SOAP OPERA EDUCATION

Some of the very same people who would deny that TV watching alters behavior attended a recent (circa January, 1995) soap opera summit. One of its purposes: to promote population control.

Reportedly the discussions held at this summit included the public disclosure of an approach toward indoctrinating the public. It goes something like this: Integrate into the story line three young couples: (1) a naive couple who find themselves with an unwanted child, (2) a more worldly sophisticated couple, and (3) a couple who hold what are considered to be traditional Christian values.

Most of the audience is expected to most closely identify with the naive couple. As the storyline is initiated the naive couple is strongly under the influence of the couple with Christian values. However, as it continues this couple makes what will be perceived to be unreasonable cultist demands upon them. To the rescue comes our worldly couple offering the abortion way out, or what have you.

This approach, supposedly tested in Mexico, was credited with significantly reducing the birthrate there by increasing contraceptive use contrary to prevailing Roman Catholic teachings.

So much for the contention that TV does not alter behavior. If not, large companies would not spend billions on TV advertising each year. But this seems to be the first public pronouncement of utilizing the media in this way for social engineering.

Based upon our observation of the TV and movie media over the past 45 or so years, we have concluded that anti-religious bias sells. Religious people are universally depicted as radical, unreasonable, irrational ... anything to build audience animosity. Catholic priests were the exception, receiving largely positive exposure during the 1950's, but even that disappeared over the 1960's.

But this is the first time that I have heard of a coordinated overt effort to promote immorality and abortion. Will it work? Undoubtedly this concerted barrage combined with all other media influences will push many who are in doubt over the edge. As for mature Christians, I do not expect they you will be watching this garbage in the first place.