Drugs; Suicide

These two entries in the Power Surge Video Series, primarily aimed at students in grades 7-12, use a similar format to address a "hot topic for teens." Drugs intercuts Peter's story of his drug addiction with MTV-influenced (but not MTV-quality, if you'll forgive the oxymoron) scenes in which students recite various clichés like "I just want to feel good" or "I'm not the only one doing them," and guest adult interviewees say a few well-meaning things about avoiding drugs. It's not a particularly bad program, but it is an awful lot like a zillion other anti-drug shows aimed at kids that say all the right things and pack zilch of an emotional punch. Suicide is more of the same. Opening with a real verbal nugget ("Suicide; I tried it before it's just not worth it"), the program focuses on Mike, a young adult who became depressed and later attempted suicide (Mike's comments actually do come across quite well). But the same clichés are trotted out elsewhere, as well as a few insightful comments by adults. Teachers might get some mileage out of these programs as discussion starters, but there are far better choices available. (We would recommend Nightmare on Drug Street [reviewed in our July-August 1989 issue] or the Drugs & Alcohol and Depression & Suicide episodes from The Power of Choice series [reviewed in our April 1989 issue] instead.) Other titles include: Abortion, Divorce, Pornography, The Media, Sex, The Homeless, and Rock 'n Roll. An optional purchase. (Available from Media International, 313 E. Broadway, 2nd FL, Glendale, CA 91209; (800) 477-7575.)