Re: On the two articles

William M. Loker (wloker@RA.MSSTATE.EDU)
Tue, 23 Apr 1996 09:07:22 -0500

Dwight Read's parenting issue reminds me greatly of a discussion that
occurred a few years ago on either this list or anthap regarding the
(putative) negative effects of violent tv programming on children's
behavior. There
was a great hue and cry among list members about the purported negatives,
but when push came to shove, we could cite very few *anthropoogical*
studies that supported our opinions. We (as a group) turned out to be
simply "concerned citizens" with a *feeling* that our experience as social
scientists, anthropologists, observers of society informed our judgement
somehow on the issue. But in terms of true disciplinary contributions to
the topic ... we had NONE.

We may not be in quite as weak a position on the parenting issue. But in
temrs of specific studies, we are probably shooting blanks.

William M. Loker It were not best that
Anthropology we should all think alike;
Mississippi State University it is difference of opinion
wloker@ra.msstate.edu that makes horse races.
loker@anthro.msstate.edu
(601) 325-1663 Mark Twain, 1894