Without Prejudice--zhang Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Without Prejudice--zhang - Essay Example The theory that applies the most to the TV show, â€Å"Without Prejudice,† is Judee Burgoon’s Expectation Violations Theory (EVT). The process of choosing someone to give $25,000 is based on expectancy, violation valence, and communicator reward valence. Violation valence refers to positive or negative values placed on particular unexpected behaviors. Communicator reward valence refers to the positive or negative attributes put into the encounter and the potential to reward or punish the behavior. The judges in the show had expectancy or expectations regarding communicator characteristics, which are basically comprised of demographics (i.e. race, age, educational background, gender and social class), physical appearance, personality and communication style. The judges made first impressions from how the candidates presented themselves through saying their names and where they are from, which their communicator characteristics affected. Dave, for instance, judged that Jo hn did not seem to need the money because of his physical demeanor. RJ would not give the money to Nancy at first because she is already old. Their prejudice on people’s age and physical characteristics affected their reward valence. The show also demonstrated violation valence and communicator reward valence. JJ showed positive facial expression when she learned that Jack was a Marine, which gave positive valence to Jack. However, when Jack revealed that after his service he got involved in the porn industry, JJ changed the valence into a negative one. Jack’s porn activities violated JJ’s expectancy from him as a changed man, since he became a soldier already. Communicator reward valence resulted to JJ’s judgment that Jack does not deserve $25,000 because his work is â€Å"disgusting.† Learning that Jack is in the porn industry also earned him a negative