Over the past few days, RealityNewsOnline has shared the thoughts of its writers, both in dealing with the attack and how it is linked to reality TV. We have also heard from a number of readers, and now share their thoughts.
Following are some of the comments we have received following the recent articles on Big Brother 2 and the terrorist attacks:
Dear David, First of all, I want to tell you how much we appreciate your updates and other information, especially when regular programming is interrupted, even before the tragedies occurred.
Secondly, in response to canceling reality show endings (we watch BB2), I want to express that I am opposed to canceling them from my perspective as a mental health counselor. I did a group intervention this week at a workplace where a woman had lost her husband in one of the airliner crashes, and what I am seeing is people being retraumatized by the constant airing of images which overwhelm the senses. People with old traumas are having these retriggered and the helplessness and anxiety people are feeling is evolving into depression and volatile anger. I believe TV needs to inform us of these important events, but I also believe it is time to resume normal programming, so that for the sake of widespread mental health, the hyperarousal response to this situation is minimized. People can obtain information at the many regular news times or on CNN, however I believe that bringing back the boundaries is really a healthy thing for our people as a whole.
-- Name Withheld by Request
I too am an avid BB2 fan, watching all weekend, watching at work, etc., but I have to agree with the two opinions I read today, especially Susan Schechter's letter. I am originally from NY and now live in California. My parents are Holocaust survivors, taken in through NY. This has been an extremely emotional time for all of us... for my parents, they say it is like reliving Hitler, which they never thought they would ever say. You watch these events on TV, you cry, you talk to other people about it, you cry, you see 2 fireman walk out of the rubble you cry, you talk to your children about it, you cry, and then you cry some more on and off all day... and when you feel like this - where do you want to be - with your family, glued to the TV watching as much of the footage, and keeping up with the news to stay informed, and be protected. It is all so emotional... The world as we know it is changed forever.
I think the BB2 contestants should be told all, and they should be given the decision of what they would like to happen as far as the show. Quite honestly it has been the last thing on my mind – and up to the 9/11 events, it was the first. Everyone knows the outcome, Monica voted off no matter what, and depending on who now hates Nicole or who now loves Will, that person wins and the other is second place! So, what is the mystery here? This is not fair to them to not be a part of something so big happening in the world. For Monica it’s all about her family, who she is very close to, and a missing relative. For Nicole, I am sure she would want to be with her husband, and Will, he has the right to find out if his friends are safe, or to help, as he is a doctor. They all have the right of being an American and to do what it is they want to do. This is too big to keep these contestants away from. I think Arnold Shapiro would be more of a hero giving the houseguests their choice, after they have seen some of the footage, and learn the facts. Do the right thing Arnold and let us applaud you... What else is there to say. Thank you for reading my email and my opinion.
-- Dorothy Reiss
Dear Mr. Shapiro and Producers of Big Brother 2,
I just read the letter from Susan Schechter. I have to say that I am in total 100% agreement with her and the hundreds of emails and calls you must be getting.
My husband and I have been addicted to BB2 since it started. Seeing as I am housebound right now with my own illness, the entire gang at BB2 (but mostly the Hardy, Bunky, Will, Nicole, and Monica gang) have kept me company at night and during the day with live feeds and chats. So we are very addicted to it.
Susan was right when she said that they are all 3 winners and deserve the prize. There are not too many people that could have held up this long and been this strong. However, the day we as a nation were attacked BB2 stopped being a game for us as well as the houseguests. You see according to our Constitution they have a right as Americans to choose for themselves as this is still the Land of the Free and Home of the Brave.
It is time, Mr. Shapiro, to reward them, tell them, comfort them, pay them, and send them home. The game is over and your audience won't come back. That is all we are asking for nothing more, nothing less, nothing else.
Sincerely, Lisa Herschelman
I am a huge fan of BB but I also feel we need to end the show immediately. Allow Monica to go look for her kin and let Will and Nicole and any of the past houseguests help her. But keep it on the air to show how even when people say they don’t like one another, we all really do when we have to. I believe we Americans would not mind you giving them a split or even having them vote later!
-- Ricky in Knoxville
The fact that CBS is keeping the contestants in the dark is irresponsible, selfish and crude. CBS should be severely punished for their actions. If a major broadcast company can't put humanity before ratings, then they should not be allowed to continue this trivial show. These recent attacks overshadow the puny ratings goal. Period. This just disgusts me.
-- C. Propoggio
Please feel free to continue sharing your thoughts with us here at RealityNewsOnline, and we will share them, as we are able, with other readers. Thanks to all for the e-mail and comments we have received.
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