Reality TV Gone Too Far? (Organ Donor)

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By now, many of you may have heard about this rather sordid program, which sounds like something out of Monty Python.

Basically, one woman is dying of a terminal illness, and there are a number of people in need of a kidney from her. They give their reasons for wanting a kidney, and viewers vote for who gets it when the woman snuffs it.

Now, while I am all for organ donation (I have it down on my license), I think this is not only where reality TV has not just overstepped the boundaries, but quite frankly have leaped over them.

There is a 'reality TV' program about organ donation here in Australia, but rather than have people competing to get a single organ, it is more of a fly-on-the-wall doco that has one person dying, and the series following those who got the organs (I believe 6 people). This was called The Greatest Gift. This is like an inversion of the above show, which originates in what I call the homeland of reality TV, the Netherlands.

Any comments?

Yes I heard something about it on the radio - I really can't believe that anyone would want anything to do with something so sick.

This sounds quite wrong. the organs should go to the person with the best tissue match, no other considerations.

Hmm. I know that in real life, people would have to wait a long time for organ donation, and there are many who miss out, and die as a result, but this is just sickening, turning it into a contest.

O yes, i read about that yesterday and didnt know what to think.
Obviously i would enjoy watching russian roulette live on tv.
But also, i have a relative who has been in need of a kidney for his whole life basically. He's not top of the list and when a possibility has arrived, there has always been complications.
It is a sickening idea for a show, at least with russian roulette the contestants make their own choice.

In a really perverse way, you're right. But then again, I think that 'Russian Roulette' will never get off the ground....

Thoroughly sickening.

What is wrong with people????

Humanity loves the perverse.

I HATE reality television! Why do we want to see what the stereotypical NT is like when we have our own lives to worry about? Reality TV is also boring and not right - does anyone remember Jade Goody's racist bullying in Big Brother (I didn't see the series, but it was on the news once)?

It's stupid how the programmes that are actually interesting (such as wildlife and science) only appeal to the interested and those with a broad scientific knowledge, but programmes like Big Brother appeal to most jocks and those with a broad knowledge.

Even this programme is sickening - what is so interesting about people donating organs on television? That, in my opinion, is just being nosy.

and of course you believe everything you see on the news.

Actually I don't. I actually saw some of the bullying as a clip in the news, proving that it was. Also, a lot of people were talking about it, so how could I not believe it?

I do dismiss some things on the news, especially the article that said that a lot of exposure to the television causes autism. That actually offended me, so I just dismissed it as something that intentionally paints the media black just for the sake of interest.

Blimey, television has dumbed down a lot, hasn't it?

well i saw no racism and Jade whateverhernameis was as much as a victim of bullying as anyone else in the whole publicity stunt.
which is why i disagree with both terms racist and bully.

saw the reason given by the producers for this on tv recently... they said they know its a bad idea but they still want to do it so it brings awareness for organ donation...
done... now they can cancel the show and give the youngest person the organ or whoever is more aspie or whatever

Reality TV. It's all about power. And complex mind games trying to cover up basic instincts.

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When will it stop? Reminds me of the games the Romans had...at least they were direct about it.

I cannot believe that, and this show is made by the same people who created "Deal or No Deal," which I like!

Unbelievable!

This has everything to do with the Dutch mentality (and I've lived in Holland 17 years, although I'm American).

The Dutch are renowned for their "tolerance" (think drugs, prostitution, welfare state, etc). In reality though, they've freed themselves from the "tyranny of common sense". The obvious doesn't have to rule the day. Actions don't have consequences. Things don't have to be paid for. Believe me: it's a recipe for chaos.

They don't find this show morally repugnant. It's just a way to get ratings on their worthless TV channels, and the fact that it's ethically repulsive to the normal person doesn't enter into their equation.

Earlier this year, the local channels produced a show where the host shot up heroin on camera. The following week, he dropped acid. Can this be considered "entertainment"???