Assignment 1 Part 1

English 2 (ESP 0205) Comparison Essay

Goh Yee Thong (0310044)

Comparison of Talk Shows Media plays a significant role in modern life of 21st century. One can be rescued from danger whereas one can also destroy own reputation with the presence of media nowadays. (Oxford Dictionaries,2012) states that definition of talk show is a chat show, especially one in which listeners, viewers, or the studio audiences are invited to participate in the discussion. The television talk show is one of the genres of television programme which involves discussion of current issues or interview session with celebrities. The world of entertainment is flooded with different types of talk shows. The hosts will derive information and share their thoughts from the conversation with the guests. Recent evidence(Timberg& Bernard, 2002) states that the history of talk show is marked by a series of cycles which are related to wide economic and cultural development. Talk show has become part and parcel of our life. Although the topics are recycled for discussion, The Oprah Winfrey Show and The Jerry Springer Show display obvious contrast in many aspects. Both shows vary in format and style. The Oprah Winfrey Show is a show with high moral values and rich in educational purpose. In the show, Oprah shares her thoughts and personal experiences to motivate the viewers. The contents are often more serious and educational. Illouz and Eva (2003) said, the Oprah Winfrey personahas assumed an almost unprecedented role in American cultural scene. Definitions of power, love and courage are made by her in the show. No vulgar language or inappropriate scenes is shown. She makes wise choices of words to speak while explaining her own point on an incident. Her choices of words show no sense of offense to her guests and audiences. In contrary, her words have the magical healing power,

which heals the wounds deep down in our hearts. Jerry Springer is a classical icon of trash talking. His show revolves around the topic of scandal, adultery film, betrayal, hatred, sexual, pleasure, conflict, and offence. The content of show causes discomfort and messages are majority misleading. The concept of the Springer show is to show how much unhappiness one is feeling by saying bad words and unlimited screaming or yelling at each other. Vulgar language displays decay in social behavior. Showing hatred through verbal messages and violence are not the best solution to solve the problem. The Oprah Show is a source of positivity which is much needed by the society. The show gives people hope and ward off the devastation. With much generosity, Oprah contributed to the society in various aspects, education, feminism and social affair. Oprah Winfreys principle of life, giving joy is just as powerful as receiving joy, has brought so much happiness to the others.( OConnor, 2012) suggested when she started making real moneymillions, then billions, from her eponymous talk show and subsequent media empireshe vowed to pay for other poor black kids to go to college. Concrete evidence shows that she surprised Tererai Trent by donating 1.5 million USD for Tererai to build school in her village. When she announced the surprise, Tererai was in disbelief. Oprah felt that she was greatly connected to a determined female like Tererai who decided her own fate by choosing to pursue her dream. Tererai did not surrender but won in the battle of fighting for female equality. Oprah showed no hesitation in providing aid for Tererai, someone who was so spiritually connected with her. The content of the show is sincere and gives people a moral lift whenever we are in midst of giving up. On the other hand, Jerry Springer show focuses on revenge and

showing the negative side of humanity. The clear example was a mother scolding her own daughter for playing a role in adultery film. It only shows the process of finding faults on both parties but never seem to provide the right solution to the problem. Promoting awareness is an important role of media and The Oprah Winfrey Show is doing its part well. Oprah Winfrey studies the cases of child abuse thoroughly and emphasizes on putting a stop to all these social issues. She draws attention of different social group to end the problem together as one. The Oprah Winfrey Show makes people be aware of what is going on in the society and all of us have a role to play to make this world a better one. She brings up the issue of child abuse which involves a seven year-old girl living in a dog cage during her childhood time. Oprah showed great effort in helping the girl who is named Chelsea. Chelsea was traumatized upon seeing the filthy basement where she was trapped at the age of seven. Oprah was there to give her moral support and guided her to the right path by seeking the help of psychologist. Accurate information and wide range of knowledge are provided by the Oprah Show. The show pays great attention to both physical and mental health issue. Professional consultation team will be invited to the show to help the people who are in need, at the same time educating the audience. Dietician suggests what the healthy diet habit is for the obese people to follow. Psychologist will help the victim to face the predicaments positively. Unlike the Oprah Show, Springer show is only the channel for people to release their stress in a wrong way. Guests of Springer show go on stage and share about their personal problems which often related to age restricted material shamelessly.

Oprah Winfrey Show and Jerry Springer Show gain a lot of support from the audience from different social levels. It is essential for the media to provide guidelines in leading positive lifestyle. One should interpret the information received whether it is reliable or not.

Reference List

Illouz, Eva. (2003). Oprah Winfrey and the Glamour of Misery : An Essay on Popular Culture. New York, NY: Columbia University Press. Retrieved October 23,2012 from http://site.ebrary.com/lib/taylorscollege/docDetail.action?docID=10183367&p00=oprah% 20show

O'Connor, C. (2012). THE EDUCATION OF OPRAH WINFREY. Forbes, 190(6), 58-68. Available through: Academic Source Complete @EBSCOhost. [Accessed 23 October 2012]

Oxford Dictionaries. Retrieved October 23 , 2012, from http://oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/talk%2Bshow?q=talk+show

Timberg, Bernard M. (2002). Television Talk : A History of the TV Talk Show. Austin, TX: University of Texas Press. Retrieved October 21, 2012 from http://site.ebrary.com.ezproxy.taylors.edu.my/lib/taylorscollege/docDetail.action?docID= 10245700&p00=talk%20show