Second Chances

Most television reality shows make me squirm.

These shows seem to bring out the worst in people, and I recently read some interviews with past contestants who said they were deprived of sleep and regular meals and often given alcohol, while being put into tremendously stressful situations. Because the contestants are not actors, they’re not protected by any of the studio contracts that specify regular breaks, limited workdays, or food service.

It seems to me (at least in some cases) the shows must screen potential contestants for lack of maturity and hair-trigger tempers, because these people end up being incredibly hateful to each other.

Maybe it’s part of the same cultural trend that supports trash talk radio, and generally undermines civil discourse and mutual respect – simple kindness, in fact.

Okay, thanks for letting me get that off my chest. I’ve been saving that rant for a year or two.

That said, there are some uplifting reality shows. One year we got hooked on American Idol, and that was (mostly) positive and fun to watch. One show I’ve enjoyed is NBC’s Extreme Home Makeover, guaranteed to make even grown men cry and all of us feel better about the human race.

Now NBC is creating a new reality show, hosted by inspirational writer and speaker, Tony Robbins. NBC is advertising for contestants on www.CraigsList.org. Here’s their pitch:

“…the program will look to champion a wonderful candidate, with big aspirations who has been thrown off track in life by an unexpected event, challenge or tragedy. If you were on track to realizing your dreams and then suddenly you found your life crumbling before your eyes, this could be the opportunity of a lifetime!! Lost a loved one to a horrible event? Because of someone’s carelessness and bad choices are you suffering? Did someone’s big mistake leave you with a broken life, lost dream or feeling stuck in your life? Are you asking yourself, ‘How do I move on after this terrible event and regain the passion and direction I once had?’

“If you were once filled with big, specific dreams but suddenly find yourself directionless or overwhelmed, IMMEDIATELY contact us for more information about the chance to be a part of this groundbreaking series that will give selected participants to make incredible “breakthroughs” in their life and find the strength within themselves to have an incredible life, inspire the world and accomplish things beyond your wildest dreams!!!”

If the description above fits you and your life situation, you can find out more at http://www.nbc.com/breakthrough-with-tony-robbins/. There’s a link there to the casting page.

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