Eunji Kim

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.

Eunji Kim, a political science professor at Columbia and media scholar, dives deep into how reality TV shapes perceptions of the American Dream. She reveals that shows like American Idol and MasterChef create a misleading sense of meritocracy that contrasts sharply with growing income inequality. Kim discusses the shift from news to entertainment, examining how this affects public opinions and political engagement. By exploring the allure of rags-to-riches tales, she highlights their role in fostering optimism while obscuring economic realities.

Eunji Kim, an assistant professor of political science at Columbia University, explores the interplay between reality TV and societal beliefs about meritocracy in her latest work. She explains how shows like American Idol and Shark Tank foster a false sense of upward mobility while overshadowing real issues like income inequality. Kim discusses the contrast between entertainment and news media, revealing how reality TV shapes public opinions on the American Dream. She also delves into the rapid storytelling of TikTok, emphasizing its influence on modern narratives of struggle and success.