Influence of Television

* Re “Youths in Poll Say TV Is Harmful Influence,” Feb. 27:

I’d like to humbly suggest to James P. Steyer of Children Now that his poll reveals nothing about the influence of television on the behavior of children. To the contrary, the surveyed children reveal behavior that reflects the behavior of real-life adults.

Fourteen-year-old Rayelyn Rodriguez’ statement, “They think if they see it on TV, they want to go do it too,” is a lapse of ethics not much different than “It’s McDonald’s fault I spilled hot coffee in my lap.” Kids observe adults suing one another for ridiculous reasons, defending criminal accusations with stories of victimization, and absolving themselves of personal responsibility as part of an accepted lifestyle.

These 10 to 16 year olds mimic their elders by blaming their problems on their environment rather than themselves. Since parents, teachers and other role models let children define their environment by television, television is the children’s (and researchers’) scapegoat.

Television isn’t the problem on Steyer’s hands, behavior is. If he concentrates his energies on changing behavior, the TV thing will work itself out.

ERIC W. BAILS

Hermosa Beach

* Let us assume that it was well-planned, insightful journalism that prompted you to run “ . . . TV Is Harmful Influence” on the same day as “The Crockett Craze” in Life & Style.

At a time when TV is filled mostly with worthless drivel, it is amazing to look back and discover with perfect hindsight that it was, and still could be, a positive influence in our society. The quality of programs being produced today such as “The Simpsons” (Bart and O.J.), “Married With Children” and “Rosanne” only slightly surpass the poor taste and low IQ of the public that watches them.

It is also noteworthy that a program with only three episodes could have had such a lasting effect on so may people. Although I don’t sing my children to sleep to “The Ballad of Davy Crockett,” I can still sing the entire song from memory. When do you suppose the networks will understand this message?

MICAHEL HAGER

Yorba Linda

* Television is one of our greatest influencers. That’s why companies pay huge sums of money to have their products put on the screen for 30 seconds. They know that 30 seconds on TV can sell and idea or product.

Yet these same companies are also the ones who sponsor the shows that depict anti-social behavior. It makes you wonder if our large companies that advertise on TV really want to help the young become moral, strong, educated citizens.

JOANNE C. RODASTA

Newport Beach

* Evidently we learn from parents; we learn from teachers; we learn from friends and neighbors; we learn from textbooks and newspapers; we learn from road signs, billboards, warning labels and word-of-mouth. However, based on its past protestations, evidently, the only thing we don’t learn from is Hollywood.

It really is time for Hollywood to take a measure of responsibility for the romanticization and celebration of violence in film and television. Huffing and puffing aside, Hollywood is as much a part of the larger social community as any policy officer, parent or politician. It’s time for us all to share in the blame for the American blood bath and work to stop it.

BRADLEY RAND SMITH

Hollywood