Talk Shows In the world of television, talk shows have undoubtedly taken up nearly every inch of space on daytime television, and have caused a lot of controversy while doing so. In the 1980s, soap operas and quiz shows dominated the daytime airwaves, but the 1990s are definitely the decade of talk shows. The talk show craze seemed to start with originals like Geraldo Riveria, Donahue, and Sally Jesse Rafael (now called Sally). In fact, many of their original topics are still used on talk shows today, but with a different style and approach. format. Some of the talk shows on the air today, such as the Oprah Winfrey Show and the Montel Williams Show, focus on improving society and quality of life. They focus on topics such as children, the workplace, everyday life, and sometimes give interviews with respectable celebrities. You can watch shows with titles like "Teaching Your Kids Responsibly" or "How to Manage the Workweek." These shows actually educate people and teach the child who watches them right and wrong. They also have shows that expose things like child or spouse abuse and make people aware of these dangers. People even feel a special attachment to their favorite talk show hosts and talk about them as if they know them. Even so-called “trash talk shows,” like the Jerry Springer Show, have their upsides. Jerry once did a show with David Duke, a former member of the KKK clan who was currently running for senate. Jerry says his constant shows about the clan serve to make people aware of racism. (Medill 1) Even though he actually did it for publicity, I think Jerry Springer actually helped us by exposing this man for what he was. Jerry's rebuttal to his very poor conclusion is that h...... middle of paper ......” (Dickens 1) After much consideration on this topic, I have come to the conclusion that talk shows are not as bad as they say people. I think in today's society people grasp at mirrors to find something to blame for Americans' problems. While I'm sure seeing some of these outrageous things on television doesn't improve our society, some of the more respectable shows use arguments that do. And the fact remains that no one is forced to move forward, or even to watch a talk show. If you choose to watch it, which almost all Americans do, you contribute to its popularity. Furthermore, if children were instilled with good morals and had an open relationship with their parents, these shows could almost be seen as a door to open some important conversation. I think a child who learns from an early age what's out there will have an easier time adapting to the world.