Zoglin,R. (1996, February 19). "V-chips ahoy." Time. pp. 58-61.

OVERVIEW

In an attempt to regulate the amount of violence that children and adolescents are able to consume via television, President Clinton signed into law the sweeping telecommunications bill passed by Congress—authorization to use the V-chip. The V-chip is a small computer chip that may be installed into any television. It allows parents to limit the amount of television violence exposed to their children.

Of nearly 2,700 shows analyzed in a 20-week survey of 23 channels, over half (57%) contained some degree of violence. According to the study, much of the violence was the kind that desensitizes kids and encourages imitation: violence with no apparent consequences.

In response to the study, many network executives argued that they had already reduced the amount of violence and had added warning labels for the little that remains. Another argument against paring down the violence for kids is that television would be a "pretty barren place for adults."

The V-chip supposedly offers a solution. The chip allows parents to receive encoded information about the content of a particular show and "block out" certain types of shows. It costs as little as $1.00.

A major concern about the V-chip issue is by whom and how the shows will be rated. The definition of violence is quite subjective. Many are concerned that the networks will not be able to provide an accurate rating, since many networks argue that there is nothing wrong or violent about their programming.

Broadcasters assert that a government mandated ratings system threatens free speech rights. As noted in the article, one source suggested, " ‘A centralized rating system that is subject to the review and approval of the government is totally inconsistent with the traditions of this country.’ " Accompanying the instiution of the v-chip is the potential for a decreased audience for certain kinds of shows. Thus, advertising revenue could decrease, and the network may earn less money. According to "Law & Order" creator Dick Wolf:

‘The thing nobody is taking into account…is that there is going to be a V-chip warning on "Homicide," "NYPD Blue," "Law & Order," "ER," "Chicago Hope." Many of the adult dramas deal with real-life substantive issues. Once that happens, you are going to have a television landscape that’s far, far different from what you have today.’

Those urging the V-chip maintain that most young people do not have the capacity to fully grasp or evaluate the violence depicted on the screen. The V-chip will present a solution to this problem. Also, V-chip advocates hope that its use will change the television landscape, encouraging less violent television.

According to Zoglin, one of the most condemning observations of the longitudinal study is the way violence is presented: 47% of the violent acts resulted in no observable harm to the victim; only 16% of violent shows contained a message about the long-term negative repercussions of violence; and in 73% of all violent scenes, the perpetrator went unpunished.

Although there is considerable debate over the issue of television violence, some believe that the V-chip is a long-awaited step in the right direction.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION

1. Do you think that there is any causation to the finding that there is a correlation between an increase in television options and availbility and an increase in crime? Is it just coincidence? Explain.
2. What primetime shows would you consider most violent? How popular are they with your students or children? Why do you think this is so?
3. What are the possible benefits and drawbacks of widespread use of the V-chip?
4. Would Jesus use a V-chip?

IMPLICATIONS

1. Widespread use of the V-chip requires high parental involvement.
2. Further discussion, including both parents and children, will be necessary to determine the effectiveness of the V-chip.

Jennifer E. Kemp cCYS