Jason noted what he perceived to be increased use of force by
policemen performing for the cameras in COPS.  Another example of
this is in Fred Wiseman's LAW AND ORDER, where the Kansas City cops
appear to use excessive force when arresting a young African-
American woman, perhaps because of the presence of the camera.
It's quite disturbing.
 
All of us (producers, viewers and critics alike) need to constantly
be aware of the fact that such "verite" situations are NOT
unmediated glimpses into some objective, empirical "real life".
The presence of the camera and/or observer can affect behaviors by
either discouraging actions that the "performer" may self-consciously
think is inappropriate, OR by encouraging behaviors that the performer
feels to be admirable.  Sadly, in this case, it appears that a forceful
macho police ethic (a la Stacey Koons of the Rodney King case) may be
exaggerated by the presence of an observing eye.
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Pam Wilson                           | Internet: [log in to unmask]
Dept. of Communication Arts          | Bitnet: PSWILSON@wiscmacc
University of Wisconsin, Madison     | Phone: (608) 256-1824
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