, I don't mull over the program outside of the 22 minutes it airs. Until now, for this column.\nIs it OK that I enjoy this show? Need I watch in a dark corner away from intellectual thinkers to maintain dignity? The disgusted groans from my 20-something sister regarding the program and Facebook group, "If you watch 'Laguna Beach,' the terrorists win," suggest I should definitely keep private my delight of observing the lives of my spoiled peers in California. But why?\nWith all the "low culture," reality-based media texts in existence right now ("The Biggest Loser" and "Supernanny," among the other most entertaining options, to me), surely most people enjoy at least one, at least a little.\nAnd this is acceptable. The shows are created for entertainment. Why read into them further unless they're seriously discriminating a demographic of people? Take them for what they are: virtually harmless amusement.\nWhat's not OK, and what produces the negative reputations of reality television consumers, is when viewers depend on the programs for their ways of life. That is, when inactive audience members essentially lose a sense of self and, in some pitiable way, live their lives via these programs' actors. (Actors indeed; "Laguna Beach" cast members have admitted to recreating scenes for the camera. I know, my heart shattered upon learning this, too.)\nSo I say keep watching "The Real World," if that's your thing. If you can't miss an episode of "The O.C," don't feel guilty. But keep reading books and newspapers, keep going to class and keep actively living your own, subjective life, even though it might not be as polished and pretty as the lives of LC and Stephen are perceived to be.