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Escaping Reality
In his defense of reality TV, was James Poniewozik serious when he compared The Bachelorette and Joe Millionaire with the satire of Jonathan Swift and Mark Twain [TELEVISION, Feb. 17]? Such a comparison demonstrates an inability to distinguish between crass and class. Swift's satires usually benefited society, addressing such issues as the deplorable conditions of the poor in Ireland. But who benefits from reality TV? The sponsors? The networks? Poniewozik said "no reality show can match the intelligence and layers of well-constructed fiction." Then why watch this shallow, insipid programming?
WENDY RACHLIN
Dayton, Ohio
Thank you for Poniewozik's story on "WHY Reality TV Is Good for Us." When was the last time a magazine article made me holler or e-mail a friend? I loved it! Now excuse me while I chill the beer and get the corn ready to pop. I have to prepare for Survivor: The Amazon.
BONNA SMITH
Portland, Ore.
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