Values in Television Programmes

Below you will find spaces to write down the names of TV shows you watch regularly. Across the page you will find a number of different values . Each show makes a comment on these values even though they may not do this directly. For example, some of these shows may seem like they are not commenting on Religion or friendship; yet by not even referring to it they are saying that it is not important. Under each heading write down what you think each show is saying about these values. (There are some guide questions below to help in each category).

Note to teachers: I would ask students to comment on shows they watch regularly at home, thereby obtaining a wider range throughout the class. I would only choose suitable shows for whole class viewing.

1. Now that you have looked at the comment that these TV shows make about the above values, look at what you think about these values. What is you attitude towards these values ?

• Money - is it extremely important to you ? Is it worth lying for ? Do you think you can find happiness only if you find money ? Is it the only motivation you have for getting a job
• Religion - is it an important part of your life ? Do you think it is a joke ? Is it only for the elderly to believe in ? What do you think about those who believe and act on their belief ? Would you be ashamed to be seen in a church ?

• Role of Sexuality - What is the programme's philosophy on the role of sexuality in the lives of the characters? Is it a positive message? How often do these programmes speak about true love and committment? What do they place more importance on - love or lust? How do these programmes deal with the reality of AIDS and other venereal diseases? Are we encouraged to value or de-value the promiscuous character on the show?

• Modesty and Virginity- is wearing modest clothing outdated ? Is it un - cool to cover up well instead of showing too much ? What is your attitude about the body ; is it something that should be flaunted ?Do you think that remaining a virgin is stupid in this day and age ? Are you ashamed to tell friends that you are a virgin ? How do you feel about secondary virginity?Do you think it is good for people to experiment before marriage? How do the television programmes portray virgins and virginity? Why do you think is the case?

• Power - do you think the ends justifies the means; that it doesn’t matter how you get power just as long as you get it ?

• Marriage and Commitment - do you think that marriage is something that people enter into knowing that they can try again if it goes wrong ? Do you think you will feel like that when you get married ? Do you value commitment and dedication ? Do you think one must work at remaining in love in a marriage or just give up when the feeling is not there anymore?

2. Remember, television is not necessarily a true reflection of our society, and that everything you read and view has a bias. Our task is to work out whether this bias is truthful and will lead to an appreciation for everyone's right to respect of others and self.

• What do you think would be their views of the following institutions and groups - dying children in third world countries, civil war participants, the Church, pro-abortionists, pro-lifers, the elderly, 'white' people, 'black' people, doctors, teenagers, parents, single people, married people and so on. Which bias are they demonstrating? Are they presenting these groups truthfully or at all? Do you agree with their presentation of these groups? Why?
• Do they perpetuate certain myths in our society? What are they?
• People say that 'we are what we hear, read and watch.. and the people we hang around with'. In what way do television shows and teh attitudes they demonstrate, influence peoples views, beliefs and attitudes? (For example, have you ever heard a friend say what a character says on television?)
• What should you be aware of when watching these shows in future?

Why you obtained the answers you did in the first exercise

• If you were to describe the characteristics of the writers and producers of the television programmes you watched, what would you say they were? Try to define them according to the following areas - philosophy in life, attitude towards freedom, how they would spend their weekends, what language do they use, would they be family men and women, what are their aims in producing this programme (apart from making money) and so forth.

Homework Exercise or Essay

Based on the class discussion and your own viewing of your favorite shows, write a feature article or essay on the impact of the media on our youth outlining the negative and positive aspects