It is necessary to embrace everyone for who and what they are, that goes without saying. It is however, unforgiveable to sensationalize the angst and pain of others to get higher ratings or to become a MOGUL without a soul.
Phil Donahue (back in the day), Jerry Springer, Ricky Lake, the Maury show and a host of other sensational reporters have made a substantial career on opening the wounds of others. Granted people choOse to come on these shows to air their dirty laundry for purposes of getting their two minutes of fame regardless of what “shame” it brings. However, Tyra Banks has decided to join the ranks of the sensationalists and she does not wear it well. More often than not her sarcastic jabs antagonize rather than stir positive growth. All efforts to extract information seem rehearsed or over contrived making her show and its topics seem inauthentic.
There are some redeeming qualities about the show namely the social experiment recently aired about the perceptions of various types of gay, lesbian, transgender and bisexuals WITHIN their own community. However it bears questioning whether Tyra contributes to the social tyranny that is further debilitating our culture by sending hyperactive “consent” for certain messages? There are enough black men being represented as effeminate and further reinforcement from a BLACK WOMAN is subversive.
The issues confronted are met with half baked, misguided attempts to unearth the real social woes that impact our society and often do not effectively contribute to healing nor an effective building process within the immediate “point of impact” . It would be much more empowering if Tyra used her celebrity to provide paid professional counseling, free summer camp for children and youth dealing with poor social skill development &/or create an opportunity or two for someone to go to college or trade school. Ricky Lake had 11 years of success with her show because her show was sensitive to the long term needs of helping individuals get beyond whatever barriers they were currently experiencing.
It is realized that Trya is not on OPRAH level yet, however the philanthropy necessary to HEAL communities is what is required. Tyra is expected to be more socially responsible and perhaps as she grows, her moral obligation will be realized.
As of now, people dealing with “issues” do not need further negativity surrounding their already tenuous situations. Negativity that comes from being “racked over the coals” just for the sake of it or to evoke knee jerk reactions from the audience. Support, encouragement and effective aid are what perceptually wounded people seek. Whether it is articulated or not, people who agree to air their laundry on public television are in some way seeking assistance from someone other than the host. Perhaps the help will invariably come from that one kind hearted person watching the show.
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