TV Influence Memo

Memo

To:        English 1311 Peers

From:    Alyse Ellis

Date:     12/1/2010

Re:        Television Influence on youth actions

Message

                The PSA I created was influenced by my cousins, who repeatedly mimic the TV. I feel that this issue is of great importance to insure a safe future. Children annually watch over 15000 hours of TV. In this case the expression “Monkey see, Monkey do” is alarmingly true. Movies and video games play a huge role in this sense. A nine year old child can name several automatic weapons from playing a few hours of Call of Duty. Similarly, the average pre-teen can mimic the latest graphic scene in a movie. These truths concern me, especially since movie producers are always topping there previous work. A few problems I did encounter in the process of creating this video were how to portray this problem in 60 seconds or less. As well as, communicating the severity of the imitations that might occur over time. Although majority of my PSA is humorous, these imitations are example of how youth voluntarily repeat what they see. I used humor to reach my audience simply because from experience I know it’s the easiest approach to grab their attention with an open mind. My approach to the video was to visually show how kids “watch and repeat”. Also I wanted to show that things in movies don’t always translate to reality. A few effective aspects of my PSA in terms of presentation are, although, the video is very literal it does show that youth will repeat what they see well. I also deem that my PSA leaves my audience to consider what minority will watch in the near future. My design decision came from a straight forward “Cause & Effect” concept. What is the effect if a nine year old child watches a scene in a move? Whether the scene is graphic, humorous, or fantasy. In my PSA the child repeats what’s seen. As the consequences might be, the child getting hurt or hurting others. Although, none of my situations resulted in injury, it still illustrates the “Monkey see, Monkey do” action. Moreover, what might be the consequences if a child or pre-teen reenacts a severely explicit scene from the latest action film? These imitations in a stern situation can result in serious injury/death. In conclusion, individuals should consider the content of a show, movie, or video game before allowing minors to see it. Hopefully this will result in fewer imitations of improper or explicit actions. As well as minimizing violence and outburst amongst the community. Moreover, this might influence not only the community but spread nationally. Ultimately, resulting in a better less menacing world. Through this PSA I hope to reach those with an open mind to help this problem diminish.