The increased popularity of reality television in Cambodia is rather alarming. Not because Rockefeller dislikes reality TV. Not at all. In fact I love, among a long list of other things, watching people sing and dance their way to success. But labelling a show ‘reality’ is giving producers of these shows a free pass to make a programme about literally anything. That is dangerous. Even my faithful assistant Ricardo is in on it. Just yesterday he was telling me he would like to make a reality show about people who have great ideas about how to do absolutely nothing at work all day but skilfully make it look like they are actually doing a lot at work all day. He even has a name for this show: Working Well. Not sure if this idea of his should be cause for concern, but I do appreciate his creative thinking and want to encourage further investigation of what it takes to do nothing all day.
Speaking of inspiring, a couple of Cambodia’s recent success stories might just be the catalyst for some really inspiring reality programming one day. Namely Sorn Seavmey, the teenage taekwondo gold medal winner who was handed the keys to the government, and the two reformed computer hackers who are now employed by the government. Pretty simple to summarise where I see their skills being put to use on television:the former is famous for kicking ass and the latter two for exposing ass. Reality television likes a lot of both; I shall let you decide what you want to tune into. We probably have America to blame for our lust for this kind of television. Somehow they have created hugely successful programmes that feature such things as hillbillies hunting ducks, kids named Boo Boo, and the trials and tribulations of a Los Angeles family with marginal talent who use TV to promote their marginal talent (thus sticking close to the definition of ‘reality’, I suppose).
It would be irresponsible of Rockefeller Without Borders to not suggest a few ideas for responsible reality television. Shows that will speak to the nation in ways an American show would not (or could not). The first idea I’m currently working on would feature tuk tuk drivers who can read minds. I know they are out there! I am specifically referring to those drivers who know exactly when you do NOT need a tuk tuk. I Won’t Ask Because I Can Tell would immediately have a wide audience – and yes, probably also inspire a community of more likeminded mind readers.
Then there is the competitive reality show featuring daring moto drivers who have no fear of trying to carry cargo that goes way beyond their actual carrying capacity. I Dare You To Carry That would be an instant hit with anyone who has ever thought about carrying, I don’t know, a massive plate glass window and two passengers while weaving through traffic on Monivong. OK, I admit it: he will forever be my moto carrying hero. And kids, just because I labelled him a ‘hero’ does not in any way mean I’m encouraging you to try that one on your own. That driver was a trained professional!
Finally, this show is probably going to be slightly harder to produce, but I’m now in discussions with a small team of writers who swear it can be done (you see, reality television does cure delusional behaviour!). I’m talking, of course, about Canine Chorus, the show that finds street dogs who can bark in rhythmical ambient tones at 3am thereby promoting deep sleep and really fantastic dreams. Auditions have already started in my neighbourhood. I’m hopeful that cantankerous one with the monthly litter will turn her skills at terrorising street scavengers into a tune that will make even the construction workers feel like they are resting on a bed of feathers. You are so right, Ricardo: with reality television, we are all ‘Working Well’.