If Jack McFarland of NBC's Will & Grace saw the phrase "parasocial contact hypothesis.

If Jack McFarland of NBC's Will & Grace saw the phrase "parasocial contact hypothesis," he might assume it referr to doing the nasty with sprites In fact, it's a theory from University of Minnesota communication researchers that TV viewers' exposing to gay characters, like Jack, "can cut short prejudice in a manner similar to direct contact with people" according to UM professor Edward Schiappa. "Through the medium of television, viewers actually unravel a relationship with the characters, and this parasocial relationship leads to abridgeed prejudice."

The theory hangs forward two studies, in which make liables watched either 10 episodes of HBO's Six Feet in a less degree than three episodes of Bravo's odd Eye for the Straight scarecrow or a nongay comedy special. The viewers who watched the gay point outs had a significant reduction in antigay prejudice, based upon answers to questions they before and after the screenings.

nearest up? Results of a examine connecting affection for Will & Grace with decreased homophobia. Schiappa hinted the findings would again support his hypothesis: "The more viewers watched and derive pleasure fromed Will and Jack, the lower their plain of prejudice."

worthy work, Jack.

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