Television as Inspirational

Women, men and children have been watching more and more television in recent years, and with that increase is also the increase of imitation of what is seen on the t.v. shows. Soap operas, for example, are DRAMATIC; murder, illicit children, abuse, and conpsiracies. Barker describes soap operas as "Open-ended narrative forms; Soap opera, as a long-running serial, has a potentially unlimited time period in which to tell its stories. There is not the sense of closure to be found in the feature film or the 13-episode series" (322). Soap operas are only stories, yet some who are obsessed with watching these shows, will findthey would like to live in theis lifestyle full of drama.

News stations are a means for the world to know what is going on. But when the media controls which version of the truth we see, any version of the news is questionable, as Barker states, "News is not an unmediated 'window-on-the-world' but a selected and constructed representation constitutive of 'reality'" (316). In the newest pun on Disney movies, "Enchanted" takes what is usually charming and places it into the real world, yet the characters find themselves confused and lost in this new world. Prince Edward seeks truth on where his fiance is, so when the magical mirror turns on, or the television, all of his questions are answered. His side man also watches the televsion and soap operas. One in particular encouraged the side man to turn in the witch and do what was best for everyone.

Television is known for inspiring change, even characters in movies are protraying that change. But in reality, women, men and children are yet still attempting to immitate what is seen on television. Shows such as "America's Next Top Model," "The Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency," and others make other women want to be like those 2% of tiny and beautiful women. Television shows may be positive on ones life, such as cooking shows and do-it-yourself programs, but others can be a challenge to those trying to make it in society.