Do TV sitcoms reflect society or do they lead?

[Elvis_Girl]

Hello :wave:

I'm new to this message board, but I'm very happy to be here. I am a graduate student -- currently enrolled in a class studying Internet communities. I 'm in a Special Interest Group studying Television and Society. If you don't mind, I'd like to ask for your input on a question we are discussing: Does television lead society or reflect society? For instance, when a character such as Bart Simpson "talks back" to his parents -- is that a reflection of what is going on in families today? Or do kids "talk back" to their parents as a result of watching characters such as Bart Simpson get away with such behavior?

Thank you for helping me with my assignment. I look forward to hearing what you have to say.

[Belair]

Welcome to SO Elvis_Girl! :wave:

I think television definetly influences how we act in real life.There's alot to learn from watching sitcoms,and i find it very amusing to watch a tv show where the situation on screen is something i have experienced and deal with in my own life.Kids especially are influenced by what they see on tv.Espeically in circumstances where they admire or idolise a particular character.

[James"Thunder"Early]

I think now television leads society, but back in the 70s and 80s television reflected the way society was. today people copy what is seen on tv as it seems to be trying to influence people instead of teach them. like you said about Bart Simpson I believe that when he talks back to his parents that isn't telling the kids to do it I think it is just there and kids try to copy what they see Bart do.

[Number 9 Dream]

Hmmm, here's what I think-- Alot of shows from the late 60's and 70's dealt with societal issues- lessons learned from drugs, war, sexual revolution, race. Whereas the 80's and 90's were more family orientated and more intimate- it was like the second coming of the Brady Bunch- Full House, Family Matters, Step by Step, the Torkelsons, etc. I'm not sure, but I think this greatly reflects the times- the 60's and 70's dealt with the disintegration of "moral values" whereas the 80's and 90's tried to rebuild them. I think t.v. moves in cycles, depending on the era and what's going on. Today's show are all reality shows and who can do the most disgusting thing for money-- it reflects how materialistic this society has become(not everyone, mind you...just what the producers THINK we want to see).

Hope that helped a bit :wave: