Talk Shows Exploit Society's Victims (From America's Victims: Opposing Viewpoints, P 123-128, 1996, David Bender, Bruno Leone, et al, eds. -- See NCJ-165502)

• NCJ Number: 165515
• Author(s): J Nelson
• Date Published: 1996
• Length: 6 pages
• Sale Source: Greenhaven Press
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Opposing Viewpoints Series

Annotation

Although daytime talk show hosts such as Oprah Winfrey defend their programs as a forum for examining a wide range of psychological, social, and sexual issues, talk shows reduce these issues to a form of entertainment based on the humiliation of guests.

Abstract

Rather than creating a better understanding of the issues, talk shows perpetuate the worst stereotypes of society's victims and decrease compassion among viewers for those with problems. In a fundamental way, the success of talk shows is based on external economic, social, and political factors--the disappearance of entry-level employment for young high school graduates, the disintegration of communities, the elimination of government support programs for young people and families, and the resulting despair and range that pervade many people's lives. The entertainment value of talk shows is predominantly based on the humiliation or potential humiliation of guests who are rarely given any advice, analysis, or support. Talk shows have a profound political effect and tend to replace serious discussion about education, unemployment, and community building.