What is Dry Rot?
Dry rot is an aggressive form of fungal growth also known as Serpula Lacrymans. It is a wood destroying fungi that feeds off the cellulose in timber in order to grow and spread. This process leaves timber in a dry and brittle state and can weaken structural timber in buildings as a result.
Society also has a frame in which the structure and system depend. Many things both internal and external threatens that frame. If the frame is resolute it can withstand the impact, if not then it begins to disintegrate and the structure and systems within that frame change to. As a result society becomes mangled and unrecognisable from previous and the population then have to adapt or integrate into the new. Sometimes this is an improvement as before was undesirable. Or sometimes it is a disaster and the mutation is ugly and malignant. This article will reflect on how The Jeremy Kyle Show was symbolic of the ugly and malignant. Even though it has been removed from our television screens the dry rot is still very much impacting on the present and will continue to do so well into the future.
The Jeremy Kyle Show, one of the most controversial and widely debated television programmes in British history, ran for fourteen years from 2005 to 2019. It garnered an immense following, largely due to its sensationalised and provocative approach to daytime TV. For many, it was seen as a guilty pleasure, a raw insight into human drama and dysfunction. However, behind the facade of entertainment lay a litany of ethical issues, emotional harm, and accusations of exploitation. In this article, we will explore all that was wrong with The Jeremy Kyle Show, including its treatment of vulnerable individuals, its toxic culture of confrontation, its manipulative use of lie detector tests, and the devastating consequences it had on both its participants and wider society.
Exploitation of Vulnerable People
One of the primary criticisms levelled at The Jeremy Kyle Show was its blatant exploitation of vulnerable individuals. The guests who appeared on the programme often came from disadvantaged backgrounds, experiencing various difficulties such as poverty, addiction, mental health issues, or family breakdowns. Rather than offering genuine help or support, the show seemed more interested in exposing and exacerbating their problems for the sake of entertainment.
Many participants were not equipped to handle the intense public scrutiny they faced, and their personal struggles were turned into spectacle. The show’s producers allegedly preyed on people in desperate situations, offering them the opportunity to air their dirty laundry on national television, often with the promise of help or resolution. However, instead of receiving the assistance they needed, participants were often subjected to ridicule, humiliation, and aggressive confrontation.
This exploitation was particularly apparent in how the show treated guests with mental health issues. Numerous reports suggest that participants were not adequately screened or supported in dealing with the emotional toll of appearing on the programme. For example, in a 2017 BBC investigation, former participants described how they felt pressured to take part in episodes even when they were mentally unwell. The producers’ primary concern appeared to be producing shocking television, rather than protecting the well-being of their guests.
The Toxic Culture of Confrontation
At the heart of The Jeremy Kyle Show was a culture of confrontation. Kyle, the host, often took a domineering, aggressive approach towards his guests, berating them for their behaviour and choices. Rather than fostering an environment of understanding or support, he perpetuated a narrative of blame, often presenting himself as morally superior to those on the show.
Kyle’s manner was often seen as bullying and dehumanising. He would frequently shout at guests, belittle them, and offer simplistic and often patronising advice. This dynamic created a clear power imbalance, where guests – already vulnerable and struggling – were subjected to public shaming by a figure of authority. The audience, encouraged by the show’s format, would often cheer as Kyle tore into his guests, reinforcing this humiliation.
This atmosphere of hostility did not lend itself to resolving the conflicts or problems guests were facing. Instead, it created a spectacle of chaos and aggression, designed to provoke a reaction rather than to help. Family disputes, relationship breakdowns, and issues of addiction or mental health were treated as entertainment fodder rather than complex issues requiring sensitivity and care.
This aggressive style was often justified by the show’s producers as a form of “tough love”, but in reality, it was more about reinforcing stereotypes and confirming prejudices. Guests were often cast as ‘villains’ or ‘heroes’ in a simplistic, black-and-white moral narrative. This superficial treatment of complex personal issues ignored the real-world consequences for those involved.
The Dubious Use of Lie Detector Tests
Perhaps one of the most controversial aspects of The Jeremy Kyle Show was its use of lie detector tests. These tests were often used to resolve disputes over infidelity, theft, or other personal conflicts. However, polygraph tests are widely discredited by scientists and psychologists as unreliable. Despite this, they became a central feature of the show, often with life-altering consequences for those involved.
The results of these tests were treated as conclusive evidence of truth or deceit, with participants’ relationships and reputations hanging on the outcome. If a guest was deemed to have “failed” a lie detector test, they were often publicly shamed and vilified, while a “pass” was seen as a vindication of their innocence. This binary outcome failed to account for the inaccuracy of polygraphs, which can produce false positives or negatives, and can be influenced by factors such as nervousness or anxiety.
Several participants spoke out about how the lie detector tests had ruined their lives. In some cases, families were torn apart, relationships ended, and reputations were damaged beyond repair, all based on a test with questionable validity. The show’s reliance on these tests was a clear example of how it prioritised drama over the welfare of its participants.
The ethical concerns around the use of lie detector tests became even more apparent following the tragic death of Steve Dymond, a guest who appeared on the show in 2019. Dymond took his own life shortly after failing a lie detector test on the programme, which had been used to determine whether he had been unfaithful to his partner. His death prompted widespread outrage and led to the eventual cancellation of the show. The tragedy highlighted the immense pressure and emotional toll that the programme’s format placed on its participants, particularly when it involved such unreliable methods of ‘truth-telling’.
Lack of Aftercare and Support
Another major issue with The Jeremy Kyle Show was the inadequate level of aftercare and support provided to participants. Although the show’s producers claimed to offer counselling and support services, many former guests reported that this help was insufficient, especially considering the emotional turmoil they experienced both during and after filming.
The process of appearing on the show was, for many, deeply distressing. Guests were often encouraged to reveal intimate details of their lives on national television, resulting in feelings of shame, regret, and public humiliation. However, once the cameras stopped rolling, many participants were left to deal with the aftermath on their own, without adequate support.
Former guests and insiders described how they were often left feeling abandoned after filming, with little guidance on how to cope with the public attention or the impact on their personal lives. For some, the consequences of appearing on the show were devastating. Relationships were irreparably damaged, reputations were tarnished, and in extreme cases, individuals were subjected to online abuse and bullying.
The show’s failure to provide sufficient aftercare was particularly concerning given the vulnerable nature of many of its participants. Some were struggling with addiction, mental health issues, or homelessness, and the experience of being on the show only exacerbated their difficulties. In some cases, participants reported feeling worse off after appearing on the programme than they had been before.
The tragic death of Steve Dymond brought these failings into sharp focus. In the wake of his death, it was revealed that despite Dymond’s visible distress during and after filming, the aftercare provided to him had been woefully inadequate. This failure to protect vulnerable guests was a damning indictment of the show’s priorities and its duty of care.
Impact on Society
The Jeremy Kyle Show also had a broader societal impact, contributing to a culture of judgement, stigma, and voyeurism. The show’s format perpetuated harmful stereotypes about working-class people, often portraying them as dysfunctional, irresponsible, and incapable of resolving their own problems. This reinforced negative perceptions of poverty and social inequality, framing complex social issues in simplistic and individualistic terms.
Rather than addressing the root causes of the problems faced by many of its guests, the show encouraged viewers to blame individuals for their own circumstances. Kyle’s aggressive, judgemental approach fed into a wider narrative of ‘shaming’ people for their behaviour, rather than offering compassion or understanding. This approach was not only harmful to the individuals involved but also contributed to a wider societal culture of judgement and division.
Moreover, the show normalised voyeurism and schadenfreude – the act of taking pleasure in the misfortunes of others. Viewers were invited to laugh at and deride the struggles of others, with little regard for the real emotional and psychological toll this took on those involved. The public humiliation of participants was framed as entertainment, turning the pain and suffering of vulnerable people into a spectacle for mass consumption.
The influence of The Jeremy Kyle Show extended beyond the programme itself, contributing to a wider trend in reality TV towards exploitation and sensationalism. It set a precedent for other shows that thrive on controversy and conflict, prioritising ratings over ethical considerations. The normalisation of public shaming and confrontation in the name of entertainment had far-reaching consequences, influencing how society views and treats vulnerable individuals.
Lack of Accountability
Despite the numerous ethical concerns surrounding The Jeremy Kyle Show, there was a notable lack of accountability from both the show’s producers and the broader ITV network. Over the years, various complaints and criticisms were raised about the programme’s treatment of its guests and the impact it had on their lives. However, these concerns were largely dismissed or ignored, with the show continuing to air for over a decade.
It wasn’t until the tragic death of Steve Dymond that the programme was finally taken off the air. Even then, it was only after significant public backlash and media scrutiny that ITV decided to cancel the show. This belated response highlighted the network’s failure to adequately regulate the programme and protect its participants from harm.
The lack of accountability extended beyond the show itself to the wider media landscape. The Jeremy Kyle Show was part of a broader trend in reality television that prioritised sensationalism and shock value over the well-being of those involved. Despite numerous controversies and scandals, these programmes continued to dominate daytime and primetime TV schedules, with little oversight or regulation.
The Jeremy Kyle Show was emblematic of the worst excesses of reality television. Its exploitation of vulnerable people, its toxic culture of confrontation, its dubious use of lie detector tests, and its failure to provide adequate aftercare all contributed to a deeply unethical and damaging programme. While it may have entertained millions of viewers, the cost to the individuals involved was often immense, with some suffering long-lasting emotional and psychological harm.
The show’s cancellation in 2019 was long overdue, and its legacy serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of prioritising entertainment over ethics. In the wake of its demise, there has been much debate about the role of reality television in society and the responsibility of broadcasters to protect the well-being of those who take part. The lessons learned from The Jeremy Kyle Show should serve as a reminder that entertainment should never come at the expense of human dignity or well-being.
The Jeremy Kyle Show Was Emblematic Of Society’s Dry Rot
The rest of this article will examine how The Jeremy Kyle Show offers a window into wider societal attitudes and structures, from its portrayal of the working class to its role in promoting reality television culture. By analysing the show’s influence and themes, we can gain insight into its reflection of British society’s values, prejudices, and contradictions and conclude that society is a lot worse off because of it.
Class Divide and Stereotyping of the Working Class
One of the most notable ways The Jeremy Kyle Show reflected wider society was through its portrayal of working-class people. The vast majority of the show’s participants came from disadvantaged or low-income backgrounds, often dealing with issues such as unemployment, addiction, or family breakdown. Rather than addressing these problems in a nuanced or empathetic manner, the show frequently framed these issues as the result of personal failings rather than structural inequalities.
The show’s format reinforced the stereotype that working-class people are dysfunctional, irresponsible, and incapable of managing their own lives. Through its emphasis on conflict and confrontation, The Jeremy Kyle Show perpetuated the notion that these individuals were the architects of their own misfortune. The guests were often depicted as morally flawed, needing the guidance of Jeremy Kyle, who positioned himself as a figure of authority and moral judgement.
This portrayal of working-class people as chaotic and incapable of self-improvement taps into broader societal prejudices about class. It reflects the way British society often stigmatises those who are economically disadvantaged, placing the blame for poverty and hardship on individuals rather than recognising the broader social and economic factors that contribute to inequality. The show capitalised on this stereotype to entertain its audience, offering a simplistic, and often cruel, narrative about the lives of working-class people.
This type of stereotyping can be understood within the context of the UK’s deep-rooted class system, where class identity remains a defining aspect of British society. The programme allowed middle-class viewers to confirm their preconceptions about the working class, reinforcing social hierarchies and divisions. In doing so, it diverted attention away from the structural causes of inequality, such as austerity, housing issues, and precarious employment, instead placing the focus on personal behaviour and morality.
Public Shaming and the Rise of Reality TV Culture
The Jeremy Kyle Show was part of a broader trend in reality television that emerged in the late 1990s and early 2000s, reflecting a shift in the media landscape towards programmes that emphasised conflict, drama, and sensationalism. Reality TV shows like Big Brother, Love Island, and The X Factor became central to popular culture, providing a space where ordinary people could become public figures – for better or worse. However, The Jeremy Kyle Show took this format to a new level by incorporating elements of public shaming and humiliation, making it a unique reflection of the darker aspects of reality TV culture.
In an age of social media and 24-hour news cycles, public shaming has become a prevalent form of entertainment, with individuals’ personal problems, failures, and indiscretions being played out for the masses. The Jeremy Kyle Show thrived on this dynamic, offering viewers the opportunity to watch and judge others’ most intimate and painful moments. The live audience and viewers at home were invited to take part in the process of condemnation, laughing, jeering, or siding with the host as he berated his guests for their perceived shortcomings.
This culture of public shaming reflects broader societal trends, particularly in the context of the internet and social media. Platforms such as Twitter and Facebook have made it easier than ever for people to be publicly called out, criticised, or even “cancelled” for their actions. The rise of cancel culture – where individuals are held accountable for real or perceived mistakes through social media backlash – has echoes in the confrontational and judgemental format of The Jeremy Kyle Show.
The show’s success highlighted how public humiliation could be commodified for entertainment, turning private pain into a spectacle for consumption. It catered to a voyeuristic impulse in society, where watching the misfortunes of others became a form of escapism and entertainment for viewers. The show reflected a societal shift towards the normalisation of judgmental attitudes, where empathy is replaced with a desire to moralise, mock, or criticise others for their struggles.
Mental Health and Stigmatisation
Another way in which The Jeremy Kyle Show mirrored wider society was in its treatment of mental health issues. Many guests who appeared on the programme were dealing with significant mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, addiction, or trauma. However, rather than approaching these issues with sensitivity or care, the show often portrayed mental health problems as a source of shame, weakness, or moral failure.
Jeremy Kyle himself would frequently downplay or dismiss the mental health struggles of guests, opting instead for a “tough love” approach that involved aggressive confrontation, public shaming, and ridicule. This reflected wider societal attitudes towards mental health, where people struggling with mental illness are often stigmatised or misunderstood. The show’s format did little to destigmatise these conditions; instead, it reinforced the perception that mental health problems were personal failings to be judged and punished.
This approach can be seen as symptomatic of broader societal challenges in dealing with mental health. Although there have been significant strides in raising awareness and reducing stigma around mental health in recent years, many people – particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds – still face significant barriers to accessing support and understanding. Mental health services in the UK have been severely underfunded, particularly following years of austerity measures, meaning that those in need of help often fall through the cracks.
The show also reflected the limitations of traditional media in addressing mental health responsibly. Instead of encouraging conversations about mental illness and providing guests with the help they needed, The Jeremy Kyle Show often perpetuated harmful myths and stereotypes, reinforcing a narrative of personal responsibility rather than structural or psychological support. The way the show handled these issues mirrored wider failures in society to adequately address the mental health crisis, particularly for those in vulnerable or disadvantaged situations.
Family Breakdown and Social Disintegration
The frequent depiction of fractured family relationships on The Jeremy Kyle Show offered a glimpse into the complexities of modern family life, particularly for those facing social and economic difficulties. The show often focused on family disputes, paternity tests, infidelity, and issues of estrangement. These themes reflected real challenges faced by many families in contemporary British society, particularly those living in poverty or struggling with unemployment and other stressors.
Family breakdown is a significant issue in the UK, and the show’s emphasis on dysfunctional family dynamics mirrored the wider social disintegration that often accompanies economic hardship. The breakdown of traditional family structures, coupled with the pressures of modern life, has led to increased rates of divorce, single-parent households, and estrangement. These issues are often exacerbated by poverty, housing instability, and the lack of access to social services, particularly in areas hit hard by deindustrialisation and austerity measures.
However, rather than offering a platform for thoughtful discussion about the causes of family breakdown, The Jeremy Kyle Show typically presented these issues in a sensationalist and confrontational manner. It failed to acknowledge the broader social and economic forces that contribute to family instability, instead framing these problems as the result of personal failings. This approach not only reflected the programme’s reductive understanding of social issues but also mirrored a wider societal tendency to individualise complex social problems.
Media Responsibility and Public Accountability
The Jeremy Kyle Show also raised important questions about the role of the media in shaping public opinion and how it reflects societal values. Throughout its run, the programme blurred the line between entertainment and responsibility, raising concerns about the ethical responsibilities of broadcasters and media producers in their portrayal of vulnerable individuals.
In many ways, the show reflected a media landscape increasingly driven by sensationalism, where controversy, conflict, and drama are prioritised over responsible reporting and ethical considerations. This shift is emblematic of the broader trend towards “tabloidisation” in the media, where the boundaries between news, entertainment, and exploitation become increasingly blurred. The show thrived on scandal and public humiliation, reflecting a media culture that often sacrifices ethics for the sake of ratings.
The show’s ultimate cancellation in 2019, following the tragic death of a guest who took his own life after failing a lie detector test, forced a national conversation about media responsibility and public accountability. It highlighted the consequences of reality television’s voyeuristic and confrontational approach and underscored the dangers of treating personal trauma as entertainment. This public reckoning mirrored a broader societal shift towards holding media institutions accountable for their role in shaping attitudes and contributing to harmful narratives.
Conclusion: Dry Rot Is What Dry Rot Does – Destroy
By turning personal pain into entertainment, the show tapped into a voyeuristic impulse in society, while also reinforcing harmful stereotypes and prejudices about the working class, mental illness, and family breakdown.
Ultimately, The Jeremy Kyle Show served as a stark reminder of the power of the media to shape public attitudes and reflect societal values. Its success was to exploit society’s willingness to judge, criticise, and consume the struggles of others, while its downfall raised important questions about media ethics, responsibility, and the need for greater sensitivity towards vulnerable individuals. In reflecting wider social issues, the show also exposed the limitations of the media in addressing complex problems with the depth, empathy, and understanding they deserve. The Jeremy Kyle Show reveals itself as an aggressive form of fungal growth. The media and in turn the audience participated in a process of rotting. Of self destruction. It made the presenter and others wealthy while this self indulgence destroyed the fabric and the frame of our society. People blamed others whilst ignoring their own behaviour. People scrambled for the limelight to escape the mundane and malignancy of their own existence. All the while The Jeremy Kyle Show and others fed off this. No one returned home to better opportunities. They were just meat for the grinder. Dry rot adding to the their already crumbling lives.
And as for Jeremy Kyle:
Here he is slandering Jeremy Corbyn with literally no evidence quoted.
As Jeremy Kyle (Jeremy Vile) is trending, here he is calling @jeremycorbyn an antisemite! https://t.co/FMl3Xc0nLe
— Jason Charles (@theclawsoftime) September 6, 2024
Remember that Jeremy Kyle is STILL employed by Murdoch's far right @TalkTV!
— Egalitarian (@CasperBryson) September 6, 2024
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