2007年VOA标准英语-New Studies Examine Violent Video Games, TV Sho

By Carol Pearson
Washington
03 May 2007

A scene of video game violence

It is no secret that video games and television programs often depict¹ graphic² violence. But now, three new studies show violence causes children, teenagers and young adults to behave more aggressively than those who watch non-violent media.

In addition, there is also a debate swirling³ in Washington, D.C. on how to shield children from violent TV shows.  Here is VOA's Carol Pearson.

Studies by psychologists at Iowa State University conclude that even cartoon-like video games for children that do not show blood but do show someone getting hurt, cause children to react more aggressively.

The researchers found the more graphic video games for teenagers also made them more aggressive.

The researchers concluded neither children nor college students are immune to the effects of media violence.

It may be entirely⁴ up to parents to monitor the video games their children play, but in Washington, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission is calling on Congress for new measures to shield children from violence on television.

The commission's Penny Nance⁵ said, "Viewing TV violence can effect aggressive behavior in children and something should be done about it."

Just what should be done about programs such as, “Lock up the street!” has touched off a furious debate.

One option being considered is to restrict violent shows to later evening hours. Another is to force cable TV companies to offer subscribers a greater choice in the channels they buy so they can avoid violent programs.

Tim Winter of the Parents Television Council supports the pick-and-choose option. "I shouldn't have to pay for a graphic rape⁶ scene on the FX network in order to get the Disney Channel."

Some U.S. lawmakers want to sponsor legislation to shield children from TV violence. But Howard Kurtz, a media reporter for The Washington Post newspaper, predicts a fierce fight from the entertainment industry. "They like putting on the programming that brings in the eyeballs, and in the past, they've been very successful at beating back legislation that they don't want passed."

The legislation would also prompt a court battle. Caroline Frederickson from the American Civil Liberties Union says, "Congress is going to have to become a bureau of censorship, and I think I'm hopeful that many members of Congress will recognize that that is not the appropriate role for them to play."

Many Americans agree with Glynis Thomas, a mother who says she is ultimately responsible for what her sons watch. "I think the bottom line for me is, you know, moderation.  I think parents need to be involved in what their children watch."

Other parents want more help in avoiding violent programs.

1 depict   

vt.描画，描绘；描写，描述

参考例句：

• I don't care to see plays or films that depict murders or violence.我不喜欢看描写谋杀或暴力的戏剧或电影。
• Children's books often depict farmyard animals as gentle,lovable creatures.儿童图书常常把农场的动物描写得温和而可爱。

2 graphic   

adj.生动的，形象的，绘画的，文字的，图表的

参考例句：

• The book gave a graphic description of the war.这本书生动地描述了战争的情况。
• Distinguish important text items in lists with graphic icons.用图标来区分重要的文本项。

3 swirling   

v.旋转，打旋( swirl的现在分词 )

参考例句：

• Snowflakes were swirling in the air. 天空飘洒着雪花。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》
• She smiled, swirling the wine in her glass. 她微笑着，旋动着杯子里的葡萄酒。 来自辞典例句

4 entirely   

ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地

参考例句：

• The fire was entirely caused by their neglect of duty. 那场火灾完全是由于他们失职而引起的。
• His life was entirely given up to the educational work. 他的一生统统献给了教育工作。

5 nance   

n.娘娘腔的男人，男同性恋者

参考例句：

• I think he's an awful nance.我觉得他这个人太娘娘腔了。
• He doesn't like to be called a nance.他不喜欢被叫做娘娘腔。

6 rape   

n.抢夺，掠夺，强奸；vt.掠夺，抢夺，强奸

参考例句：

• The rape of the countryside had a profound ravage on them.对乡村的掠夺给他们造成严重创伤。
• He was brought to court and charged with rape.他被带到法庭并被指控犯有强奸罪。