Journal Article Analysis
There are many television talk shows on the air these days. Every single day the topic changes on each show, we meet new people like all of us. Then the question arises: do these shows do any good for the people on it, and society in general? They do, in fact, seem as of the show helps to an extent, but there is and underlying truth to the talk shows.
An average person might not notice the simple effects of talk shows. But as Abt, and Seesholtz (1994) point out:
To experience the virtual realities of television talk shows is to confront a crisis in the
social construction of reality. Television talk shows create audiences by breaking cultural
rules, by managed shocks, by shifting our conceptions of what is acceptable, by
transforming our ideas about what is possible, by undermining the bases for cultural
judgment, by redefining deviance, and appropriate reactions to it, by eroding social
barriers, inhibitions and cultural distinctions. (p. 171)
This article that was analyzed was written to discuss the hidden facts behind talk shows, shows that America loves to watch. It is shocking to realize that many people enjoy these shows based on watching people reveal secrets about their personal life. Television talk shows just cannot talk about issues with the country, problems facing the world, or stories about celebrities. The talk shows are aimed at breaking down any type of social barrier and pry into personal lives. As noted by Abt and Seesholtz (1994), “The focus on family values also ignored the less obvious dangers of television talk shows with their incessant focus on personal stories of deviance and transformation of persons into spectacles” (p. 172).
This article explains that all television talk shows are much like real soap operas. The people that go on these shows are asked to reveal deep personal secrets in front of a live audience and, of course, in front of the entire nation. As Abt and Seesholtz (1994) point out, “Everything that is private becomes public, and everything that is public gets reduced to private stories; ordinary life rhythms and routines are ignored” (p. 177). This look into people’s personal lives keeps the audience watching and the show interesting. The hosts of the show and the producers do not care that much what or how much personal secrets people reveal on the show, just as long as it is good enough to make the show profitable and fun for the audience.
The hosts of the show use psychological questioning to get the answers they need. “Traditional boundaries between very private matters and public discussions are continuously breached” (Abt & Seesholtz, 1994, p. 178). The hosts of the talk show may not have the proper credentials to give advice to the persons on the stage, but they do it very well. The hosts of the show also do a very good job keeping the show running smooth. They sometimes stand in the audience to get thoughts on the situation, or they sit right next to the person on the stage and try to console them with positive words, such as: everything will be alright, or we will help you get the help you need. However as Abt and Seesholtz (1994) point out, “In real life someone might also question the sincerity of the host’s exaggerated concern for guests as he or she encourages the breaking down of prophylactic barriers that protect us from incriminating displays” (p. 182).
This article was interesting to read. It explained how television talk shows are damaging our culture. They bring things into the spotlight that should be kept in private. Unfortunately, some people decide to go on the show for a promise of help, which they sometimes get, but they do not truly understand that they are victims of the television world’s rating games. The better and darker the secrets, the more people will watch the show and higher ratings will be obtained for the show.
References
Abt, V. & Seesholtz, M. (1994). The shameless world of Phil, Sally and Oprah: Television talk
shows and the deconstruction of society. Journal of Popular Culture, 28, 171-191.
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