What's So Funny?

"Deserve"

Urban Dictionary.com: to be worthy of, esteem or something of value /

Dictionary.com: 1. to merit, be qualified for, or have a claim to (reward, assistance, punishment, etc.) because of actions, qualities, or situation: to deserve exile; to deserve charity; a theory that deserves consideration.
–verb (used without object) 2. to be worthy of, qualified for, or have a claim to reward, punishment, recompense,

Most of our ARTists are well aware of my disdain for this word, especially in reference to reality contestants. Why is one person more deserving of a prize over another? Why is bad behavior rewarded with a prize by the public when somebody who played a game safely and with some integrity or moral value still intact isn't because they weren't as entertaining?

This is a widely-argued point in not only our humble site, but many, many others. In fact, it's what brings people to the boards in the first place. I remember back in the days of the original Paradise Hotel, I was so incensed by something one of the contestants did or said that I just had to scream about it. Unfortunately, I was the only person I knew that actually watched the show. So I went on-line and went looking for other lifeless people such as myself who had nothing better to do with their summer than get hooked on a reality show to the point that I needed to vent to perfect strangers about it. That's the first time I heard the word "deserve" used and it wasn't by a fellow fan, but by one of the contestants. It's what actually propelled me to this life of typed opinions in cyberspace. When I tried to explain to my children, they covered their faces in shame and couldn't beileve that their mom would be as involved with this type of programming which was so obviously set up for the generation behind me.

I also found another reality show that was "award winning" that I latched on to as well. The Amazing Race. I don't quite remember what season it was, but it had me riveted and it gave me a bit of credability with the teenager. That and the fact that I refused to watch The Real World. I am proud to say that I have yet to see one season of the show that started all the reality madness. This show too brought up the great "deserve" debate. Why is one team of racers less deserving because they whined, bitched and berated each other around the world? There is no rule that says you have to get their with class. I think getting through any amount of that race and remaining alive is deserving enough of a million dollar prize. That's because I don't travel well with others.

On the boards, there were plenty of people who agreed with me and even more who did not. If you've known me for 30 seconds and had to write something down about me, you would more than likely say "loves to argue". Yep, that sums it up pretty well. I am always curious to see what the other side brings and the rationale behind their arguments. Whether somebody is more "deserving" to stay another week or to win a million dollar prize is usually one of my favorites.

So I guess what I'm trying to make is if you see me rant on the subject of "deserving" contestants, please don't shy away, jump on in. I'm always looking forward to somebody elses point of view on the subject.

1. Comment by Debbie, Jun 12 2008, 07:48 PM

   Couldn't agree with you more. I was just poking around here waiting for BB10 and I caught your rant on "deserving" contestants. I am a BB Freak. My daughter barely speaks to me during the season (she thinks I am just a freak, period) Anyway BB contestants use this word quite a bit as I'm sure you know. The less people left in the house the more the word is used. I have been known to hurl pillows at the screen while yelling at the offending Houseguest. Many times by the end of the season the person who wins is the person I believe is the least deserving.

2. Comment by funnygirl, Jun 14 2008, 08:36 PM

   Glad to have somebody on board who agrees with me Debbie.

3. Comment by Irishtxgrl, Jul 16 2008, 08:57 PM

   I am in total agreement with the "deserving" thing it drives me crazy.

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