Question & Answers

"Our job is to protect children from whatever may harm them," says the National Congress of Parents and Teachers. "We are weary of being told that although a steady diet of aggression and violence may be harmful to children, there is no evidence to show that it really is ... Must we wait for statistical and clinical proof?" Last week in its magazine, National Parent-Teacher, the congress answered the question with a resounding no, and then proceeded to publish its own clinical evaluation of the shows children watch on TV. A sampling:

CAPTAIN KANGAROO--"A first-rate show ... for all those who are not exiles from the world of childhood."

DING DONG SCHOOL--"Here is a place where a child's mind is stretched, his imagination enchanted and his spirit made more generous."

HOWDY DOODY--"It may not hurt two-year-olds to watch this show, but why should they?"

BOLD VENTURE--"The program's potential for harm may be lessened by the bad acting, the bad writing and absurd story line that deaden somewhat the impact on the viewer."

MIGHTY MOUSE--"Not only cynical but corny. Recommended for mice."

ROMPER ROOM--"At least it's harmless."

SHOCK THEATER--"The title tells all. Many of the viewers are children who follow the show in a state of fascination and torpor. What is the purpose of this thing, anyway--to make us wake up screaming?"

WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE--"Some episodes are (perhaps fortunately) far too mature for children to comprehend. For youth and adults alike, the total effect is one of confusion, distortion and terror --an effect compounded by the poor quality of much of the acting."

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