“TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOURSELF”Judge Judy and the Neoliberal

CitizenBy Laurie Oullette

Judge Judy

Judge Judy debut’s in 1996 The program claims to resolve “real life” disputes

between friends, family members, neighbors, and former lovers on national television.

It quickly becomes a success, taking an authoritive place on daytime schedules.

The number one show on daytime television for the past two seasons

she brings her trademark wit and wisdom to the widely successful series that takes viewers inside a television courtroom where justice is dispensed at “lightning speed”.

Judy and Neoliberalism

The Courtroom subgenre of reality television exemplifies a “Neoliberal form of governance”, A do it yourself culture.

Judy (and similar shows) train TV viewers to function without state assistance or supervision.

The show provides and underlying message seeking to transform “the goals of authorities” into the choices and commitment of the individual.

Judge Judy and Neoliberalism

These ideals of “good citizenship” include…

Self-discipline Self-sufficient Personal responsibility Risk adverting individuals

Neoliberalism and Television Culture

ne·o·lib·er·al·ism: A political movement beginning in the 1960s that blends traditional liberal concerns for social justice with an emphasis on economic growth.

The main points of neo-liberalism :

1. THE RULE OF THE MARKET2. CUTTING PUBLIC EXPENDITURE FOR SOCIAL SERVICES3. DEREGULATION4. PRIVATIZATION5. ELIMINATING THE CONCEPT OF "THE PUBLIC GOOD" or "COMMUNITY“

and replacing it with "individual responsibility."

Neoliberalism and Television Culture

“Television (specifically reality TV) can serve as a perfect medium to deliver the neoliberal agenda indirectly.”

-James Hayes“Unaided Virtues”

Neoliberalism and Television Culture

Books or magazines focused on self-help or self-esteem building coincide with these neoliberal policies.

-Barbara Cruikshank“Revelations within”

Some examples of Judy and Self Help

As well as…

Even starting early with

Judge Judy fuses Television, Neoliberalism, and self help discourse.

-The Programs simulated TV courtroom is an efficient way to resolve disputes steeped in politics of gender, class and race

-The TV viewer benefits from mistakes made by the litigants in Judge Judy’s Court room, by recognizing the implied rules of self government.

The Cases are Real, the Rulings are Final

The Cases are Real, the Rulings are Final

Court shows have been around since the 1950’s. Judge Judy’s “no-nonsense” approach separates

it from a growing number of imitators. The shows success has allowed Judy to earn a

surprising $45 million a year. Well beyond the amount any “common” court room judge would make.

The show’s litigants come are rounded up by show runners. They are found in small claims court’s across the U.S., and receive airfare, hotel, and court fee’s to present their cases on TV.

The Cases are Real, the rulings are Final

The details of the cases take a back seat to the behaviors and choices of the people involved.

About 10 Kids?

“Take responsibility for yourself, your actions, and the children you’ve brought into the world.”

-Judy Sheindlin

Real?

Instead the show focuses on litigants…. Employment History Marital an Parental Status Drug habits Sexual practices Incarceration record Dependency on welfare

Real?

Judge Judy-isms

Privatizing Justice, Stigmatizing Dependency

• The show’s claim to facilitate justice at lightening speed, implies it can resolve problems faster and more efficiently than the public sector.

• “Victimization” is brought on by the individual, not society.

• Judy’s disdain for welfare “dependency” extends to charity and other forms of assistance; individuals are told to take care of themselves and their families, empathy and social responsibility for others are discouraged.

Privatizing Justice, Stigmatizing Dependency

Judge Judy seeks to transform the “goals of authorities” into the choices and commitment of the individuals

Women are cast as “self-created” victims, claiming in her book that all women can achieve happiness and success.

Neo-Liberal citizens are conceived as “private individuals” seeking to maximize their quality of life through acts of choice while avoiding calculable danger and risk.

Your Thoughts

FOR AGAINST

The show instills the importance of self-discipline, the rewards of self-enterprising actions, and the personal consequences of making the wrong choice.

Avoid being the “train wrecks” on the show and learn from their mistakes.

The Neoliberal agenda is misguided

Her heavy handed methods can be polarizing

The show undermines the image of a fair courtroom. Often being the source of parodies