The world has a rich array of contemporary art such as films, musicians, televisions shows, and exhibits that are used to communicate various issues of societal concern. Presently, television shows have grown from recorded films meant for entertainment to reality films that reveal real events of people’s lives. Notably, Shark Tank is an example of a reality show where investors and entrepreneurs meet to negotiate on business deals. The film shows real life events that shape the lives of those that meet the investors. Primarily, Shark Tank brings out the ideal of the American Dream and assists the business owners to address concerns of prosperity and success in their ventures. The essay describes Shark Tank as the art of choice and more so gives the reasons that make this topic to be of interest. Also, the paper will discuss the social issues that the show addresses. Lastly, the essay will reveal my personal attitude towards the topic and the influences that shaped the perception. Shark Tank reality show has helped in creating opportunities for individuals to chase the American Dream.
Shark Tank
The art selected to be the subject of this research was Shark Tank television show. The reality series, which was first aired in 2009, is a program that gives aspiring entrepreneurs an opportunity to present their products and services to a panel of investors. The individuals pitch their ideas to the five titans that choose to invest in a product if they are convinced that the creation would be successful (Paley Center). In other cases, more than one investor may be interested in a venture, and therefore a partnership would be formed. A deal is completed when the entrepreneur gives away equity stake in their business, and the investor offers money to match the percentage.
Reason for the Interest in Shark Tank
The show premiered in 2009, but I watched it in 2014 for the first time. The interest in the film started after Shark Tank was awarded an Emmy. Also, the show first made an impression on me when it was claimed to have inspired many entrepreneurs in the nation to own businesses. The investors were there to propel them to success and prosperity and more so to help them chase the America Dream (Paley Center). After the buzz about the show, I decided to watch it and realized that it was true that people's lives were changed through this program. In one episode, a couple had lost their job as sales people in a pharmaceutical company. During their stay at home, they designed a pillow that would help mothers feed twin babies. They had this creation but lacked the capital to help them kick-start their business. On pitching the ideas to the "sharks," they were impressed, and they settled on a deal. Such an occurrence revealed that indeed the show did help people realize their dreams.
Social Issues addressed in the Show
One common phrase that the entrepreneurs and the business moguls often mention in the film is the American Dream. The concept is popular among the U.S. citizens and foreigners that settle in America (New York Times). Some of the social issues that arise from the notion are success and prosperity in chasing a personal dream, which helps create opportunities and alleviate poverty. Fighting scarcity by pursuing one's ambition ensures that an individual finds self-fulfillment, happiness, and dignity. Addition, the show allows people to find opportunity despite the issue of class in the society.
Personal Values, Beliefs, and Assumptions
In my view, the reality show has created opportunities for businesses to grow and more so for the entrepreneurs to chase their dreams. The American Dream can be realized, but one has to be persistent and vigilant in identifying opportunities (Hansen 123). Shark Tank is only an avenue that people have to present their ideas and seize the chance they provide. However, it takes an individual’s drive and ambition to prosper in their venture. The values such as hard work, patience, persistent and discipline are essential if one is to have success despite the opportunities that are available for them.
One critical concern thing that I have about the topic is whether the business moguls in the show fulfill all the promises they make to the entrepreneurs after an episode is over. In many cases, they guarantee connections and advice in addition to the money they offer. Another concern is how the partnerships work despite the different personalities that walk into the show and get a business deal. In some cases, the diversity in opinions or lack of similar dream may cause failure in the partnership, and therefore it is important to have the right person in collaboration. Given that the American Dream needs one to realize their freedom, patriotism, and individualism, the concern arises about how the investors help shape the entrepreneur's mindset. Primarily, achieving the dream takes more than just money and connection but should be accompanied by a change in one’s worldview.
Works Cited
Hansen, R. J. "An American Dream." Public Voices, vol. 6, no.3. 2017, pp. 123-135.
New York Times. “Class and the American Dream.” New York Times, http://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/30/opinion/class-and-the-american-dream.html?_r=0. Accessed 19 Jan 2017.
Paley Center. “Shark Tank: Pursuing the American Dream in Prime Time.” Paley Center, 28 Sep 2016. https://www.paleycenter.org/2016-shark-tank/. Accessed 19 Jan 2016.
