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mcnello t1_jcxsnnw wrote

Reply to comment by PigeonsArePopular in Bidens to host 'Ted Lasso' cast to promote mental health by Luka77GOATic

It may not actually be an effective substitute for real medical care/treatment but it will generate publicity and may translate into more votes for team blue, so it must be a win for overall society, right?

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tinaxbelcher t1_jcyirj6 wrote

Studies have been done before on racists who watched a show with a main character as a person of color. And the results were there. After watching the show, the subjects were more accepting of people of color because they found a way to identify with the character. They found that it's a first step in sympathizing with an "outgroup". This is a great example of the benefits of parasocial relationships. With the way media is ingrained in our society, this is a step in the right direction in terms of normalizing mental health issues.

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PigeonsArePopular t1_jcy59wh wrote

I fear that is how the thinking goes - window dressing like this somehow manifests robust public policy (decades later?)

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mero8181 t1_jcy78i0 wrote

Yes, exactly. Or until people start to actually vote for and care about the bodies of government that can actually make changes. The house and Senate are the 2 most powerful bodies, yet people think the president can wave a wand and boom we have universal healthcare.

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