nce in a regulated environment, the long term effects of violence are realized. This translates into a deeper understanding of the ramifications involved in violent acts. In terms of society, martial arts bring violence to the surface. Instead of the taboos which we hold in our country, violence is discussed and, more importantly, taught to the young. How can we possibly fix a problem, when it is not even seen? To repair the violence problem in the US, we must cease hiding the issue from our eyes. Once the disease has been identified and diagnosed, its cure does not lie in a treatment of its symptoms. A doctor cannot cure a patient of chicken pox by merely scraping the offending marks from the skin. This superficial solution would be laughed at amongst the medical community. Successful treatment begins with attacking and ultimately eliminating the virus itself. Then, the body will be able to heal itself. The same is true in society. TV is merely a symptom of violence in life. Once our value systems, akin to a virus, are reevaluated and altered, only then can society begin to improve. Violence is everywhere. It is an impossibility to avoid it. Refusal to address the issue will not solve it. The parents must stop allowing TV to be the baby-sitter and sole educator of their children. TV is a medium for entertainment, not instruction. The parents must seize responsibility of properly raising their children. Herein lies the solution. Do not look to TV land for salvation, because it stands like a mirror, reflecting your image. Just as one cannot complain to a mirror that one is too fat or too ugly, one cannot impugn TV for our own evils. ...
