Voice of the People
July 18, 2008
Does MTV bear a penchant to characterize today’s youth and culture as steeped
in sex, drugs and rock ’n roll? I, for one, would not like our town, let
alone youth, to be associated with such behaviors.
On July 15th, I was solicited by the MTV producer of “MADE” to sign a release
for my minor to appear on the “reality” show. Apparently, Mr. James Goetz,
principal of our Chesterton High School, allowed MTV access for a number of
weeks at the campus. MTV’s “MADE” has already filmed and plans to produce a
show featuring students from our Duneland high school and community.
I, as one parent in the Duneland School corporation, do not want one single
frame of MTV’s filming to “air” with my minor in this “MADE” production - not
even as a mere background subject walking in the halls during a passing
period!
Are there other parents here in Chesterton who would be angered to find their
town or its high school, let alone child, displayed on MTV? Why should MTV be
allowed to enter our school, disrupt academic endeavors and refocus our
children’s social structure? Why should they be welcomed into our school
environs and personal lives? Why should my tax dollars fund the setting for
an MTV production?
Shame on Principal James Goetz! His permission for and cooperation with this
MTV series suggest short-sighted and imprudent administrative judgment. Where
is his concern for serious academic pursuit midst film crews and ongoing
distractions? Has he minimal regard for the frailty of youth and our parental
authority? Why did he not consult the school corporation’s Superintendent or
members of the School board? With such far-reaching influences as national
network television possesses, a unilateral decision on Mr. Goetz’ part seems
fairly ignorant, if not damaging to our youth.
In our culture we are bombarded with a milieu of media machinations and
manipulation. The pervasive “reality” portrayed on networks such as MTV surely
cannot be representative of our Town!
Can we catch the bull by its horns and protect our Chesterton youth? I hope
so. Please join me. Voice your concern to the Duneland School Corporation -
either to School Board members or the Superintendent. I urge you to call the
administrative offices at 983-3600.
Better yet go to the website: answers.com and search: what is mtv.
An outraged Chesterton parent,
Natalie Halpin
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Posted 7/22/2008
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