These programs show us the ugly places we’ve been and the ugly places where we still are; they illuminate the inequalities that cut our culture deeply, leaving ruts we may never repair. They showcase elements of our culture in drag form, bold and garish. At the same time, the genre holds the potential to explore new possibilities, diversities, and creativities. By looking at reality TV, we gain insight not only into this genre but also into interpersonal dynamics, large and small—ultimately, better comprehending our own lives within the context of broader forces. When we gaze into the
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