Y&R Issue-Oriented Stories
Over the years, Y&R has dealt with many important
issue-oriented storylines that help raise awareness about such topics as
cancer, date rape, alcoholism, drug addiction and many others. Here is some of those
important and memorable stories...
Breast Cancer
Jennifer Brooks's battle with breast cancer and her mastectomy were the first time this disease
was dealt with on a soap opera. The story dealt realistically and compassionately with all of
the pertinent issues faced by Jennifer - fear that her life would be irreparably changed, anger and
loss of self-esteem, and her withdrawal from male companionship. She underwent counseling and
started to rebuild her life, and Stuart helped her to understand that she was no less a woman
because she had lost a breast.
Other characters on the show have also been faced with the fear of breast cancer. For Mary Williams
and Katherine Chancellor, it was only a scare, but the importance of early detection and mammography
was conveyed to the audience through their stories.
Date Rape
20-year-old Jabot model Cricket Blair succumbed to the charms of clean-cut, seemingly mild-mannered
Derek Stuart, becoming the victim of a date rape in her own apartment. Cricket had the courage to
press charges, and the story followed her through the ordeal of the trial, where she had to fight accusations that she'd
"asked for it". Derek was convicted, but while he was awaiting sentencing, he went to see Cricket again. When the police
and Cricket's father and brother stormed the penthouse, Derek dove through the window to his death.
This story was handled in a realistic, sensitive and informative manner. The show received numerous letters and phone
calls from young women who identified with the ordeal and were better able to cope with the aftermath of
their own attacks because of the storyline and the way it unfolded true to life.
This story was not the first time Y&R tackled the issue of rape. In 1974, it was the first soap opera to present an
extended rape storyline when George Curtis (played by Anthony Geary) attacked Chris Brooks.
Eating Disorders
In the mid-70s, Y&R told the story of young Traci Abbott, a teenager willing to do just about
anything to control her weight problem. A battle with bulimia and an addiction to diet pills almost
cost Traci her life. With the support of her family, she was able to get her life back on track and realize that
beauty lies within, and that there are more sensible ways to lose weight.
Cosmetic Surgery
On March 26, 1984, viewers witnessed an actual face-lift surgery, something never before seen on daytime TV. When Jeanne Cooper
wanted to have cosmetic surgery, the producers decided to incorporate it into the show, and give Katherine Chancellor one as well!!
The cameras followed her into the operating room, and were also there 2 days later when the bandages were removed. This story enlightened
viewers about all facets of cosmetic surgery - how to find the right doctor, how to know if it's right for you, the operation, the recovery, and the
psychological effects of the surgery.
Alcoholism
It was an emotionally charged moment when Katherine Chancellor finally found the courage to attend an AA meeting and
stand up and say, "My name is Katherine and I'm an alcoholic." The suspense built up for some time before that, with her son Brock, husband Phillip, and
companion Jill urging her to take that first step. It took Katherine's fear of losing Phillip to Jill that finally forced her to take action. But her battle
continued, with her drinking creating the situation that would lead her to deliberately steer her car over a cliff, killing Phillip.
Alcoholism & Drug Addiction
A fall from a horse caused Nikki Newman Abbott to suffer lingering, excruciating back pain. Unable to face the surgery that would either relieve her pain or possibly leave
her paralyzed, Nikki found herself depending more and more on painkillers and alcohol. Her decline became the centerpiece of the clash of the titans - husband Jack and
ex-husband Victor- each felt they knew the best way to help Nikki. Eventually, Nikki had the surgery and went through rehab. Viewers witnessed a story of the emotional
rollercoaster of a woman trying to cope with chronic pain, and finally conquering it.
|