New Books in Critical Theory
Eunji Kim, "The American Mirage: How Reality TV Upholds the Myth of Meritocracy" (Princeton UP, 2025)
May 6, 2025
Eunji Kim, an Assistant Professor of Political Science at Columbia University, explores how reality TV perpetuates the myth of meritocracy. She reveals how shows like American Idol and Shark Tank create a misleading narrative of success, obscuring systemic inequalities. Kim discusses how these programs foster complacency regarding income inequality and influence public perceptions of the American Dream. She also touches on the impact of partisan biases and evolving media consumption patterns in shaping beliefs about social mobility.
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Quick takeaways
- Reality TV promotes a misleading narrative of meritocracy and upward mobility, shaping public beliefs about the American Dream.
- The increasing preference for entertainment over news contributes to political apathy and a lack of awareness regarding social inequalities and policies.
Deep dives
The Discrepancy of the American Dream
The podcast highlights the contrasting narratives surrounding the American dream as presented in news media and reality television. While politicians often proclaim that the American dream is fading and increasingly unattainable, reality TV showcases stories that promote the idea that success is achievable through hard work and perseverance. This discrepancy prompts the question of how the media shapes public perception, with reality TV seemingly creating a more optimistic viewpoint on upward mobility. The discussion also delves into how this media influence may contribute to Americans’ acceptance of rising income inequality, as many cling to the belief that they can achieve success regardless of their current circumstances.
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