Words to describe the taping experience for the holiday episode of Dateline NBC are as varied as the subjects on the show. Three groups of people took part in three scenarios. They were everyday folks, under the impression that they were there to rate holiday treats, wines and decorations, which they did. Andrea Canning, the NBC correspondent, gave the participants instructions, and then left the room for about 10 minutes, so they could confer privately on their ratings.
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| Jan watches the hidden camera footage with Dateline’s correspondent and producer. |
Among the group were two actors, one of whom was charged with guzzling the wine (his bottle really contained grape juice) and acting drunk.
When Andrea rejoined the group, she invited them to return to their chauffeured vehicles and travel on to another venue where they would do some more sampling and rating. Of course, the actor pretending to be impaired announced he would take his own car.
Participants were surrounded by cameras with Andrea in the room, but after she left, they thought they were “alone.” However, cameras were still watching, hidden in the ice bucket, the lamp, the microwave oven, and at various spots in the parking lot. Would these adults stop this person who was obviously impaired from getting behind the wheel?
I observed with fascination in a side room, listening to their concerns and debates. After each scenario was complete, Andrea would ask them why they made the decisions they did. Then I was invited to join them and share with them my observations and some tips for handling this type of situation in the future.
My own reactions from behind the curtain shocked me. At some points, I was fighting tears of discouragement. Soon thereafter, I was again filled with tears, this time of hope and pride – more precisely, pride in my fellow womankind. The evening was a rollercoaster of emotions. The evening was entertaining. The evening was enlightening. The evening was energizing.
I encourage you to tune in and let me know what you think!
Warmly,
Jan
Submitted by MADD Staff at 11:55 AM on December 20, 2012
Submitted by SC at 03:45 PM on December 17, 2012