Boo radley paradigm

The Boo Radley Paradigm is a Media Studies theory [http://agears.webs.com/ (Gears 2009)]which can be used to explain the phenomenon of how modern TV uses the more “eccentric” in society to liven up TV viewing. It is linked to the theory of hyper-reality(Baudrillard/ Umberto Eco) in that TV audience achieve gratification ("Uses and Gratifications" (Blumer & Katz) through their ability to see vulnerable people exploited. The theory would suggest that this is regularly seen on such shows as The X-Factor and Britain's Got Talent/ America's Got Talent, Big Brother etc. It would also suggest that there is a link to the notion of "car crash TV."
Gears argues that it is through this paradigm that we are to to understand the appeal of celebrities such as Nadia Almada (Big Brother 2004) who is a transsexual, and that of Pete Bennett (Big Brother 2006)) who had Tourette syndrome. Another example quoted by Gears is Susan Boyle.
The "Boo Radley Pardigm" theory presents the view that TV producers who claim to be empowering these vulnerable participants are simply using them as a marketing strategy, which makes people feel better about themselves through ridiculing others and in fact is a throwback to idea of visiting a mental institution such as Bedlam in order to observe insane patients as an amusement.
A viewer writes in the Lancashire Telegraph,
"Originally hilarious this show has now degenerated into exploitative TV at its worst. Some of the 'pre-screened' contestants are clearly mentally ill. It is like laughing at the lunatics in Bedlam... (But laugh I do...)
The theory presents a clear media debate and issue for discussion.

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