2007年VOA标准英语-US Senate Tackles TV Violence

By Leta Hong Fincher
Washington
27 June 2007
 

With studies showing that a growing number of children are exposed to graphic¹ violence on television, U.S. lawmakers are considering tighter regulations on media content. But the effort faces opposition² from entertainment executives and free speech advocates. VOA's Leta Hong Fincher reports on a Senate hearing to examine the impact of media violence on children.

A recent study by the Parents Television Council says that the last primetime television season in the United States was the most violent ever recorded. Tim Winter, president of the council says, "The depictions of violence have become more graphic, as we saw, far more realistic, thanks in part to enhanced computer graphics³ and special effects employed in TV production today. And second, there is an alarming trend for violent scenes to include a sexual element."

Winter testified at a Senate hearing on the effect of violent television images on America's children. He said the evidence is strong that children exposed to television violence are more aggressive and show a greater propensity⁴ for violence in later life.

Democratic Senator John Rockefeller is a vocal⁵ critic of TV violence. He said Congress needs to impose curbs⁶ on the broadcast and cable industry. "We now know that the entertainment and broadcasting industry has proven itself unable and unwilling⁷ to police itself. I fear that graphic, violent programming has become so pervasive⁸ and has been shown to be so harmful, we're left with no choice but to have the government step in."

Peter Liguori

But the president of entertainment at FOX Broadcasting Company, Peter Liguori, says studies have not established a causal link between television violence and violent behavior in children. "Without a causal link, we cannot justify⁹ imposing¹⁰ content limits on our media. Should we as parents do more nonetheless to minimize our kids' exposure to TV violence? Absolutely. But this is the job of parents, not of the government."

First Amendment¹¹ expert Laurence Tribe of Harvard Law School argues that the government should not be given the power to decide what depictions of violence are suitable. "In the long run, it is not in the interests of my children, my grandchildren or the children or grandchildren of this or of any other generation, that we sacrifice free speech on the altar of protecting children."

Entertainment industry advocates say parents can use TV content ratings or technology to block programs with inappropriate content. But recent studies found that many parents are confused by the technology and TV ratings.

1 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。

2 opposition   

n.反对，敌对

参考例句：

• The party leader is facing opposition in his own backyard.该党领袖在自己的党內遇到了反对。
• The police tried to break down the prisoner's opposition.警察设法制住了那个囚犯的反抗。

3 graphics   

n.制图法，制图学；图形显示

参考例句：

• You've leveraged your graphics experience into the video area.你们把图形设计业务的经验运用到录像业务中去。
• Improved graphics took computer games into a new era.经改进的制图技术将电脑游戏带进了一个新时代。

4 propensity   

n.倾向；习性

参考例句：

• He has a propensity for drinking too much alcohol.他有酗酒的倾向。
• She hasn't reckoned on his propensity for violence.她不曾料到他有暴力倾向。

5 vocal   

adj.直言不讳的；嗓音的；n.[pl.]声乐节目

参考例句：

• The tongue is a vocal organ.舌头是一个发音器官。
• Public opinion at last became vocal.终于舆论哗然。

6 curbs   

v.限制，克制，抑制( curb的第三人称单数 )

参考例句：

• In executing his functions he is not bound by any legal curbs on his power. 在他履行职务时，他的权力是不受任何法律约束的。 来自辞典例句
• Curbs on air travel were being worked out and would shortly be announced. 限制航空旅行的有关规定正在拟定中，不久即将公布。 来自辞典例句

7 unwilling   

adj.不情愿的

参考例句：

• The natives were unwilling to be bent by colonial power.土著居民不愿受殖民势力的摆布。
• His tightfisted employer was unwilling to give him a raise.他那吝啬的雇主不肯给他加薪。

8 pervasive   

adj.普遍的；遍布的，(到处)弥漫的；渗透性的

参考例句：

• It is the most pervasive compound on earth.它是地球上最普遍的化合物。
• The adverse health effects of car exhaust are pervasive and difficult to measure.汽车尾气对人类健康所构成的有害影响是普遍的，并且难以估算。

9 justify   

vt.证明…正当(或有理)，为…辩护

参考例句：

• He tried to justify his absence with lame excuses.他想用站不住脚的借口为自己的缺席辩解。
• Can you justify your rude behavior to me?你能向我证明你的粗野行为是有道理的吗？

10 imposing   

adj.使人难忘的，壮丽的，堂皇的，雄伟的

参考例句：

• The fortress is an imposing building.这座城堡是一座宏伟的建筑。
• He has lost his imposing appearance.他已失去堂堂仪表。

11 amendment   

n.改正，修正，改善，修正案

参考例句：

• The amendment was rejected by 207 voters to 143.这项修正案以207票对143票被否决。
• The Opposition has tabled an amendment to the bill.反对党已经就该议案提交了一项修正条款。