Television Criticism

Due April 9

Parasocial Relationships

(Note: There are two assignments, one reading and one writing)

Reading Assignment 4:  Read this article and answer these questions:

1. What researcher seem to be the most influential in the study of parasocial relationships?

2. Why do most of the research subject see parasocial relationships as a positive thing?

3. What television experiences are most like romance novels (hint: it's not soap operas).

4. What is a "parasocial interaction scale?" 

5. What happens when you search for this term (Google, Ask, or other search engine)?

6. What do you see as the difference between "role model" and "parasocial relationship?"

Writing Assignment 6:  Write an essay on television and parasocial interaction.  Topic, theme and bias are up to you.

Reminder:  Expectations for all writing assignments

Background - Selected answers to the class activity on role models. For your information and fun.  Interesting to note that Mr. Feeney seems to be not only the best role model for teachers, but the only one; fathers seem to be hard to find, and Derek Jeter is the perfect human being. And Donald Trump is a good role model?  Fascinating.

Good Role models...

for kids 7-15: Hulk Hogan, Derek Jeter, Hillary Duff, Harry Potter.

for young women 18-25: Kelly Clarkson, Ugly Betty, Christina Agulara, Mariah Carey

for young men 18-25:  Peyton Manning, Lebron James, Derek Jeter, Jack Bauer

Bad Role Models...

for kids 7-15: Britney Spears, Pitt Stains, Dave Chapell, either Olsen Twin

for young women 18-25: Paris Hilton, Britney Spears,

for young men 18-25: K.Fed, K.Fed, Tony Soprano, Kobe Bryant

Generally good role models for...

1. Mothers -- (the one from 7th Heaven), Sarah Jessica Parker, Reba McIntyre

2. Fathers -- Mr. Cleaver, Eric Camden, Sandy Cohen (OC)

3. Doctors -- Dr Quinn (Medicine Woman), Black Doctor,  Derek Sheppard

4. Teachers -- George Feeney, Mr. Feeney (!), Mr. Feeney!

5. Police officers -- Walker Texas Ranger, Slipowitz (NYPD Blue), Carl Winslow

6. Athletes -- Shaq, Michael Jordon, Derek Jeter

7. Friends -- Arnie (the world's strongest man), Corey Matthews, Phoebe (!)

8. Lawyers -- Alex Cabot (Law and Order SVU), Perry Mason, Denny Crane

9. Business executives -- Donald Trump, Richard Branson (Virgin airlines, records, cola), Donald Trump (again!)

10. Salespeople -- Dante Hicks, Chuck Norris (?),