Teachable Moments in Unlikely places

           Recently a semi-reliable study was conducted about young girls who watch "reality Tv" regularly and those who do not. Surprisingly enough, some benefit seems to come from watching seemingly ridiculous programs. For example,  "reality watchers exceed their peers’ confidence levels regarding “almost every personal characteristic” — including maturity, intelligence, and humor. They’re also more likely to aspire to lead and more aware of social issues. Two-thirds said that the shows have sparked important conversations with parents and friends." (Williams).  I thought this was surprising at first but then realized that it makes some sense. "reality TV" includes a range of shows, from Jersey Shore to the Amazing Race, Project Runway and American Idol. I think that you can learn something new from just about any TV show that you watch and (if interpreted correctly), can benefit watchers. 
            The author appeals to a large range of audiences, from young girls to parents. She appeals to teenage girls by inserting some  specific content poking fun at reality TV star like "Could Snooki teach our little girls something beyond how to rock a pouf? On that latter question, I’m going to guess probably not a whole lot."  (Williams). She appeals to parents by provding some ways TV can be a positive influence from her own experience as a mother; she refers to daughters in general as "ours". She says "I say that because I’ve seen it in action. It was Mondo’s admission that he was HIV-positive on “Project Runway” that turned out to be the first time either of my daughters heard the term, and it wound up sparking a family conversation about HIV and AID....From “American Idol” this year they gained a deeper insight into the neighborhood  kids they know who are on the Asperger’s scale." (Willaims). She ties together a bigger meaning to the article at the end where she preaches "... the results do suggest that certain kinds of reality shows can teach our daughters more than just how to throw drinks in each other’s faces –  and that if you’re paying attention, there are teachable moments to be found in the unlikeliest places." (Willaims). 


http://www.salon.com/2011/12/07/is_reality_tv_good_for_girls/singleton/