“REALITY TALK” OR “TELLING TALES”?

Abstract

Based on the senior author's participant observations as an “expert” guest panelist on an American nationally syndicated television talk show in summer 1992, it is suggested that in its presentation of “sexually deviant” behavior, the content of this “reality talk” show may be viewed as the product of scripted behavior that reinforces and replicates culturally normative views of gender and sexuality. Rather than viewing the disclosures presented before the cameras as either “spontaneous” or “true confessions,” the entire program may be more accurately seen as offering a deliberately crafted and stylized depiction of its subject matter.