It's here again -- a whole new slew of reality television shows, each one just begging to spark public interest. There's Fox's "Joe Millionaire" and "Bridezeilla," ABC's "The Bachelorette," the WB's "High School Reunion," Fox's "American Idol 2," the upcoming NBC show "Meet My Folks" and A & E's "Married by America," to name a few. Meanwhile, it seems that "Survivor" and "The Mole" have begun to somewhat fade into the dim background of the American viewer's mind. But how can a person blame the American public? Currently, they have more sludge than ever to sink their teeth into, and it's quite evident that many have been enjoying the taste of the fresher ingredients.

First of all, just what is reality television, really? Nope, it's not reality. It's only real people vying for airtime through a public and often humiliating display of their desperations. Is it feasible, for example, that the petite, blonde bachelorette Trista has such a difficult time meeting men, when she so completely embodies all that is the male dream?

Does she really crave so much attention? If she's looking for someone who will look past her appearance and love her for who she truly is, my guess is that she won't be finding a man to marry over the course of a few weeks because of some type of deep, emotional connection, but because of the lustful appeal of her plunging halter tops. My guess is she wants revenge for the embarrassment she suffered as second best to Amanda, the Bachelor's first pick.

I don't believe I'm being too harsh. It seems that reality television has become an infinite celebration of human superficiality. What makes "Joe Millionaire" the most interesting of them all is that the women pining over Evan will eventually be sat down and enlightened to the fact that he is of the working class and not bred from high society.

The producers of the show might as well cage the women and study them like lab animals. They are testing the accuracy of a stereotype -- women desire to marry into good money -- when they already know the results. Truly grounded, genuine women would not audition for such a show that parades them around like prostitutes who drool at the sight of the pearls and precious gems that Evan distributes at the end of each episode. This selling of their dignity is really an exhibit of the shallow and the even shallower.

An obvious effect of the influx of reality television shows is the American obsession with love relationships. However saddening it may be, it is evident that the thrill of romance is gradually dying out as the relationships become increasingly based upon practicality.

It is disquieting that the show "Meet My Folks" will actually get viewers. It seems from this pitch that parental evaluation of a significant other has become more important than the chemistry between partners.

"Married by America" is even more disturbing because of its objective to marry off two people who are selected by the television audience. My guess is that America won't make a happy couple when the resultant newlyweds, who actually spent time together in shows such as "Who Wants To Marry a Millionaire?" and "The Bachelor," severed their ties soon after the shows finished airing.

The reality scene has also provided a tainted portrayal of women. The women of "Joe Millionaire" reinforce the stereotype of women who marry for financial security rather than true love. Even if a woman chooses not to be with Evan for emotional reasons, it may appear to be due to her disappointment in his lack of wealth.

"Bridezilla" doesn't bode well for the female image either. The exhibition of brides whining and arguing with their families and spouses on their wedding days won't leave them with much dignity to uphold. Shows such as "The Bachelor" and "The Bachelor 2" put women on display and make them practically beg for those damn roses and necklaces.

A similar show, "The Bachelorette" attempts to fight back a bit with the reversed situation of men vying for a woman's affection. However, there is much to say about the unflattering depiction of the female species.

Reality television may be here to stay, unless America gets smart and recognizes the senselessness that is inherent in the concept of unrealistic "reality" TV. Perhaps the genre is so popular because it gives Americans relationships to care about when they aren't interested in their own. Maybe it's because Americans take pleasure in watching people embarrass themselves in front of a national audience.

Whatever the reason, reality shows have given Americans increased motivation to lounge around in their living rooms while munching on potato chips, and wondering why they live to watch other people live on their television sets.