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An Appeal to Hollywood

Join the appeal to curb TV violence

The following are excerpts from the appeal

   "Among researchers, the proposition that entertainment violence adversely influences attitudes and behavior is no longer controversial; there is overwhelming evidence of its harmful effects. Numerous studies show that degrading images of violence and sex have a desensitizing effect. Nowhere is the threat greater than to our at-risk youth--youngsters whose broken homes or disadvantaged environments make them acutely susceptible to acting upon impulses shaped by violent and dehumanizing media imagery."

   "In recent years, several top entertainment executives have spoken out, laudably, on the need for minimum standards and, more recently, on the desirability of more family-friendly programming. But to effect real change, these individual expressions must be translated into a new, collective affirmation of social responsibility on the part of the media industry as a whole."

   "We are not advocating censorship or wholesale strictures on artistic creativity. We are not demanding that all entertainment be geared to young children. Finally, we are not asking government to police the media. Rather, we are asking the entertainment industry to assume a decent minimum of responsibility for its own actions and to take some modest steps of self-restraint. And we are asking parents to help in this task, not just by taking responsibility for shielding their own children, but also by making their concerns known to media executives and advertisers."

    "Hollywood has an enormous influence on America, particularly the young. By making a concerted effort to turn its energies to promoting decent, shared values and strengthening American families, the entertainment industry has it within its power to help make an America worthy of the Third Millennium. We, leaders from government, the religious community, the nonprofit world, and the private sector--and members of the entertainment community--challenge the entertainment industry to this great task. We appeal to those who are reaping great profits to give something back. We believe that by choosing to do good, the entertainment industry can also make good--and both the industry and our society will be richer and better as a result."
   

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To view the appeal in full and sign the petition;
Appeal to Hollywood

   If you are willing to be part of the solution, or in need of help, here are some links to sites that are trying to head off violence.

BC INSTITUTE AGAINST FAMILY VIOLENCE

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PREVENTION - ON LINE

CENTER FOR THE STUDY AND PREVENTION OF VIOLENCE

NATIONAL COALITION ON TELEVISION VIOLENCE

PERSONAL PLANNING - LINKS
   Personal Planning has links to sites with help on violence, depression, suicide prevention, child abduction, child abuse, drug and alcohol abuse,