Film and Radio Guide (Oct 1945-Jun 1946)

42 FILM AND RADIO GUIDE Volume XII, No. 4 EDUCATING THE EMOTIONS BY ROGER W. BABSON (Reprinted from the Atlanta Journal) Some years ago, a few farseeing educational leaders were convinced that moving pictures had great possibilities in connection with the public schools. They thereupon urged certain concerns to make “educational” films. These concerns have done a good job and these films are being used today successfully in many schools and colleges. They, however, teach only history, science and certain other factual subjects, without developing the character of the child. By “character” I mean his purposes, habits, and desires. As every modern psychologist knows — character is the big thing for which the public schools should aim. Yet, we turn this very technical task over to plumbers, storekeepers, and politicians to solve. Top-notch educational e.xperts tell me that the answer lies with properly directed emotional visual education. Study Your Own Children I have a bunch of grandchildren. Incidentally, I believe that good healthy grandchildren, who love to work and have been taught to pray, are the best inflation hedges which any man can have. Naturally, I want them “educated” in addition. But here is what troubles me. One of my grandchildren is a girl 12 years old. She has little interest in her school work except the games which she is taught to play. Yet, at home she is “glued,” most of the time, to the radio. Like other kids, she is crazy to go to the movies. She knows the names of all the leading movie and broadcasting ac Roger W. Babson tors. She especially likes the movie and radio dramas. Upon checking with neighborhood parents, I find that their children measure up about the same. Schools Must Go Drama Some eld maids reading this column will say that young children should not be allowed to go to the movies or listen to these radio “bedtime” features. Others blame the inefficiency of the public schools on the home and pass the buck back to the parents. What is the answer? Should the children be forbidden to listen to these radio dramas and attend the run of movies or shall the public school adojot more visual emotional education while still retaining discipline? Frankly, our present educational system must be amended. The school committees — backed up by the publishers of textbooks— are forcing children to drive “horses and buggies” in an automobile and airplane era. Unless the public schools are to turn the real education of our children over to the commercial movie and broadcasting companies, then schools must install more visual education and drama. Otherwise, the public schools will gradually become a waste of time and money. What Will Television Do? All of the above is true without any consideration of what will happen to our children when television gets into every home. Considering the present influence on the child’s character of going to the movies only once or twice a week, what will happen when television operates in all homes all of every evening? Really the situation is very serious. I am making no appeal for the movies, or radio. I sometimes wish neither had ever been invented. Moreover, I am much opposed to “babying” or “amusing” children. Schools should not engage in any appeasement program. I even believe that the bamboo stick and black walnut ruler should be restored as a part of the public school system. My appeal is merely this : The first purpose of the schools, after teaching the “3 R’s,” should be to awakev children intellectuallij and spirituaUij. The best way to accomplish this may be to scrap much of the present school system and institute more carefully selected, both factual and emotional, visual education.