Why Do People Go on TV Quiz Shows Despite Lacking General Knowledge?
Life sure is a vast, endlessly complex arena, and it’s impossible for any individual to know everything. Yet, despite the vast pool of human ignorance, millions of people still dream of shining on the big stage, battling it out on TV quiz shows. This raises the question: why do people go on TV quiz shows when they quite clearly don’t have a modicum of general knowledge? Let’s delve into this fascinating phenomenon.
TV Quiz Shows: A Blend of Performance and Smarts
My favorite genre is the TV quiz show, like The Chase, where professional quiz champions take on up to four contestants in a thrilling battle of wits. It’s astonishing how even the most brilliant individuals on Earth can stumble. For instance, when asked about European monarchs, I can only guess the century, not the year. When it comes to American presidents, I often find myself stumped, guessing the decade instead of the exact time period. For a dozen popular quiz categories, my knowledge quickly fizzles out, particularly in sports, where my performance is akin to a wet donkey ball’s.
As the old saying goes, 'Knowledge puffs up, love builds up.' However, it’s no fun being a smart aleck either. Some contestants might have a knack for performing on TV, while others only get thrust into the spotlight; there’s no shortage of people who must have a delusion about their superior intelligence or retort with, 'If you can’t be the captain, you should be the first mate.'
The Psychology of the TV Quiz Show Entrees
Why do people flock to these shows in the first place? Part of the allure lies in the applause they receive from a live audience. The?Jeopardy host, Alex Trebek, would often recount stories where contestants, upon realizing they were about to be eliminated, looked up from the podium to the audience and began to swoon! They might have lacked factual knowledge, but they shone in the spotlight, making the show all about them and their performance rather than cold, hard facts. Humans are social creatures and thrive on public recognition, even if it’s fleeting.
Most contestants go through some form of interview to gauge their suitability for the show. Typically, the focus is on extroversion and enthusiasm. The producers want to create a dynamic and engaging atmosphere. For individuals aiming to join shows like Jeopardy, the process is more rigorous. Picking people with a wealth of general and even specific knowledge is crucial. Contestants on Jeopardy often undergo a screening process that includes taking a test to assess their knowledge level. They might also participate in a practice show to see how well they handle the pressure without it being an actual episode. The ultimate goal is to find contestants who can handle the show's format and can perform under the demands of rapid-fire questions.
Living in Delusion and Seeking Validation
On a deeper level, contestants might be living in a delusion of their own superiority. Most people are blissfully unaware of their own ignorance. Instead, they believe they have a profound understanding of life, wisdom, and intellect. This delusion is a human trait that often manifests in various forms, from everyday encounters to grandiose endeavors like competing on the biggest quiz shows.
Take Socrates, for example, who realized his own ignorance while others were in a delusion of their own enlightenment. Many people are equally deluded about their knowledge, assuming they have a deep understanding of a subject. Moreover, the process of going through a strict screening for a show like Jeopardy is designed to filter out contestants who are not genuinely knowledgeable but have strong personalities and performance skills.
So, why do people go on TV quiz shows despite lacking general knowledge? It’s a combination of the allure of public recognition, the physical demands of performance, and the delusion of their own knowledge. These elements can create a compelling narrative that makes for exciting television, even if the contestants struggle with the questions.