Social Problems

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Social Problems
Introduction
The research paper is an analysis of four different television shows/programs from where observable social problems or issues are documented. Additionally, the social problems are explained and examined sociologically.
It has been documented that social issues or social problems do affect each and every social settings whether large or small in size. Additionally, it is evident that even regions that seem isolated and have sparse kind of population one or more groups of those inhabiting such regions will experience some sort of social problems. Generally speaking social issues are affairs which openly or obliquely affect a person or many members of a society and are deemed to be tribulations, disagreements that relates to moral, values, or beliefs (Gerbner 91).
It is worth noting from the onset of this discussion that at present, we have a myriad of social issues but most literatures have broadly classified them in four distinct categories; environmental issues (pollution, natural disasters, urbanization and housing, population pressures), intolerance (prejudice, homosexuality, drug abuse, prostitution), violence (war and terrorism, family and non family) and finally problem of hierarchy (economic inequality, ageism, racism, sexism) (Gerbner 43). All these have affected human race in one way or another and do vary from one geographic region to another and even within these regions.
The 700 Club, Pat Roberts
The 700 club is a news talk show hosted by Pat Robertson, Terry Meeuwsen, Gordon Robertson and Kristi Watts. The show airs syndication across American and Canada. The stories are based on Pat’s religious as well as political points of view and in most cases link the stories to a number of bible verses together with comments from the hosts. The show’s program from 1978 to 1980 predominantly discussed political issue it fostered conservative political agenda, the show was an influence in 1980 presidential election. It also served as a drive to push Pat quest for presidency in 1988.
A number of social issues have emerged through the show. The notable one is the controversy it brought concerning the September 11 2000 terrorism attack. In the show, Pat asserted that the attack was punishment from God for Americans loose of morals. Other emerging issues by then include his claim that the Hurricane Katrina was God’s punishment for human carrying out abortion. Additionally, the killing of abortion doctor, Tiller George by Roeder Scott where the later asserted that he was influenced by the teachings of Pat constitutes a social problem. More recently, in his show, Pat claimed that what Haiti went through as a result of the earthquake is the result of people making deals with the devil (Kaufman 71).
It has also come to light that his program is aimed at coning innocent individuals to supporting his business ventures. Through generous contrib...