Representation of Zulu weddings on the reality television show Our Perfect Wedding: A case study of selected episodes of Zulu weddings.

Abstract

Our Perfect Wedding (2011-) is a reality television program during which love, and unity of various families and cultures are celebrated. Using the representation of Zulu weddings on the truth the television show Our Perfect Wedding as a medium; the aim of this study is to know the nuanced degree in not only celebrations of weddings but the representation of postapartheid Zulu weddings perceive realism while watching the show Our Perfect Wedding. By engaging identity, representation, and perceived realism scales as variables, the researcher sought to see the degree during which the capacity of Zulu weddings contributed to a difference in perceived realism from each gender. After watching episodes of Our Perfect Wedding, women and men who identified themselves as umZulu or AmaZulu specified their perceptions of reality supported depictions of Zulu weddings on the show. The research theoretical framework includes historical research of assorted academic scholars, and analyses important key elements of the research. The main research question for this study focuses on how Zulu brides and grooms are being represented in post-apartheid television. In addition, the research focuses on the reconceptualization of identity in Zulu weddings. In this study, a qualitative approach was adopted within the research, data was collected through focus group interviews and viewing episodes of Our Perfect Wedding with the participants to gather more data from the participants. The findings suggest that the globe of reality television is linked to current social-political issues of its audience. It is also evident that repeated exposure to reality television content is exposing audiences to the complexness of Zulu traditional values and presenting western practices as a viable alternative. This further changes their resolve to take care of Zulu traditional values and practices. Various conclusions about Zulu weddings and media preference are drawn from the findings.