Distinguishing Between Media and Reality

Re “To Avoid Hurting Kids, Use Television Wisely,” Voices, Jan. 11: I’m 15, and not only do I find the whole anti-media crusade to be a waste of time, but I’m offended that parents, journalists, politicians and other adults are talking over my and thousands of other children’s heads about what’s good for us. My father wrote “RoboCop” and “Starship Troopers,” but none of us in my family aspires to shoot, maim or otherwise hurt other people, nor do we find it “cool” when people in real life die.

For quite a while now my parents have let me decide what I could handle. I know that excessive gore makes me ill and that I get scared pretty easily, and I have good judgment in knowing what I can handle. Please, everyone, don’t assume that we can’t handle ourselves in such areas. Kids aren’t stupid.

Shain Neumeier

Los Angeles