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Show f Letters ArFfib ToThe infiZ Editor Dear Editor: The first episode of SOAP was shown on channel 4, KTVX, Tuesday evening September 13th in spite of protests from religious, community, business, social and ethnic groups. Comments Com-ments from those who previewed the first three episodes stated the program was a gross instrusion against morally responsible behavior. The program is supposed to be a satire of daytime soap operas, a comedy farce that supposedly sup-posedly parallels real life. In my opinion, I do not consider adultry, seduction, philandering and homosexuality parallels of "real" life. According to ABC, the series is based on human imperfection. However, I do not find human imperfection humerous. The series is designed to make people laugh and learn what not to do. They contend, "The series is supposed to give a glimpse of character connect con-nect and contemporary relationships of two suburban families in a sophisticated way". This is true family life and suburbia? I doubt it. In my opinion, SOAP does not depict responsible behavior, and even though ABC contends the characters charac-ters will not be rewarded for their moral or immoral acts, these acts are still exploited. According to ABC the series is for adult viewing. However, as quoted from the Intermountain Catholic Register, "there is nothing adult about sexual maladjustment malad-justment and promiscuity". And, since it has been deemed "adult" viewing, many ABC affiliates have moved the program from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. to avoid prime time. However, millions of children are still in the TV audience at 9:30 p.m., and are potential viewers of SOAP. Quoting from the chairman chair-man of Westinghouse Broadcasting Company in Baltimore, Maryland. .."Our ABC affiliates will not televise the first two SOAP. The impression left by the two pilot programs is that there is no limit to what SOAP will be allowed to do. It would appear the series intends to break new barriers with constantly increasing leering sensationalism sen-sationalism under the guise of comedy and satire on an ever expanding basis". The fate of SOAP is up to the viewing public. Strength has been demonstrated in reducing the amount of TV violence. Now it seems strength is needed to prevent exploitation of SOAP and its maladjusted humor. We will, however, be stuck with this sick humor unless letters let-ters of protest are sent to ABC and the program sponsors. Local stations do have the right to schedule programs they feel their vewing audience wants to see, and it is my hope that readers who feel as I do will write to the station manager of KTVX in Salt Lake City, asking for removal of SOAP from our local TV listing. (Information regarding the program has been taken from a letter from National ABC and the Intermountain Catholic Register.) Kay Sheehan Cedar City, Utah |
