Published March 27, 2014
Dr. Christopher Mapp, assistant professor of communication and Director of Student
Publications at the University of Louisiana at Monroe, contributed a chapter to the
book, βReality Television: Oddities of Culture.β
The book analyzes reality television shows that have shifted their focus from everyday
topics onto subjects that are strange, unfamiliar, and βout-there,β Mapp said.
βOne of the reasons shows like βHere Comes Honey Boo Booβ and βDuck Dynastyβ are so
popular is because they take the traditional reality show structure and turn it on
its head. These days, it seems like the weirder and wilder, the better.β
The book explores these non-traditional shows that illustrate odd, unique, or peculiar
aspects of our society, Mapp said.
Mappβs chapter, βCelebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew: A Wicked Brew of Fame, Addiction,
and Cultural Narcissism,β explores the program and whether it accelerates the downfall
of the participants, advances Dr. Drewβs celebrity status, or a combination of both.
β[My chapter] also examines the more toxic tendencies of our narcissistic culture
and how it feeds into, and off of, reality TV. It seems we relish watching celebrities
self-destruct even as we strive to be more like them,β Mapp said.
βReality Television: Oddities of Cultureβ was published by Lexington Books on Feb.
16, and is currently available for purchase.
