the irony here is that Jerry Springer had a powerful hand in the degradation of society. his show (any many others like it) not only normalized societal breakdown but celebrated the the perpetrators that inflicted the most damage. he was, for all intention, one of the first new-age content creators that troll for engagement.

his show educated a nation of children that it was acceptable to have unprotected sex and ignore your responsibilities. that the risk was acceptable to have sex with your family members. that the risk to lie, cheat, and steal was worth the benefits.

again, not just him but many shows empowered people to make poor decisions with little to no impact.

the old phrase was, "you are who your friends are." I think it's more adapt to use, " you are what you watch."

Jerry Springer on stage with GWAR