The Tennessee State Senate will consider a measure which seeks a legislative study into the “adverse societal impact” of violent electronic media.
Such a study would likely encompass video games as well as television, movies and the Internet. In fact, games and TV are specifically mentioned in the resolution, SJR 613. The legislation was proposed by Sen. Roy Herron (left), a Democrat.
While calling for a study, the language of Sen. Herron’s resolution seems to suggest that, at least in his mind, the matter has already been decided:
WHEREAS, decades of social science research reveal the strong influence of televised violence on the aggressive behavior of children and youth; and…
WHEREAS, there appears to be evidence that exposure to violent media increases feelings of hostility, thoughts about aggression, and suspicions about the motives of others, and…
WHEREAS, television and media violence negatively affect the maturation of our children, the social development of our young adults, and the equilibrium of our citizens who are mentally impaired, and this important issue should be carefully studied by this Body…
It is also noteworthy that Sen. Herron’s proposal appears to have both its outcome and subsequent course of action pre-determined:
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that as part of its study, the committee should identify ways and means to impress upon the entertainment industry that the depiction of the consequences of violent behavior in the electronic media should be associated with negative social consequences.
SJR 613 has been referred to committee. If approved, its called-for “study” is due by February 1, 2009.
