I spend about 23 hours a week watching shows and developing feelings for characters and situations that aren’t real.
Except for the occasional “Keeping up with the Kardashians” episode on a lazy Sunday, I steer clear of reality television.
Don’t get me wrong. I am as big a fan of obviously scripted conflict as the next person, but the fact that this genre of television makes audiences fall in love with — and sometimes worship — real people freaks me out.
Why? Because as scary as characters like Olivia Pope from “Scandal” or Francis Underwood from “House of Cards” can be, they’re fictional and will never have the power to influence the real world. Whereas reality television stars like the Robertson family from “Duck Dynasty” can and won’t hesitate to do so.
Since 2012, the family starring in A&E’s hit television show has grown into Louisiana’s pride and joy because of its member portrayal as the typical southern, Christian, American family.
The show’s emphasis on the Robertsons’ successful family-operated business and the comedic tone of the family’s antics have made it the most- watched cable reality series in television history.
The show’s success has given the Robertson family not only millions of dollars in merchandise revenue, but also a platform in which the members can voice their conservative views and an audience that is eager to listen.
As Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District prepares to vote for a representative, patriarch Phil Robertson, who along with his family had previously supported incumbent Vance McAllister, is now endorsing his nephew, Republican businessman Zach Dasher, for the seat.
A radio ad featuring Phil and his wife, Kay, voices the couple’s support for Dasher’s campaign.
This political message alone gives Dasher an advantage over other candidates because, as the most famous people in Louisiana pop culture not associated with football, the Robertsons can influence the masses to vote for Dasher, regardless of the obvious fact he’s a member of the family.
In fact, a member of the Robertson family could one day run for office and probably win based on name recognition alone.
When a person watches a show week after week, they form bonds with the characters on the screen. What’s important for audiences to realize is that, even in reality television, we are being exposed to an edited, polished version of the people we grow to care about.
People in California don’t look at the Kardashians for political endorsements. Citizens of New Jersey don’t ask Theresa Caputo of “Long Island Medium” to advocate for candidates in political ads. Why are the Robertsons any different?
The fact that every “Duck Dynasty” episode ends with a prayer conveys a more positive message than other reality shows in mainstream media. However, people shouldn’t take the show’s portrayal of the Robertsons’ conservative lifestyle as a sign the family members are equipped to give input on political issues, because they’re not.
Phil has made countless headlines throughout the years because of his backward views on religious tolerance, homosexuality and race.
The success of “Duck Dynasty” made Phil’s opinion relevant, and his influence on Louisiana’s political climate could prevent the small progress surrounding to these issues developing in this conservative state.
Just because a person or family succeeds in the entertainment industry doesn’t mean they should be trusted to influence political actions.
The Robertsons have the right to say whatever they want. It’s the public’s job to realize when not to listen.
Jose Bastidas is a 21-year-old mass communication senior from Caracas, Venezuela. You can reach him on Twitter @jabastidas.