Rochelle Riley

About the author: Rochelle Riley is a columnist for the Detroit Free Press.

Reality TV has proven that people will do just about anything to be on television and be made famous, even if it is only for a few minutes. However, people who are made "famous" by having their most intimate conversations overheard by millions of TV viewers stand to lose more than just their privacy—they have surrendered their self-respect as well.

It is painfully obvious, based on the general direction of American television, that the most coveted thing in America truly is that elusive 15 minutes of fame we all grow up wanting, and, as lore holds, we are due at some time.

There's the current crop of TV shows based on fear and stamina and a bachelor and bachelorette looking for love...