This quality gives soap operas a broadcast life longer than any other TV program form. Soap operas stay on the air for decades when other programs are considered classic if they celebrate their 5th anniversary. Today in America, watching television is the most popular form of leisure activity. There is a difference in cinematic and TV roles for women and men. While men are the ones taking action, women are the ones acted upon.
Television reflects our racial, ethnic, gender and sexual values.
In its flickering glow are captured American attitudes during the last half century. But,television is more than a recording device. It is also a powerful, un-avoidable agent for change. The fact that agencies today produce commercials and not programs is a direct consequence of the outcome of that fight.