I am all for showing sex and violence on TV but not when it is deviously smuggled inside shows billed "family entertainment".
And.. to those who say "change the channel", I have tried that as well. The sad fact is that there are hardly any alternatives because almost EVERY show is doing it. There are not many intellectually stimulating shows to watch - unless you want to watch PBS all the time.
I, for one, am glad that there is atleast someone holding the purveyors of dreck accountable - even if they go overboard sometimes.
When a show airs, explicit ratings show up in the corner that tell you the intended audience and objectionable content. This makes shows being billed as "family entertainment" when they have objectinable material a non-issue; you are made totally aware of what is included. You do not merely have to "change the channel." Turn off the television entirely. Watch a movie with your children, or go for a walk.
You are addressing two separate issues here. You take issue with shows being full of objectionable content, and the lack of "intellectually stimulating" shows on television. These issues do NOT go hand-in-hand. Shows like 7th Heaven, which are wholesome and do not contain objectionable content, can be (and often are) poorly written, with unrealistic characters and repetitive plots. Likewise, many people find shows with objectionable content, such as CSI, to be intellectually stimulating. While I understand that some shows on the Fox channel are absolutely mindless AND cross decency lines, it's incorrect to lump the two together and claim the PTC is supporting "intellectually stimulating" programming.
More than the PTC complained in those instances, and perhaps their complaints were legitamite. Live television offers occasional slip-ups (swearing on SNL, the death of the pro-wrestler on Wrestlemania, or "wardrobe malfunctions" during the halftime show). There is a difference between this kind of complaint and one that says "CSI is too violent. I don't want my children to see that." when you are fully warned about the content.
And CSI became family entertainment when? Or Buffy the Vampire Slayer, which was the PTC's favorite target for years? Or Howard Stern...that became a family show when, exactly? Or Everwood, a show that's basically about sex?
In fact, I can't think of any show that have been billed as 'family entertainment' that would be offensive. Maybe Joan of Arcadia, but the PTC loves that show.
Perhaps you can name some of this hypothetical TV shows? And their ratings, and how they were incorrect?
As it is, the PTC has used some particularly shady tactics, including their infamous "White" and "Black List" campaign during their feud with the WWF/E. (For those of you that were not aware, The PTC put up a list of advertisers that were advertising during the WWE's programming, and encouraging parents to boycott them, and then put up a list of "family friendly" businesses that weren't advertising during the WWE's programming. However, they either were lazy about updating the list, or they wer
Yeah, that's a perfect example. When the hell did wrestling become a family show? I know almost nothing about wrestling, but I do know it's, um, violent, with other adult themes showing up the various 'plots'.
The PTC pulled the same crap with Buffy, which has never been a show for children. They were equally upset at the lesbians in bed together and the evil preacher. And, you know, I've always considered that to show a real failure of a grasp of irony. The show introduces a character who uses an incredibl
And.. to those who say "change the channel", I have tried that as well. The sad fact is that there are hardly any alternatives because almost EVERY show is doing it.
I have a much better alternative for you: turn the damn thing off.
I've for the most part stopped watching television simply because there are much more enjoyable things to do. If you find what's on television so objectionable that you actually become offended by it, why on earth are you still watching it?
I appreciate your position, and I think you are right to contribute to them if they represent your version of what's decent, but your post made me think about a similar feeling I get when I see shows like Seventh Heaven billing itself as "family-oriented." While it's ostensibly about a family, that family is primarily a vehicle for a broad range of Christian mores well beyond the family-specific ones. Seventh Heaven's makers are selling their particular brand of family values as a subset of Christian values
Well, just because a show isn't appropriate for your 10-year-old doesn't mean it isn't intellectually stimulating. Life includes swear-words, and violence, and sex.
It's one thing to not want your children to watch, but the PTC consistently has on their Worst list shows like CSI, and NYPD Blue, because they're on in the 'wrong' time-slot (Plus, I'd be surprised if kids even want to watch NYPD Blue).
The point is that the air-waves are public and should cater to people who want inoffensive children's progr
Hmm, what's that phrase. Oh, a fool and his money are soon parted....
"I am all for showing sex and violence on TV but not when it is deviously smuggled inside shows billed "family entertainment"."
So, could you give some examples of these shows? Or is it that some shows that you THOUGHT were "family entertainment" had sex and violence in them. Frankly, I find very little sex (not sexual content) and violence in ANY US television, which brings me to point two-maybe you
"The show's sexual content mainly consists of sexual innuendo and implied intercourse (much of it non-marital)." - "Women witches and demons in the show often wear scant clothing, resulting in an unsettling mixture of sex and violence." - "ass" is common, as are "suck" and "bitch," and euphemisms for "f--k."
Or, I had a laugh at some comments for Everybody Loves Raymond:
"Language on this series, used to be harsh, but since the first of 2004, has dropped to a record low number of just 8 uses of mild "hell," "crap," and "damn" in 6 episodes. Sexual references have been non-existent since January 2004."
Reading through other show "reviews", it sounds like these people have problems with entire plot, not so much the content. How do you make a Sex in the City that's acceptable to them, or a CSI without any graphic scenes? They also mentioned they have a problem with the occult theme in Charmed, but I can assure you they would have no issue with the Christian theme in 7th Heaven (technically both are just a religion, and probably just as offensive to members of the opposing group.
There are not many intellectually stimulating shows to watch
And complaining to the government is going to fix that how? Are we to ask the Bush administration not only for censorship, but also to set the standard for intellect on television?
"And.. to those who say 'change the channel', I have tried that as well. The sad fact is that there are hardly any alternatives because almost EVERY show is doing it. There are not many intellectually stimulating shows to watch - unless you want to watch PBS all the time."
Here's a radical idea, turn the TV off and read a book. Or, get your Kentucky-Fried ass off the couch and do something more productive than draining the power grid and strecthing out your jogging pants.
If you can't find anything on the TV to watch, DON'T WATCH TV! It's not a necessity. And, I don't happen to believe the "hardly any alternatives" line. You have PBS right there. They have intellectually stimulating shows, no live car chases.
Christ. Why do some people find taking control of their lives so damned hard?
These people are pushing THEIR agenda, not one of clean TV. If they were for clean TV, they'd be horrified by the violence. They clearly aren't. Violence is more harmful to kids than s
For what it's worth (Score:5, Informative)
I am all for showing sex and violence on TV but not when it is deviously smuggled inside shows billed "family entertainment".
And.. to those who say "change the channel", I have tried that as well. The sad fact is that there are hardly any alternatives because almost EVERY show is doing it. There are not many intellectually stimulating shows to watch - unless you want to watch PBS all the time.
I, for one, am glad that there is atleast someone holding the purveyors of dreck accountable - even if they go overboard sometimes.
Re:For what it's worth (Score:5, Insightful)
You are addressing two separate issues here. You take issue with shows being full of objectionable content, and the lack of "intellectually stimulating" shows on television. These issues do NOT go hand-in-hand. Shows like 7th Heaven, which are wholesome and do not contain objectionable content, can be (and often are) poorly written, with unrealistic characters and repetitive plots. Likewise, many people find shows with objectionable content, such as CSI, to be intellectually stimulating. While I understand that some shows on the Fox channel are absolutely mindless AND cross decency lines, it's incorrect to lump the two together and claim the PTC is supporting "intellectually stimulating" programming.
Re:For what it's worth (Score:2)
Advocating for the devil: What rating was displayed on the SuperBowl and Monday Night Football?
Re:For what it's worth (Score:2)
Re:For what it's worth (Score:1)
In fact, I can't think of any show that have been billed as 'family entertainment' that would be offensive. Maybe Joan of Arcadia, but the PTC loves that show.
Perhaps you can name some of this hypothetical TV shows? And their ratings, and how they were incorrect?
The PTC likes to prete
Re:For what it's worth (Score:2)
As it is, the PTC has used some particularly shady tactics, including their infamous "White" and "Black List" campaign during their feud with the WWF/E. (For those of you that were not aware, The PTC put up a list of advertisers that were advertising during the WWE's programming, and encouraging parents to boycott them, and then put up a list of "family friendly" businesses that weren't advertising during the WWE's programming. However, they either were lazy about updating the list, or they wer
Re:For what it's worth (Score:1)
The PTC pulled the same crap with Buffy, which has never been a show for children. They were equally upset at the lesbians in bed together and the evil preacher. And, you know, I've always considered that to show a real failure of a grasp of irony. The show introduces a character who uses an incredibl
Easy alternative (Score:2)
I have a much better alternative for you: turn the damn thing off.
I've for the most part stopped watching television simply because there are much more enjoyable things to do. If you find what's on television so objectionable that you actually become offended by it, why on earth are you still watching it?
I didn't go lobby the FCC (CRTC up he
Re:For what it's worth (Score:1)
Step 1: Turn off the TV
Problem solved. That will be $75. You can pay the receptionist on your way out.
Re:For what it's worth (Score:2)
Re:For what it's worth (Score:1, Insightful)
It's one thing to not want your children to watch, but the PTC consistently has on their Worst list shows like CSI, and NYPD Blue, because they're on in the 'wrong' time-slot (Plus, I'd be surprised if kids even want to watch NYPD Blue).
The point is that the air-waves are public and should cater to people who want inoffensive children's progr
Re:For what it's worth (Score:2, Interesting)
Hmm, what's that phrase. Oh, a fool and his money are soon parted....
"I am all for showing sex and violence on TV but not when it is deviously smuggled inside shows billed "family entertainment"."
So, could you give some examples of these shows? Or is it that some shows that you THOUGHT were "family entertainment" had sex and violence in them. Frankly, I find very little sex (not sexual content) and violence in ANY US television, which brings me to point two-maybe you
FWIW (Score:2)
I thought it was "A fool and his money are some party [rnc.org]."
Re:For what it's worth (Score:5, Insightful)
Charmed
"The show's sexual content mainly consists of sexual innuendo and implied intercourse (much of it non-marital)." - "Women witches and demons in the show often wear scant clothing, resulting in an unsettling mixture of sex and violence." - "ass" is common, as are "suck" and "bitch," and euphemisms for "f--k."
Or, I had a laugh at some comments for Everybody Loves Raymond: "Language on this series, used to be harsh, but since the first of 2004, has dropped to a record low number of just 8 uses of mild "hell," "crap," and "damn" in 6 episodes. Sexual references have been non-existent since January 2004."
Reading through other show "reviews", it sounds like these people have problems with entire plot, not so much the content. How do you make a Sex in the City that's acceptable to them, or a CSI without any graphic scenes? They also mentioned they have a problem with the occult theme in Charmed, but I can assure you they would have no issue with the Christian theme in 7th Heaven (technically both are just a religion, and probably just as offensive to members of the opposing group.
Re:For what it's worth (Score:1)
And complaining to the government is going to fix that how? Are we to ask the Bush administration not only for censorship, but also to set the standard for intellect on television?
Re:For what it's worth (Score:2)
"And.. to those who say 'change the channel', I have tried that as well. The sad fact is that there are hardly any alternatives because almost EVERY show is doing it. There are not many intellectually stimulating shows to watch - unless you want to watch PBS all the time."
Here's a radical idea, turn the TV off and read a book. Or, get your Kentucky-Fried ass off the couch and do something more productive than draining the power grid and strecthing out your jogging pants.
Th
Re:For what it's worth (Score:2)
Christ. Why do some people find taking control of their lives so damned hard?
These people are pushing THEIR agenda, not one of clean TV. If they were for clean TV, they'd be horrified by the violence. They clearly aren't. Violence is more harmful to kids than s
Re:For what it's worth (Score:2)
Yeah, good thing someone is holding them accountable. Heaven forbid you do so by, say, turning the TV off?