RESEARCHER ZAPS TV-SHOW VIOLENCE

Since 1980, Dr. Thomas Radecki has gathered virtually every piece of research published on aggression. In his view, it all shows that violent entertainment is everywhere--and that it is harmful.

Radecki, founder of the National Coalition on Television Violence, is frustrated about the fact that others don’t seem to take the problem as seriously as he does.

“We don’t succeed in making enough people understand they are personally affected by violent entertainment--they think it’s someone with a lower IQ somewhere else in town,” Radecki said in an interview.

Radecki’s concerns, as expressed in his coalition’s newsletters, cover everything from the impact of sports and toys to the effects of tickling. His newsletters are filled with reports on research and his often outspoken interpretation of what the research means.

Some examples:

--Sports. “The research is clear that sports violence leads to increases in anger and aggression in normal viewers. This past weekend’s boxing feast is likely to have caused several dozen homicides across our country and reinforced to millions of viewers that violence is acceptable behavior.”

--Toys. “The increase in violent toys is just incredible. The cartoon and violent toy studies show that these materials cause children to hit, kick, choke, push and hold down other children. They have found increases in selfishness, anxiety and the hurting of animals.”

--Cartoons. “I was surprised by the large amount of harmful violence found on the Disney Channel. Donald Duck’s fights with his unruly nephews, Casey Jones beating up train robbers and Mickey Mouse fighting with a mother eagle for eggs were considered inappropriate.”

--Games. “There is no doubt in my mind that the game Dungeons & Dragons is causing young men to kill themselves and others. This game is one of non-stop combat and violence.”

--Rock Videos. “Michael Jackson is a concerned individual who makes large donations to charity and is active in his church. However, his music and videos depict a world of intense hatred between the sexes where sadistic combat is commonplace.”

--Movies. “ ‘The Deerhunter’ kills approximately one viewer for every 2-3 million who watch it,” because of the Russian roulette scenes, Radecki said.

--Tickling. “Even tickling can be violent. Sadly, our culture doesn’t teach people to be sensitive to the feelings of others. Tickling can be quite painful.”