WRAITHS AND WHITE MEN: THE IMPACT OF PRIVILEGE ON PARANORMAL REALITY TELEVISION

Abstract

Modern paranormal TV walks the fine line between infotainment and propaganda that older white men are rational while marginalized communities, such as youths, lower social classes, women, and minorities are hysterical and gullible. White privilege is performed and glorified in reality paranormal television at the expense of marginalized groups. This view is inherently classist/racist/sexist/homophobic and does not reflect prevailing cultural norms, but points to a reemergence of the prejudiced idea that belief in the supernatural is a mark of cultural inferiority. Throughout history, marginalized groups have been considered those more prone to superstition, so with the renewed rise in racist and sexist views in the current political climate, this is an indication that it is once again acceptable to show--and mock--minorities as believers in the supernatural for the purpose of entertainment. While Anthony Bourdain used his fame and television shows such as Travel Channel’s No Reservations and CNN’s Parts Unknown to bring awareness and acceptance to other cultures, and shows such as the original (Bravo) and rebooted (Netflix) Queer Eye promote inclusion and equality, modern paranormal reality TV continues to divide society along class, racial, and gender lines through the guise of separating believers and non-believers. The voice of the skeptic functions as an expression of white male privilege in American paranormal reality TV, perpetuating stereotypes about race, class, age, and gender.