I knew seeing MissRepresentation would change everything.

I first heard about it when a friend mentioned it in conversation - discussing women’s lopsided portrayal on TV. I admitted that I watched the Real Housewives, and that I probably shouldn’t.

Then I watched it, and the Housewives (and the Basketball Wives) have got to go. It’s not at all a positive portrayal of women. First - the title itself is problematic. Women have to be associated with a man to be on the show; even the single women. Second - they fight about stupid stuff, and what ever disagreements happen naturally are fanned by the producers. Cast members are often a) plied with alcohol (a common reality-tv trick) or b) simply forced to re-hash conflicts, in conversations very obviously choreographed by producers. None of this makes them look good! They all have charities or businesses for which they’re willing to put themselves out there, but they’re generally  over-shadowed by the ladies’ parties and purchases. Cristy, one of the Miami Housewives even said outright (at the Miami reunion) that she’s had a business for 14 years that was never featured on the show. I love the Housewives, they’re entertaining. But I also feel that these women are being shortchanged, and it probably has consequences greater than its entertainment value.

But all is not lost! I still feel OK about watching 16 and Pregnant, Teen Mom and Sister Wives. These shows are all about capable women getting the job done.

Never again watching: Millionaire Matchmaker. I NEVER felt good about this show, but occasionally found it suitable as the ultimate in mindless TV. Sorry Patti. I just can’t get behind judging women on their appearance and then pimping them out to men with money.