Letter: Gamblers are manipulated like pigeons

Saturday, Sept. 16, 2000 | 6:29 a.m.

Back in the 1940s Harvard professor B.F. Skinner defined behavior in such a way that it could be observed, described and predicted. To prove his theory, Skinner modified the behavior of pigeons. The pigeons learned to press buttons and pull handles, then Skinner rewarded the pigeons with food.

Las Vegas gamblers are just like Skinner's pigeons. The gamblers go to the casino, press slot machine buttons and pull handles, then the casino boss rewards the gamblers with food. The line for the food ticket forms early in the day and continues hour after hour into the night. The scene is repeated day after day. The gamblers' behavior has been modified by the casino boss.

Humanists believe the human brain should not be tampered with or modified for the social or financial gain of others. Behavior modifiers believe it is all right to manipulate the behavior of weak-minded individuals.

THERESA A. MATAGA

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