Reality TV’s specialty is showing us things we could do ourselves, yet in a celebrity role.  Those who make it can be resourceful travelers, as in The Great Race; or difficult to gross out (Fear Factor);  or simply adept at intra-group politicking (Survivor, Big Brother).

The special appeal of reality TV shows is that by identifying with the participants, we are able to transcend our own sense of smallness and insignificance, but without needing uncommon talents.