Cultural Encoding and Fake Equality in Popular Reality Shows: Lessons from Israel

Abstract

This paper critically examines the representation of two major minorities in Israel, Arab citizens of Israel and Jewish immigrants, by focusing on the widely popular genre of reality shows. We demonstrate that this genre contains sophisticated mechanisms of differentiation and selection that inevitably exclude and stigmatise minority participants. To demonstrate this thesis the paper takes a close look at two Israeli reality shows that were conceived to have a public value—Wanted: A Leader and The Ambassador. The examination of these shows reveals how Israeliness—presented as the space of equal opportunity—contains discriminatory mechanisms based on national and ethnic affiliations. Thus, the study illustrates that national identity could be utilised as a meta-narrative of universality and inclusiveness, but actually refers to a particular type of identity that is ethnically restricted.

Keywords:

• Reality Shows
• Cultural Encoding
• Israeliness
• Ethnic Differentiation

Notes

1. Although the show as a whole did not gain any attention in the Israeli media, Abir's reluctance to stand in honour of the national anthem did not go unseen by the main online and print newspapers. The main framing chosen for the coverage corresponded with the interpretation given to this act in the show—as the Israeli Arabs' disloyalty to the major national symbols.

2. Sabra—literally a ‘prickly pear’—is the common nickname for the native-born Jewish Israeli.

3. A northern town on the border with Lebanon.

4. Although Maharata did manage to reach the final stage, the title of Ambassador was awarded to another contender—a native-born male contender of European origin—whose selection reinforces once again the cultural dominance of the Israeli veteran elite. We should also mention that the final episode of the show was the only one that drew some attention (even if very modest) in the Israeli press and online media. All items emphasised the role of Maharata in the show as one who contributed to the multicultural outlook of Israeli society, whereas the internal tensions between the immigrant and the native-born contestants were completely overlooked.