Some watched cartoons with violent and aggressive acts, and the others watched TV with absolutly no violence. The children who watched the violent shows were mosre likely to strike out oat playmates, argue... and less willing to wait for things than those who watched the non-violent programs” (Gerbner). Two psychologists from the University of Michigan; Leonard Eron and Rowell Huesmann have come to the conclusion that “watching violence on television is the single factor most closely associated with aggressive behavior; more than poverty, race, or parental behavior” (Gerbner).One major invention to counteract this problem, is the TV Ratings System. This was developed in 1996 in response to strong public pressure (Rarey). From the Michigan State web-site, it states that all programs are rated according to six age categories. #1) TV Y7 that means the materiel is suited for children 7 years and younger. The shows are geared towards learning, have no violence, and no offensive dialogue. The content consists mostly of songs, learning, bright images, and interaction, like Teletubbies. #2) TV Y means that it is appropriate for all children, and does not contain violence or offensive material, like Howie Mandell’s Bobby’s World. #3) TV G is appropriate for the general audience and is suitable for all ages. It mirrors the G rating used for movies, like the Lion King. #4) TV PG shows that should be watched with parents. It may contain some non-graphic violence, minor adult flirting, or comic puns, like found in the show Lois and Clark. #5) TV 14 strongly cautions parents about children watching the program. Shows usually contain suggestive language, violence, and adult themes like sex, commonly shown in Beverly Hills, 90210. #6) TV MA means that it is for mature audiences only; reserved for sexual themes, partial nudity, graphic violence, and extreme language, like South Park (MSU). There is also L wh...
