Reality Shows

* Re “Faux Poor: Awash in Sea of Affluence,” Opinion, July 30:

Cheers to Anne Taylor Fleming for her insightful column. In Marie Antoinette’s day, royal entertainment included picnicking in the (privately owned) countryside while dressed in (custom-made, satin and beribboned) shepherds’ clothes. Is it any wonder that the enraged common folk viewed this aristocracy as arrogant and cruel and soon rose up against them?

Nowadays, bored and privileged Americans and Europeans watch each other compete for prizes in a theme-park version of the Third World [on “Survivor”]. It’s sad, it’s boring and it’s beyond cruel.

Folks, if suburban life in Y2K doesn’t provide enough excitement or meaning, turn off the TV and go do something really dangerous. Serve war refugees, fight famine or AIDS, raise kids in a gang zone, teach school. Oh, sorry, no million bucks. No tabloid interview. But you might beat out Marie Antoinette and get to keep your head.

JOANNA CAZDEN

Burbank