天美影视

Published March 27, 2014

Dr. Christopher Mapp, assistant professor of communication and Director of Student Publications at the University of 天美影视 at Monroe, contributed a chapter to the book, 鈥淩eality Television: Oddities of Culture.鈥�

The book analyzes reality television shows that have shifted their focus from everyday topics onto subjects that are strange, unfamiliar, and 鈥渙ut-there,鈥� Mapp said.

鈥淥ne of the reasons shows like 鈥楬ere Comes Honey Boo Boo鈥� and 鈥楧uck Dynasty鈥� are so popular is because they take the traditional reality show structure and turn it on its head. These days, it seems like the weirder and wilder, the better.鈥�

The book explores these non-traditional shows that illustrate odd, unique, or peculiar aspects of our society, Mapp said.

Mapp鈥檚 chapter, 鈥淐elebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew: A Wicked Brew of Fame, Addiction, and Cultural Narcissism,鈥� explores the program and whether it accelerates the downfall of the participants, advances Dr. Drew鈥檚 celebrity status, or a combination of both.

鈥淸My chapter] also examines the more toxic tendencies of our narcissistic culture and how it feeds into, and off of, reality TV. It seems we relish watching celebrities self-destruct even as we strive to be more like them,鈥� Mapp said.

鈥淩eality Television: Oddities of Culture鈥� was published by Lexington Books on Feb. 16, and is currently available for purchase.