Reality Television Programs Have Been Term Paper

It is true that reality television programs have effectively grabbed the public, including the kids attentions. While interest groups do not believe that violence and sex in television programs have any effect on the public, especially kids, the research has shown that the programming contents are highly effective in influencing the behavior of kids. For example, in watching Springer show, many children think that shouting, disrespecting, abusing is common, and some, if not guided by their parents or guardians, misbehave in front of public. Second, as the content of sexual contents and violence is increasing, a large part of American culture is becoming less tolerant and civilized because reality television programs usually expose the weak behavior not the strong behavior of the people (Palmer, 56)

Research has shown that kids that watch shows with violence without parental advice are less sensitive to the pain and suffering of others; more fearful of the world around them; more likely to behave in aggressive or harmful ways toward others; and less aroused by violent scenes than are those who only watch a little. The research also found that those who watched a violent program instead of a nonviolent one were slower to intervene or to call for help when, a little later, they saw younger children fighting or playing destructively (Libert, 114-129).

Empirical research on framing effects proves that main portrayal genres reality entertainment programs make use of victim blaming and scapegoat sentiments in the viewer. This kind of programs while may catch the attention of the viewers, it generates wrong ideas in the minds of kids, hoping that they can blame someone else for their failures in life.

Although freedom of press is important, censuring television programs is not the answer of avoiding public dilemma between enjoyment and negative effects.However, as a precaution, where watching television becomes an addiction for kids, parents should be watchful of their kids behaviors and should make careful judgment what kinds of programs their kids should watch and what they should watch. If possible, they should make a habit watching some quality programs with their kids.

In sum, while research shows that television programming has high level of influence on the behavior of kids, but parents can play an enormous role in clarifying with their kids what is real, what is unreal, and how should they behave in the actual life.

When they see a violent incident, parents can discuss with their child what caused the character to act in a violent way. They should also point out that this kind of behavior is not characteristic, not the way adults usually solve their problems. They parents should also restrict their children's viewing to shows that are too offensive and sleazy.

Finally, there is no doubt that children get addicted to television programming. Therefore, parents set limit the amount of time children spend watching television, so that they spend their time on sports, hobbies, or with friends.

References

Doyle, a. Cops: Television Policing as Policing Reality. In Mark Fishman and Gray Cavender (Eds.) Entertaining Crime: Television Reality Programs. New York: Aldine de Gruyter. pp.. 95-116, 1998.

Glynn, K. Tabloid Culture. Trash Taste, Popular Power, and the Transformation of American Television. Durham and London: Duke Univ. Press, 2000.

Liebert, R.M. The Early Window: Effects of Television on Children and Youth. New York: Pergamon, 1988.

Palmer, E.L. Television and America's Children: A Crisis of Neglect. New York:….....