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, 鈥淩eality Television: Oddities of Culture.鈥�
The book analyzes reality television shows that have shifted their focus from everyday
topics onto subjects that are strange, unfamiliar, and 鈥渙ut-there,鈥� Mapp said.
鈥淥ne of the reasons shows like 鈥楬ere Comes Honey Boo Boo鈥� and 鈥楧uck Dynasty鈥� 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.鈥�
The book explores these non-traditional shows that illustrate odd, unique, or peculiar
aspects of our society, Mapp said.
Mapp鈥檚 chapter, 鈥淐elebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew: A Wicked Brew of Fame, Addiction,
and Cultural Narcissism,鈥� explores the program and whether it accelerates the downfall
of the participants, advances Dr. Drew鈥檚 celebrity status, or a combination of both.
鈥淸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,鈥� Mapp said.
鈥淩eality Television: Oddities of Culture鈥� was published by Lexington Books on Feb.
16, and is currently available for purchase.
