The Wwf Effect Our Chilren Essay Research — страница 2

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children see, children do. Children are like tape recorders. In large part, they replay and reenact what they’ve seen and heard. When they see men beating up women, the image is stored in their minds, waiting to be replayed and reenacted later. The ironic part of these actions which corrupt the morality of our children is that the WWF blames you, the parent, for the trauma that is affecting your children. In an USA Weekend interview, one of the most famous wrestling superstars, “The Rock,” says he has no problem with kids watching his show. However, he does add this: “As a responsible parent, it’s important that you monitor what your kids are watching. At times, our show is edgy. At times, it’s sexual. But we’re G-rated compared to what you can see on other

television shows. Nobody gets killed or raped on our shows. For a parent to blame what their kids have done on me is ridiculous” (USA Weekend Internet) The problem with The Rock s argument is that unfortunately parents cannot monitor what their children are watching every moment of the day. Even if they could, children can still have access to such viewing at a friend s house whose parents do not find it necessary to monitor his/her television viewing. The Rock s comment about the WWF being edgy at times is a total understatement. In fact, a yearlong study conducted by University of Indiana telecommunications professor Walter Gantz of 50 WWF Raw episodes found 1,658 incidents of wrestlers grabbing or pointing to their crotch, 157 counts of an obscene hand gesture, 128 occasions

of simulated sexual activity, 47 incidents of satanic activity, and 20 appearances of a character portraying a prostitute (20/20 Internet). A little edgy? The owner and producer of the WWF, Vince McMahon, stated on a 20/20 report that he is not to blame for the violence that children display. He claims himself to be a responsible broadcaster, because his program is given a rating to guide parents. From a parent s stand point, whether you choose to watch us or whether you allow your children to watch us, that s your decision (20/20 Internet) In that same 20/20 report on the World Wrestling Federation and the social effect it has on America and especially on children, one young fan was even performing a patent action of Stone Cold Steve Austin, raising the middle finger. This child

s parents did not teach him this action or the meaning of it. Instead the WWF taught this child. This child did not lack parental involvement, but became a product of the virtual reality of television (20/20 Internet) In an interview with INSIDE EDITION, Vince McMahon advocated that it is not his responsibility to educate the youth, but instead he is to entertain the nation. He also credits the skyrocketing popularity of wrestling to creative direction. But McMahon says, That s entertainment it happens in every school, in every location on the street so, in essence we re being contemporary (Inside Edition Internet). Entertainment? Is that what you call a cast of characters masquerading as pimps, porn stars, gruesome undertakers and S&M enthusiasts these days? This is

broadcasted during prime time. This is the world view that the media corporation is teaching the children: that there is no right and wrong, that glory and honor belong to whoever is the most violent. The sad part of this controversy is that children learning vulgarity from the WWF is just the tip of the iceberg. Last year alone, a twelve year old Florida boy was charged with murder in the death of a six year old neighbor girl who was thrown into an iron stairway railing, a move he had seen on television. A three year old Texas boy died after his seven year old brother put a so-called “running clothesline” move across his throat. And a 12-year-old boy in the state of Washington was convicted of second-degree felony murder after repeatedly body-slamming his eighteen month old

cousin on a couch (20/20 Internet). When did television ratings become more important than the lives and well being of our children? Unfortunately, professional wrestling is here to stay, at least for now. All of you parents can try to monitor your child s television viewing. Watch at least one episode of the program your child views so you can better understand the content and discuss it with them. Also, try to explain questionable incidents (e.g. random violence) that occur and discuss alternatives to violent actions as ways to solve problems. Ban programs that are too violent or offensive. Restrict television viewing to educational programming and shows or programs which demonstrate helping, caring and cooperation. Encourage children to participate in more interactive