Fact is stranger than Fiction By Rebecca Saba and Michelle Virgona

“ The media’s growing influence has many benefits: informing, educating and entertaining people; increasing awareness of human rights and environmental impacts; breaking down dogma; promoting diversity” (Eckersley et al., cited Crawford & Rossiter, 2006, p. 322).

What is the influence of MEDIA? As a result there is a need, for educators, to develop a society of critical thinkers enabling children and adolescents to make informed spiritual and moral decisions. Television and film plays a significant role in the construction of cultural meanings in society today. The media has become a spiritual and moral reference point. It can also has the potential to serve as an educational purpose. Television viewing has become a ritual of modern culture. Today children and adolescents use television and film to construct their own personal meaning and identity. (Crawford & Rossiter, 2006)

What is the influence of STORY? ong, long ago… story became a major part of our lives. Story continues to be a way of communicating meaning. People construct their own identity through storytelling. However, there is a shift in the way we obtain our stories. “Children used to grow up in a home where parents told most of the stories. Today television tells most of the stories to most of the people most of the time” (Crawford & Rossiter, 2006, p. 324).

What are the FACTS of Reality TV? Reality TV has changed as society has evolved. It has emerged as a popular television category. Reality TV “can build expectations about lifestyle” (Crawford & Rossiter, 2006, p. 343). The problem is, mixed messages conveyed by the media, questions what occurs in children and adolescents home and school lives (Crawford & Rossiter, 2006).

What IS Reality TV? It is… Click on one to have a sneak peak!

What is the POINT? Ordinary people can become celebrities. Celebrities display their ordinariness. It appeals to the ‘winners over loses’ mentality. Viewers have the power to determine the outcome simply by voting. The raw emotion of participants is on show. (Crawford & Rossiter, 2006) IT’S ALL ABOUT RELATIONSHIPS… We relate to the people on screen.

Is there a SPIRITUAL-MORAL DIMENSION? BELIEVE IT OR NOT… Reality TV can impact an individual’s spirituality and morality. There are positive and negative aspects of Reality TV. Crawford & Rossiter, 2006)

WHAT IS the Spiritual-Moral Dimension? ‘How To’ Programs make it desirable for viewers to improve quality of life, satisfying their spiritual and moral needs. Those who desperately want to improve their child rearing skills may be influenced by the SUPERNANNY! Reality Competitions put ordinary people into fake competitive situations therefore allowing viewers to take joy in the adversity of others. This creates spiritual and values problems. BIG BROTHER is WATCHING… those who want instant fame and fortune and will do anything to get this, even if it means becoming a different person!

WHAT IS the Spiritual-Moral Dimension? cont’d Game Shows provide contestants with the possibility of changing their life in a positive way, giving opportunities to win prizes. $$Those who seek to be winners may strike a DEAL… OR NO DEAL$$ Talkback Television encourage viewers to reflect on and change their behaviour by engaging in a form of public conversation or ‘moral counselling’. DR PHIL is there to help those who need inspiration and motivation.

WHAT IS the Spiritual-Moral Dimension? cont’d Real Life Documentaries allow viewers an insight into the different lives of people that creates a sense of curiosity. BONDI beach is the place to be if you need to be RESCUED!

Are there EDUCATIONAL implications? A knowledge and understanding is necessary to develop an awareness of how Reality TV is carefully planned and orchestrated. Children and adolescents need to learn how to discern what is morally acceptable. Educators need to determine what level of critical analysis is appropriate. (Crawford & Rossiter, 2006) TRUE… Fact is stranger than fiction but the question remains, what is fact and what is fiction???

“Television is not acting as a spiritual or moral teacher; it does not claim spiritual/moral authority. But, to varying degrees for its different viewers, it serves like a publicly available practical guide for life” (Crawford & Rossiter, 2004, p. 3). A FINAL THOUGHT…

Bibliography Border Security Australia Frontline S08E10 - Wildlife Trafficking. (2010). Retrieved August 8, 2010, from Community & Urban Farming on Better Homes & Garden. (2009). Retrieved August 8, 2010, from Crawford, M., & Rossiter, G. (2006). Reasons For Living: Education and young people’s search for meaning, identity and spirituality. Camberwell, VIC: Acer Press. Dancing with the Stars Australia George Houvardas & Luda Kroitor - Tango. (2010). Retrieved August 8, 2010, from Dr Phil: Texting While Driving. (2007). Retrieved August 8, 2010, from Minute to Win It Australia - Season 1, Episode 3, Part 1. (2010). Retrieved August 8, 2010, from Rossiter, G. (1999). Shaping Influence of Film and Television on the Spirituality and Identity of Children and Adolescents: an educational response – Part 3. International Journal of Children's Spirituality, 4(2), doi: AN