Reality television has always been dubbed a “sideshow”, but not until recently has it become a description to be taken quite literally.

I’m not talking the blatantly exploitative programs like Jerry Springer. There are now several reality shows that feature little-people living, working and experiencing life in modern America. The problem is that none of their lives are exceptional, other than the fact that they are midgets…

There are several which star new parents, newlyweds, a couple of chocolatiers, and an established mixed-height family. With the exception of the Pit Boss (that guy’s a bad ass) these people are not leading lives that the average person would consider extraordinary.

The producers tout it as educational entertainment. But to me, each program is just a voyeuristic sideshow in disguise.