From: To: A16.A16(kidstv) Date: 10/17/95 6:43pm Subject: Violence on TV Federal Communications Commission Members: I am an artist and school board member in the rural area of Deer Park, north of Spokane, Washington. I would like to comment on the Children's Television Act from these two perspectives. As an artist I have worked in schools with kids. I listen to the things they say to friends as they wait their turn to work with me. Much of that dialog is clearly influenced by what they watched on TV the night before. As a school director, the disrepectful behavior of children toward each other and adult staff is on the rise, even in our small district. Again, the kinds of misbehavior I see and hear about are clearly influenced by TV viewing habits. I grew up watching programs that are now derided for their "apple pie" approach to life. I agree with Cal Thomas who recently said that he would be willing defend "Ozzie & Harriet" if the critics would defend "Bevus & Butthead." In our schools we are diligently at work trying to help children learn personal accountability and empathy for others so they will grow into caring and responsible adults. For children to learn they must be given freedom and shown that responsibility and freedom are inseparable. Currently, TV is presenting programming that reflects freedom without responsibility. The power that the arts have to change people's ideas and behavior is being abused in our country through the media of TV. The messages being sent are in direct oppostion to the community values we hope to instill in the young minds of our children. Such negligent programming desensitizes the hearts of all who watch the violent, lewd behavior being spewed across the now hundreds of channels throughout America. Murder becomes the normal story on TV; while reports bemoan the rising rate of real murders in our cities and countrysides. Lying on sitcoms brings canned laughter; but no one laughs about cheating on academic examinations, or the increased incidence of theft in our corporations and marketplaces. Alcohol is promoted as the necessary companion to having a good time; real time demonstrates what is left after car accidents and domestic violence influenced by intoxication. Promiscuity has no consequences on dozens of daytime and evening soap operas; but the rising numbers of broken families, teen mothers raising their children in poverty, epidemics of untreatable STDs, and increasing cases of individuals living with Aids bear consequences for all Americans. While I am concerned about government intrusion into family life, I am well aware how much support families need in raising their children. They need other adults to help them model appropriate behavior for their children. TV executives seem unwilling to assume responsibility for their own vulgar programming. They say what people see on TV doesn't affect their actions. Then why do they charge so much money for commercial air time, if people can't be persuaded to action by what they see and hear? The prime directive of government is to protect its citizens. Isn't it past time to protect our children? Mrs. Brenda Lippert 23912 Dalton Road Deer Park, WA 99006-9745