One of the UK’s leading educationalists has criticised TV talent shows such the X Factor for "glamorising" bullying and arrogance.
Helen Wright hits out at not just the "banal and mind-numbing" nature of such shows which is "undesirable" - but also their "amorality".
The broadside came today (Monday) from Wright, head of leading girls' school, St Mary's Calne, in Wiltshire, voicing her fears in her role as the president of the Girls' Schools Association, at its annual conference in Bristol.
Sky News reports that Wright also raises concerns about the "easy celebrity" gained by reality TV stars, which can seem appealing to young people lacking a direction in their lives.
"In the X Factor, contestants are encouraged to be at each other's throats, seemingly more so this year than ever," she said.
"Qualities such as bullying and arrogance are glamorised and become synonyms for ambition and drive.
"Young people look up to these so-called stars that have themselves been catapulted into a spotlight which can be far too much for them."
Wrights believes that the explosion of reality TV shows and the culture they promote "strikes at the heart of the way we should be bringing our children up".
She also suggested that the fierce criticism contestants face from judges can promote the message "you can be mean and nasty and that's kind of OK".
In the X Factor, contestants are encouraged to be at each other's throats, seemingly more so this year than ever, she said. Qualities such as bullying and arrogance are glamorised and become synonyms for ambition and drive.
Helen Wright hits out at not just the "banal and mind-numbing" nature of such shows which is "undesirable" - but also their "amorality".
The broadside came today (Monday) from Wright, head of leading girls' school, St Mary's Calne, in Wiltshire, voicing her fears in her role as the president of the Girls' Schools Association, at its annual conference in Bristol.
Sky News reports that Wright also raises concerns about the "easy celebrity" gained by reality TV stars, which can seem appealing to young people lacking a direction in their lives.
"In the X Factor, contestants are encouraged to be at each other's throats, seemingly more so this year than ever," she said.
"Qualities such as bullying and arrogance are glamorised and become synonyms for ambition and drive.
"Young people look up to these so-called stars that have themselves been catapulted into a spotlight which can be far too much for them."
Wrights believes that the explosion of reality TV shows and the culture they promote "strikes at the heart of the way we should be bringing our children up".
She also suggested that the fierce criticism contestants face from judges can promote the message "you can be mean and nasty and that's kind of OK".
In the X Factor, contestants are encouraged to be at each other's throats, seemingly more so this year than ever, she said. Qualities such as bullying and arrogance are glamorised and become synonyms for ambition and drive.
Thanks a lot for the quality blog post.. I liked it!
ReplyDeleteIt is not possible in today's world to avoid using the computer and the internet for all to operate.
ReplyDeleteAt the present time, when you love to see others, we normally move to the computer and log on to our accounts profiles.
ReplyDeleteIntroduction is very significant and initial part of the entire dissertation.....
ReplyDeleteMBA dissertation writing is extensive paper writing and it consumes a great deal of time.
ReplyDeleteMBA dissertation writing is extensive paper writing and it consumes a great deal of time.
ReplyDelete