Viewer wants return to moral television
by Maria Ragle, Reporter

    Why do we find shows like The Simpsons, The Osbournes, Malcolm in the Middle and South Park so appealing? What happened to the family moral shows like Leave It to Beaver, The Waltons and Little House on the Prairie?

    Unfortunately, most of the current shows are a reflection on society today.

    First of all, animated shows such as Beavis and Butt-head, South Park and The Simpsons use cartoons to stretch the envelope with the censors.

    How many of us would watch a show with real actors having dialog such as on The Simpsons? The language is offensive and rude.

    Beavis and Butt-head is a perfect example. Real actors could not attempt scenes depicted in that show. Actions are so outrageous censors would never allow them on television.

    However, the show did push the envelope enough so mainstream characters such as Bart Simpson, Hank Hill and others could be accepted.

    These shows paved the way for today's current hits. The Osbournes are Beavis and Butt-head in real life. Malcolm is Bart Simpson.

    Such shows reveal the natural evolution of the medium.

    Does the popularity of these shows indicate that American values are slipping? Maybe, or maybe not.

    I believe the old moral standbys are still in demand. But, I think that time has become the culprit.

    People are so busy and are constantly rushing that schedules do not allow us to sit down in front of the television for a very long period of time. We don't watch any show in its entirety.

    Generally, most programs with good moral standards take time to develop a story line whereas the new shows get straight to the punch. They produce a so-called shock entertainment at every turn and get their point across, whether good or bad.

    No, not many families are as perfect as the Cleavers or as easy-going as the Ingalls. But many do long for and try to instill in their families, the morals that older shows convey.

    So the next time you sit down to watch television, spend a little time thinking about what you are getting out of the shows. Decide if you want shock value with nothing about real life or something beneficial.