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There are few pieces of popular culture as problematic as the trash talk shows of the 1980s and 90s. Many of us remember Jerry Springer, Geraldo, Jenny Jones, and so many others trying to outdo each other in a parade of sensationalized deviance. The more outrageous, the better, but some of what was considered outrageous then is different than it is today. These programs certainly reinforced stereotypes and exploited their guests for profit, but like the Freak Shows of the past, they also offered national visibility for unseen individuals and the groups they represented. This episode explores how this platform changed American culture for better and for worse, the elitist attitudes that looked down on this low brow entertainment, and how these hallmark American productions are mirrored in our fist fights today, online and off\n\nThanks to our sponsor Skillshare, get your reef trial of Premium Membership skillshare.com/hysteria\n\nSubscribe to the One Strange Thing podcast today!\n\nBecome a Patron for extra episodes, interviews, and videos monthly, including our brand new podcast Walk with Me\xa0\n\nAmerican Hysteria is written, produced, and hosted by Chelsey Weber-Smith\nSound design by Clear Commo Studios\n Research and co-writing by Riley Smith\nCo-produced and edited by Miranda Zickler \xa0\n Follow American Hysteria on social media: Twitter: @AmerHysteria Instagram: @AmericanHysteriaPodcast\n Find our merch at americanhysteria.com\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices