Joe McNamara

In the following viewpoint, Joe McNamara argues that television and Hollywood are both morally bankrupt. To illustrate his point, he describes episodes of Seinfeld and The Simpsons, which he says demonstrate a callous disregard for human dignity and moral standards. In addition, he contends that studies have shown that viewing media violence causes acts of physical aggression. McNamara is the executive director of marketing communications at Hillsdale College in Michigan.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. How does the author respond to the claim that television violence is “not real”?
2. What evidence does McNamara give for his claim that humor has long been used to undermine traditional values?
3. What should viewers do to help reverse the trend of vulgarity, according to the author"

In 1961, Newton N. Minow, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, challenged...