Page 125 - A Handbook Genre Studies in Mass Media

CHAPTER 5

Examining the types of criminals who appear in genric programming
furnishes perspective into modern culture. As scholar Ken Burke notes,
“Our preoccupation with various forms of crime films in recent years
reflects the hard reality of life on the street, or even in the board room
or the Oval Office where hostile takeovers and clandestine policies
undermine our hopes for stability in a high-pressure environment.”
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The continual appearance of crime in popular genres perpetuates the
misimpression that crime is increasing in the United States. Thus,
even though crime is down in the United States, our awareness of
crime is up.
One way to identify cultural preoccupations is to examine the topics,
guests, and themes that appear in a group of genric programs over a
span of time. As an example, research assistant Jeff Nelson conducted
an indicative, one-week study of the following three afternoon talk
shows: Jerry Springer, Maury Povich, and Montel. Table 5.1 lists the
topics and guests on these afternoon talk shows between March 27
and 31, 2006.
Clearly, the predominant cultural preoccupation in this cursory survey
is sex, in its many incarnations: paternity issues, cheating, relationships
gone bad, and transgender activities. These shows feature the epic themes
of revelation, betrayal, confrontation, revenge, and confession. 12
Finally, genres do not merely reflect or reinforce culture but also
shape attitudes, values, behaviors, preoccupations, and myths. For
instance, the presence of a lesbian heroine on the long-running soap
opera All My Children has played a significant role in changing the
attitudes of its fans regarding the issue of homosexuality. In 2000, a
lesbian character, Bianca Montgomery (played by Eden Riegel), was
introduced to the series. This plot development was highly controver-
sial when it was first introduced. However, over time, the audience
began to sympathize with the character, as she bravely endured a
series of “soap opera” plot twists. First, she was the victim of a rape
that left her pregnant. Next, her baby was kidnapped. Then, Bianca
was faced with the dilemma of whether to keep the baby or give it up
for adoption.
Due to the episodic nature of the soap opera genre, the characters are
“guests” in people’s homes five days a week. Consequently, the audience
responded as though Bianca was a member of their family, making the
issue of homosexuality more personal and, therefore, less threatening.
Joan Garry, Executive Director of GLADD explains:

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