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TV and Transgender

Television is by its very nature designed to entertain.  However it can also educate and do so very effectively.  The problems arise when the two mix and with a controversial subject such as transgender, often the educational capabilities are pushed aside for the entertainment value.  The hosts of such programs are less than lovingly referred to as "infotainers".

The qualifications to discuss transgender issues of these people range from nil to bare and that includes everyone's favourite psychologist.  Still, that doesn't mean that all such programs are to be discarded because that would be to do a further disservice.  One talk show host, a world famous celebrity/model is very supportive of the transgender community.  This is likely because she has been exposed to diversity throughout her career and sees people as people.

Even the "bad" programs will have some intrinsic value and information, the problem for the uneducated viewer is, they are unable to discern the wheat from the chaff.  The other major problem with these programs are sound bites.  A guest will invariably make a statement that is applauded despite their oppositional position to transgender support.  The next sound bite will have the audience applauding the opposite point of view.  This is entertainment, not education and overall, bad programming.  The programming and hosts are more interested in shock, controversy, and above all; ratings.  Use of such an approach with a topic of transgender is counterproductive.

As a human race, we should be going forward.  We should be learning tolerance of diversity.  Instead the opposite is happening and it is occurring for the most base of reasons; greed followed by fear.  Ratings equal advertisers equals money.  The more controversial the program within the bounds of audience demographics the more advertising dollars that can be raised.  It is that simple.

My challenge to Dr. Phil is simple although I doubt he will ever read this page let alone take up the challenge.  Host a round table of true experts.  Invite people such as Dr. Anne Vitale, Dr. Dan Siegel, Dr. Carl Bushong as well as others involved in the social aspects including law enforcement, social workers and business leaders.  Dr. Phil should sit back and listen, only speaking up to ask a question or seek clarification.  Make the program two hours in length with only 12 minutes of commercial break per hour.  Let the guests talk.  Let the guests educate.  Let the guests establish some empathy.

This might be wishful thinking but if Doctor Phil McGraw has any conscience toward transgender issues other than creating controversy and divisiveness, then let him stand up as a renowned psychologist of note and educate instead of entertain; JUST ONCE.  We have to assume that his PhD does allow him to operate as a researcher equally to that of a television personality.

He has the qualifications and the capability.  The question to be answered is does he have the desire?  This writer thinks not.

Kimberley  October 30, 2008