I'm not a huge fan of reality shows. And although it's effectively permeated the current cultural consciousness, and not for the best, in my opinion, I'm probably the only person on the planet who hasn't watched a single episode of Survivor. Okay, maybe not the only person, but if there's a club for Survivor-avoiders, I'd be happy to claim a spot.

While I might not have actually viewed the show, I do know how it works. Can't say I'm crazy about the win-at-any-cost, survival of the slyest, last-man-standing, advance by elimination, adversarial, confrontational values the show promotes, and encourages in the contestants. The whole thing is set up to, and in fact is counting on bringing out the worst in the participants for the audience's amusement. But then, that's what everyone is tuning in to see, right, who's the biggest, baddest, nastiest, trickiest, the more horribly everybody behaves towards each other, the better. That's what sells tickets, right? That's what keeps 'em coming back for more.

I mean, get real here, who wants to watch a show about people being nice to each other? About people helping one another and working towards a positive, life-affirming result? Who cares about something that makes you feel good and promotes co-operation, incredible sacrifice, and making a difference for the better in people's lives when you can feel superior while snickering at the antics of a bunch of selfish, self-interested, out for number 1ers set on snatching the prize before the anyone else gets it, battling their way to the finish line in a contrived scenario calculated to reduce all of them to the lowest common denominator of disgraceful human behaviour.

Yeah, that's entertainment, all right. When you put it like that, who cares about 'nice'?

Um…me. For one. Also pretty sure I'm not the only one.

When it comes to reality shows that float my boat, the one at the top of my list is Extreme Home Makeover. I love this show, and I never miss it. I find it inspiring, incredibly positive, a wonderful celebration of everything kind and good and admirable about humanity. This is a model of 'reality' I can get behind; people giving of themselves unstintingly, accomplishing amazing feats for families in truly dire straights. And the recipients are no less amazing or inspiring. People who have so little, or are facing truly daunting personal challenges, and yet they give of themselves so selflessly, and accomplish so much with so little. I gotta tell you, when I see the tremendous challenges and burdens these people are shouldering with such grace and courage I am triply grateful for my many, many blessings. A sobering reminder no matter how bad I think things are, even my worst day is a hundred times better than what some of these pour souls are going through. It really puts things in perspective.

Oh yeah.

We need more shows like this one. It is truly shining proof people are at their very best when they are working together and helping each other. Mountains can be moved, and miracles created by mutual co-operation and positive effort. Give and you will receive. Bless and you will be blessed. Yeah, I know the whole point of it is to get ratings and ultimately, hopefully make money for the sponsors but there's still a whole lot of good karma being generated, and the positive example it presents and the model it is advancing of change through generosity of spirit and co-operation – the importance of that cannot be stressed strongly enough.

Selfish, pointless competition versus altruism, co-operation and generosity? Tearing down versus building up? I know which one I'm gonna go for. As well as opting to support the advertisers who show me the kind of reality I want to see.

So, sorry Survivor and all the other reality shows of your ilk, I'm voting you off my island. Give me caring, sharing, courage and compassion. Now that's reality that really rocks!

Go out and do something nice for someone, you'll feel great!

Phoenix