Children, TV, and Violence
America has the largest crime rate in the world. Along with that crime rate is also the substantially high violence rate. Why? Why is violence becoming and everyday common happening in our society? When you flip on the 'tele' and tune into the news, the highlight of every show is somehow directly related or connected to violence. We see it every evening and perhaps say 'Oh my gosh, how terrible.' and then forget all about it two minutes later. Or perhaps we don't even make any comments at all, just a simple grunt or '..huh..'. This numbness to violence is very scary and very real. Why is it then that America has the most crime and violence. Why not Switzerland or Australia. Are we not as civilized and advanced as they? I believe it is this numbness to violence that has made America so violent.
Children and Television: Lessons from Sesame Stree...
Family watching television, c. 1958
Reply postcard from the Miami Beach Auditorium in ...When I think back to my childhood and remember television I remember watching such programs as 'Sesame Street', 'Mr. Rogers', and 'Scooby - Doo'. I have nothing but pleasant memories filled with happiness, peace, understanding, and learning. When you watch children's programs today you see
senseless violence often as the first means of solving a problem. The classic view of 'good' versus 'evil' is the basis of these shows with violence as the answer. When children watch these programs they copy the actions and 'morals' of these shows depicting 'good' and 'evil'. Children do not know what 'good' is or what 'evil' is, how can they? This world is not broken into 'good' and 'evil'. 'Evil' to children is what opposes them, what does not agree with them, or any other person or thing that poses a possible difficulty. Children must be taught that there are differences in this world.