Who’s Responsible for and What’s to Be Done About ‘Kids Out of Control’?

The assumption that the solution to teaching children values, proper behavior and ethics lies within the family is certainly valid. However, if society is to assist in the process, society itself has a great deal of changing to do. A prime example of that change could be affected within the television media. It bears a heavy responsibility due to its inherent social and psychological impact on the young viewer.

Violence is not only depicted in a matter-of-fact manner but so-called “sitcoms” depict family life as a sham. We see many TV parents as apathetic, narcissistic, amoral and mentally bankrupt; and TV children who arbitrarily revolt and are contemptuous of anything closely resembling parental authority. And, of course, this “entertainment” is solidly defended and nurtured by the First Amendment. This basic right of the Constitution has been twisted, abused and manipulated with total irresponsibility and little concern for its social impact.

Oh well, as Arnold Toynbee aptly observed, “All great nations commit suicide.”

DAVID ADAMS

Anaheim