Well, I could be wrong, but I believe, uh, diversity is an old, old wooden ship that was used during the Civil War era.

Okay, I don't get to watch much television, but I discovered a show that I've found fascinating.

It's called "Without Prejudice" and I've watched the first few episodes.

The premise is that a panel of judges will determine who will win $25,000. The panel learns more about the people through each round of elimination until they choose between the remaining 2 contestants.

So, in the earlier rounds they pick & choose based on looks and their own prejudices. It's interesting to hear the panel deliberate and see how they want to convey their thoughts in a way that will put them in the best light.

They might try to be PC or sound non-racist or non-sexists or non-homophobic or whatnot, or they may be bold in their stereotypes. Some won't like a contestant based on age, others will like that person for the same reason.

Will they give the money to the person they like the most? Will they give it to the person who most needs it?

The one question they cannot ask a contestant prior to elimination is what he/she would do wit the money. So, they must guess, based primarily on their prejudice.

But they have to decide who they "like the most or hate the least."

NY Times review:

The premise: five people, sequestered in the proverbial green room, reveal tidbits about themselves — their jobs, their beliefs, their love lives — to another five people, who sit in judgment of them along with the show’s host, the psychotherapist Robi Ludwig. All 10 are “ordinary” — no celebrities in sight — though since we’re told nothing about how either group is selected, we can assume that the usual reality-show casting decisions are being made.

The contestants are diverse group of people, varying in age, gender, economic status, hairstyles, sexual orientation, etc.

So far, the same is true of the diverse panel and it's interesting to see how they prefer folks like them and not so much folks who are different. However, you will at times suspect that panelists are saying more what they think is the "right" thing to say in the eyes of the other panelists.

It's an interesting way to learn about diversity in America and how "common" folks approach the subject as they interact with other such "common" folk.


From the show's site:

WITHOUT PREJUDICE? does not support or condemn any action, attribute or value system, but rather stimulates an open debate. The diverse panel and viewers will soon need to make the ultimate determination that will impact five lives on the line. Can a life-altering decision truly be reached WITHOUT PREJUDICE?

Like "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" and "The Weakest Link," this show is copied from its UK counterpart. I'd be curious to see how the UK version plays out.

Caution ... I do pick up on a bit of a liberal slant to the show, but there's great potential for a train wreck and tension can certainly abound. Plus, there are still many Americans who know little experientially about the rampant diversity we have and how different folks think and interact.

Thus, it could be entertaining AND educational.

It's on GSN on Tuesday nights (8PM Central), but you can always use the greatness of TiVo to track it down like I do. Our you can visit the GSN's "Without Prejudice" site and view online. I offer you Episode 3 for your viewing pleasure.