After following the list for the last 3-4 months and enjoying the spirited discussions (a polite term for it), I thought that I might try to get a discussion going on something that I've seen running through the posts. From Birth of a Nation through the family violence postings I have noticed that film and television have this ability to shape history as observed from our perspective. For example, BOAN led to a resurgence of the Klan in the 20's, the Burning Bed and other film and television movies of the mid to late 80's have led to tougher domestic violence laws and the more rigorous enforcement of the existing laws. One could even say that "Star Wars" seduced a government into believing in laser beam weapons and space shields work. Is this perspective too narrow, ignoring the societal and global forces at work? Or is it as Meteoroligists theorize "the beating of one butterfly's wings in an unstable atmosphere can cause disastorious storms to form". And too, do filmakers have a responsibility to consider the future impact of their work. This is for discussion only and doesn't represent my views on the subject. I am just interested in critical thinking on this issue. Rich Karten Producer/Director Educational Communications/WPSX-TV/WPSU-FM 115 A Wagner Building University Park, PA 16802-3899 [log in to unmask] (814) 865-3333 Extension 299 Fax:(814) 865-3145