Reflection 06: Do-It-Yourself—Learning from How-To Reality Shows

Lost in the wilderness? Man vs. Wild can help!

The promise of how-to reality shows is simple: You can do this! Be it building a cedar deck or cooking a French meal, these shows present viewers with a world of possibility. In reality, a kitchen renovation takes longer than 30 minutes and a simple wardrobe makeover may not the key to a happy life. Nonetheless, anything is possible on a how-to reality show. But if the big ratings of these shows are any indication, people want to be made to feel like anything is possible. What is your experience with how-to reality shows? Do you watch them and have you ever been inspired to try something they feature? For this reflection, watch, then write about, one of the following how-to segments. Would you attempt the task demonstrated in the clip? Why or why not? What do you believe is the appeal of this particular how-to for viewers? Ultimately, what does the clip promise viewers?

• "From Weedy to Wonderful" from HGTV's Designed to Sell 
• "Veggie Penne with Pesto" from Food Network's 30 Minute Meals
• "Indoor Pulled Pork" from PBS' America's Test Kitchen 
• "Girl Reconstructed" from Style Network's How Do I Look? 
• "Tin Tiles Ceiling" from HGTV's Don't Sweat It
• "Sour Cream Cheesecake" from Food Network's Good Eats
• "Seal-Skin Wetsuit" from Discovery Channel's Man v.s Wild (Warning: Graphic)
• "Laying a Stone-Paver Patio" from DIY Network's Extra Yardage 
• "The Contessa's Mac and Cheese" from Food Network's Barefoot Contessa
• "Worldly Color" from HGTV's Design on a Dime 
• "Sloppy Sweaters and Giant Jeans" from TLC's What Not to Wear
• "Homemade Biscuits" from Hallmark Channel's The Martha Stewart Show

Required:

• MLA Style
• Must be exactly one page in length*
• A Works Cited page 

*Note that this reflection should not exceed one full page

Due: Tu 4.10 (Sec. 05) / Fr 4.13 (Sec. 49)