THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, January 10, 1995 TAG: 9501100046
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: Larry Bonko
LENGTH: Medium: 78 lines
JUST WHEN YOU thought it wasn't safe for your children to watch ``Mighty Morphin Power Rangers,'' the second most powerful man in Washington, D.C., put your fears to rest by endorsing Morphinmania.
Newly elected speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Newt Gingrich invited the Power Rangers to visit the Capitol on the day when Congress convened. They amused the children of new members of Congress, who tend to yawn during speeches and long ceremonies.
Conclusion: If the Power Rangers are good enough for the Republicans, they're good enough for your kids, too.
But are they?
Ever since Fox Broadcasting reluctantly brought ``Mighty Morphin Power Rangers'' to morning and afternoon television in 1993 - Fox Children's Network president Margaret Loesch said she hated the show when she first saw it - the series has been kicking up a fuss.
Parents on both sides of the U.S.-Canadian border, as well as parents in several European countries, have been asking station operators to drop the show because it celebrates and glorifies violent behavior.
``Where do you think our 4-year-olds are learning karate chops?'' the parents asked.
Is ``Mighty Morphin Power Rangers'' too violent for 2-to-11-year-olds, the audience that appears to be mesmerized by the series?
I put that question to readers who call me on Infoline (640-5555, press 2486).
I was surprised to hear from a number of children, including seventh-grader Nikki Grossman of Virginia Beach, who say they think the show trivializes violence and makes it seem cool.
Fer sure, I thought every kid who called Infoline would support ``Mighty Morphin Power Rangers,'' be all for them.
Not so.
``The program scares me,'' said Grossman.
A 12-year-old girl from Portsmouth called to say, ``With all the television that is available, why do we have to deal with this low-budget, high-violence, spandex junk? Two-year-olds shouldn't be allowed to watch.''
From the other side, sixth-grader Brian E. in Suffolk commented, ``While the Rangers have violent ways, they also show children how to build teamwork, self-respect and self-confidence, which are good lessons.''
Henry S. of Norfolk, an adult, believes ``Mighty Morphin Power Rangers'' isn't as violent as your average Popeye cartoon. ``Sure, there's some violence. But the characters show how bullies can be taught a lesson.''
The series was created by producer Tell Haim Saban from characters he saw on Japanese television in a show called ``Bioman.'' It's about your average high school kids who turn into the Rangers when it's time to turn back the forces of evil in the form of Rita Repulsa. The big news on ``Power Rangers'' is that Jason Frank has evolved from the Green Ranger to the White Ranger.
Bet your kids talked about it for days.
While Loesch and other Fox executives probably still loathe the series, they wouldn't think of dropping it. ``Power Rangers'' doubles the ratings of its nearest rival in kidvid. They're hotter than ``Forrest Gump.''
Coming soon: The Rangers on the big screen.
In merchandising alone, the series is worth $100 million.
``It's been nothing less than a phenomenon,'' said Loesch when she met with TV writers in Los Angeles.
What about the show's critics, Margaret?
``Frankly, we've heard very little criticism. I've seen no letters of complaints from parents because I believe they realize it is a silly show. The kids really like the show, and we get all kinds of fan mail for the teenagers who are the stars. We're not too concerned about the criticism.''
Nor is the speaker of the house, obviously.
I will tell you about someone who is concerned. She's an 11-year-old who called to tell me that she's seen kids 5, 6 and 7 years old pummeling each other because they think it's cool to act like the Power pack. ILLUSTRATION: Ever since Fox brought "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers" to TV, the
series has been kicking up a debate on violence.
by CNB