Week 10: “Consuming Authenticity: Globalisation and Local Communities”

Give an example of consumption of authenticity based on your own experience.

An instance here would be my recent viewing of reality television. These ‘characters’ on reality shows seem like they came out from a story book, but at the same time I found that I could relate to them. It is under the assumption that all reality shows are scripted to create ‘authenticity’. I find the ‘necessary manipulation’ makes the show more interesting, and creates a genuine sense of authenticity. But, if I really wanted a show to seem real, wouldn’t I just let things happen naturally?

 

Zukin, S 2008 ‘Consuming Authenticity’, Cultural Studies, 22:5, pp. 724-748. http://primoapac01.hosted.exlibrisgroup.com/openurl/RMITU/RMIT_SERVICES_PAGE?sid=&issn=0950%2D2386&volume=22&issue=5&