2002 School Magazine

, . original works

Soap Operas Have an Educational Value Will Susan regain her memory? Or will she just fall back in love with her husband so she can continue her marriage with her loving partner, Karl? Will Kelly be free from her abusive husband so she and her twin sons can receive the love they deserve and Alexie so desperately wants to give them? Like sand through the hourglass so are "The Days of Our LivesI Many teenagers, housewives and Yes, even rea men. watch and enjoy Soap Operas. But now as they sing the catchy opening tunes they no origer have to hang their heads in shame or suffer embarrassment, as I am here to convince You that Soap Operas do have an education value The definition of a "soap opera" is a sentimental serial - origina Iy sponsored by a United States soap company. "Educational" is systematic instruction, the development of character or mental powers. While "value" refers to a specified purpose or desirable worth. Therefore we have a sentimental serial giving systematic instruction for a purpose. Mr Beattie can relax as it is obvious, due to the number of people who religiously tune into their favourite Soapies, we are fast becoming the Smart State Firstly, intelligence comes In many forms and if we wish to develop our emotional intelligence then viewing a Soap Opera is the best way to do it. We can learn to feel empathy as we follow our favourite character through the highs and lows that the complexity of life dishes out. We can learn through others' mistakes and achieve me and all sorts of consequences without even having to leave the comfort of our lounge chair. It was once said that the wise person learns through others' misfortunes, so in this way. the Soap Opera becomes a valuable educational tool in our lessons on life. For example, by just switching on our TV at 7 pm every night, we can catch glimpses of teenagers who again and again have their hearts broken or break the hearts of others and we can learn from their anguish Secondly, scriptwriters invent fictitious characters to act out scenarios that are based on real life situations. We learn many lessons from these characters' struggles an achievements Soap Operas instruct us in many valuable lessons. Because of our close involvement with our favourite characters, our stories stay with us and are long remembered to serve as warnings about the dangers of drug taking and irresponsible behaviour that leads to sad outcomes for those who choose such paths. Furthermore, the scriptwriters behind the Soap Operas research current trends and issues in order to produce shows that are relevant and meaningful to our society. Definite themes are explored so the audienceis notlust entertained but also given messages about views and values on manyissues that are operating within our society Before the invention of television, radio serials offered this same purpose - a reflection of society's values to the listening audience. And before the invention of radio, the written word in the form of magazine serials offered readers this same enlightenment. Did You know that Jane AUSten's famous novel "Pride and Prejudice" written h the early 19th Century is considered by many critics to be an example of a Victorian Soap Opera, as it shows how peop e from that time viewed love and marriage? In this same way today, Soap Operas instruct the viewer on how to act and how not to act within society Finally, trends in the latest clothes and hair fashion can be observed as well as the language and manners that people use to communicate and interact with each other These are all useful and informative purposes that Soap Operas offer us. in summary, Soap Operas develop our understanding of human nature and help us to feel empathy Scriptwriters invent characters to act in scenes based on real ife situations. We earn many lessons from these characters' struggles and achievements. We gain irisigh customs and traditions that operate in our society. We become aware of values that hold together families and communities. So I urge You. next time you are being entertained by Your favourite Soap Opera, look more deeply at the '55ues raised and appreciate the underlying educational value offered to You

Alum Brucey 8 Woolcock

^UVii. 16 OK unPij"

Sophie MIChieletto 11 61bson tondscope Medo"ion Winner Excellence in Youth ArtAwords

Sophio Wordell I I Grimth Luncheone Certificate of Merit ace"ence in Youth Art Awords