I came into the
classroom a few minutes before the morning bell to find several
forth-grade students putting on quite a show for their peers.I
observed the exact behavior portrayed on a sit-com the night
before. They had the behavior down to perfection. Educators
and psychologists know the absolute power of imitation and how
even as adults one tends to become like people we spend the
most time with. But what are we doing about it?
Observation of aggressive behavior initiates aggressive
behavior. An emotion evoked through the threat of harm to the
self - and emotion evoked through viewing violence are highly
similar physiologically and experientially.
Behavioral Science has known since
the mid-forties that imitation is a major source of who we are
in terms of personality and character. It’s the extraordinary
soul that soars above the input of childhood. How else could
child abusers reliably produce child abusers?
Media watchers know the powerful effect of television on world
events. The media continues to pump out violence and bad vibrations.
Trends, style, fads and fashion reflect our need to imitate
what we see and hear . It’s scary that parents allow images
of violence and the general uglies to bombard childhood dreams.
In the course of teaching performance arts to children I’ve
observed incredible transformations at around thirteen years
of age. Children with delightful imaginations and original personal
style begin to copy the dress code, communication skills and
general manner of their peers.The few who didn’t fall into the
clone-effect came
from strong, loving homes with parents who supported the child’s
vision of life.
Exercises:
Keep a diary for a week regarding
media input, favorite TV programs/films and role models. Become aware of how your inner monologue is
influenced by viewing and listening habits.
Write down the traits of your ideal role model. What historical
figure embodies the qualities you would like to attain? Most
people we admire are risk takers. It’s the only way to break
the ties that bind. Always act to reinforce your childhood dreams.
Ban violence from TV viewing for a month and discover a more
positive outlook on life. Regular viewing of news media can
make one afraid to go outside after dark. Turning off the TV
creates silence necessary to receive communication from the
spiritual world.
Monitor your child’s development with care. Keep in touch with
child’s imitation arenas such as school, friends, parents of
friends, TV, music and books.Every time a young child is allowed
indiscriminant viewing of violent uglies, they are learning
the experiences observed. You might want to place a sign over
the kitchen sink and in your workplace: monkey
see, monkey do.