THE placard said ‘It’s crude, it’s lewd and it’s rude’. This seemed to be a warning to keep clear of something objectionable – but no, it was inviting me to go and see a new film at the cinema!

What does this say about the film? Even more, what does this say about the values of the society in which we live and the younger generations are nurtured?

Most human ideas and behaviour are learned by imitation. If others are seen to be thinking, saying or doing things, there is the invitation and tendency to copy them. Whether it is on the cinema screen, TV set or real life may make little difference to impressionable minds.

The media often plead that they merely reflect life as it is, but there seems plenty of evidence that they do affect accepted standards in society. Of course there is also a commercial aspect involved.

Appealing to the lowest tastes often brings in the money, but at what cost measured in lives and communities corrupted or even destroyed by seeing and copying these things? Our TV programmes include a large proportion on themes of crime, death and destruction.

If eyes and minds are fed on these, is it any wonder that these fictional stories are all too often mirrored in the factual news every day?

Let us have more positive and constructive role models that will show and encourage the best in human nature and the positive values in society!

B SPINNEY, Totton.