I came into the classroom a few minutes before the morning bell to find several forth-grade students putting on quite a show for their classmates.  I observed the exact behavior portrayed on "Married With Children" the night before. They had the attitudes and behavior down to perfection. We understand the power of imitation to transform but do we use this knowledge to create more positive and meaningful lives?
      Behavioral Science has known since the mid-forties that imitation is a major source of who we are in terms of personality and character. We tend to create what we observe. It’s the extraordinary soul that soars above the input of childhood. How else could child abusers reliably produce child abusers?
      We experience the powerful effect of television on world events. The media continues to pump out violence and bad vibrations. Trends, style, fads and fashion reflect the need to imitate what we see and hear . Imagine the effect of non-stop war events shown around the world on 100's of news channels all spouting the same distorted commentary. It’s scary that parents allow images of violence and the general uglies to bombard childhood dreams.                                                          
     In the course of teaching performance arts to children I’ve observed  incredible transformations at around thirteen years of age. Children with delightful imaginations and original personal style begin to copy the dress code, communication skills and general manner of their peers.  The few who didn’t fall into the clone-effect came from strong, loving homes with parents who supported the child’s vision of life.

Exercises:

     Keep a diary for a week regarding media input, favorite TV programs/films and role models. Become aware of how your inner monologue is influenced by viewing and listening habits.
     Write down the traits of your ideal role model. What historical figure embodies the qualities you would like to attain? Most people we admire are risk takers. It’s the only way to break the ties that bind. Always act to reinforce your childhood dreams.
     Ban violence from TV viewing for a month and discover a more positive outlook on life. Regular viewing of news media can make one afraid to go outside after dark. Turning off the TV creates silence necessary to receive communication from the spiritual world.
     Monitor your child’s development with care. Keep in touch with child’s imitation arenas such as school, friends, parents of friends, TV, music and books.  Every time a young child is allowed indiscriminant viewing of violent uglies, they are learning the experiences observed. You might want to place a sign over the kitchen sink and in your workplace: monkey see, monkey do.

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