What the world needs now, is a Game Show

Do you remember that feeling in grade school when you were called on in class and were ready to respond, without the shadow of a doubt, with the answer that you knew to be correct? The subsequent look of approval, resounding "Exactly!" or, even, should you be so lucky, the coveted gold star.

Do you remember those wonderful teachers who, no matter what insanely off-base answer was put forth by the earnest little people in front of her, would find a way to accept it as "on the right track" or "an interesting idea," encouraging further exploration without fear of condescension.

A distant memory, too rarely experienced, for most of us.

Maybe what we need is a little bit more positive reinforcement in our lives. Some trivia questions and guessing games, an amicable person standing in front of us saying, "Good job!" or at least, "You are getting warmer!" and then giving us a cookie.

In fact, I would argue that a lighthearted game show environment could be a viable conflict resolution tool- one that would resonate with participants across cultural divides, and potentially create a world in which there is no poverty, famine, or war. The UN is utilizing this technique in an experimental way in a controlled environment already, results pending.

At a bare minimum, the right game show can provide the perfect ratio of charming host, obscure trivia, entertaining panelists, eager audience participation, musical accompaniment, and the instant gratification of winning fabulous prizes, resulting in temporary distraction from the strife that plagues our day to day lives. I have worked these components into an easy-to-memorize acronym - HOPP MIG - Host, Obscurity, Panelists, Participation, Music, Instant Gratification. Hopp mig (pronounced "hop may") is Swedish for something along the lines of "hope for me," which is what a well-crafted game show provides to its participants and audience. It is all an excercise in community building and hollistic healing, wrapped up in a shiny, crinkly cellophone package, making the contents look so rosy and enticing.

Ladies and gentlemen, I present unto you, the game show you have been waiting for.