My, my, how we have grown... The "filter" that used to be on television during its golden days has disappeared, and I believe it did when everything went to digital. It was at that point when the basic network channels began to expand the viewers' imagination to the likes of South Park, Family Guy, American Dad, and pretty much any other vulgar show on cable. Shows that were exclusive to the extra costs that cable companies had established, were now becoming available to the common individual. I believe the shows on the old school channels like KTLA, CBS, FOX, KCAL,etc. needed to become "revamped." So that way shows like Supernatural, House, Two and a Half Men, etc. could attract more of an audience/ keep their audience. What better way to do so than "vulgar" it up? The controversy of saying something on television causes people to talk about it, and then some people who have never seen the show, just might. And then BAM! It becomes an Instant increase in ratings. Even Emeril would be impressed by their initiative to "spice" things up a notch.
Me personally? I believe most shows on television after six are not suitable for children under thirteen. The language gets crude, the situations become more sexually motivated, and it appeases the older, just got off work, audience. If people are appalled that an inappropriate show is on for their kids to see, then plan a family game night or throw on a Disney movie, because things are not going to change any time soon. Just the other day I was watching Two and a Half Men with my dad, now I do not watch the show religiously, but my pops does, and the dorky brother made a sexual inuendo that was borderline... well... blunt and my dad was shocked. I thought it was a pretty slick retort, but my dad said it was... different, to say the least. The times have changed, very drastically, and no longer is Charles in Charge, The Cosby Show, or Leave it to Beaver on primetime. The "drat," "darn," and "by golly" have been replaced by more eloquent, descriptive words such as, "damn," "crap," or "son of a bitch." People, just like my dad, need to understand that as adults, we are exposed to adult content, and if you don't like it, then change the channel to the Disney channel or Nickelodeon, which ever is your preference... By the way, I hear Nick at night takes folks back to when television was pure and good natured. Boy what a change of pace, huh?
I enjoyed your blog this week. It is very true that things have changed over the years and that television is not the same anymore. A question that seems to come up a lot is whether or not parents should complain and do something about the television at night or if they should just censor their kids at all times. To me it seems impossible to try and change night time television. As you said, many television shows are focused on their ratings and will do anything to make them go up and stay up. This includes sex and vulgar language because, unfortunately, it sells. I love your idea of having a family night! In my opinion kids shouldn't even be watching television as much as they do. They should be playing and being active and creative. Let them watch their cartoons for a little while during the day and then enjoy a family game night or dinner at the table.
ReplyDeleteThis is the only way parents will be able to keep their children from what the media has allowed.
Allow me to start by saying that your blog this week was excellent. I especially enjoyed your closing argument: “People, just like my dad, need to understand that as adults, we are exposed to adult content, and if you don't like it, then change the channel to the Disney channel or Nickelodeon, which ever is your preference... By the way, I hear Nick at night takes folks back to when television was pure and good natured. Boy what a change of pace, huh?”
ReplyDeleteIt’s an excellent point because it’s true – the vulgar language isn’t going anywhere. In fact, it’s probably only going to continue to grow. The other solution is watch television online. There are plenty of shows on hulu.com, Netflix.com and other websites. If you’re worried about what your children will watch, don’t buy cable. With the internet you can prescreen shows and then watch them with your family. It may be particularly inconvenient to watch all of your children’s shows before they do, but how important is it that your children don’t see things you consider inappropriate. It’s unfair to accuse the television stations when you weren’t even willing to put in the extra effort to protect them. It isn’t the industry’s job to guard your children’s minds; it’s your job.
I think that allowing television stations to continue to produce violent, profanity ridden, and sexually permissive content is a recipe for disaster, as well as a cop-out of the PUBLIC'S UNDENIABLE RIGHT TO FAIR AND EQUITABLE VIEWING CONTENT. Parents should not have to put the "extra mile" into previewing shows that are shown in the hours children might be watching them. Obviously the previous respondent to this post has no children.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, have you seen Dean? In a strictly observational way, of course. He’s attractive, but more importantly, his one-liners are absolutely hysterical. Granted, I think the show’s going a bit downhill at this point, but the language is great on the show; I think. Now, onto your blog because that’s why I’m here, isn’t it? I’m a little surprised to hear you say that you think kids under thirteen shouldn’t watch television after a certain time. Though, I think you’re right for certain TV shows, I’m not sure that it can be helped. There are certain shows, like NCIS and CSI that aren’t altogether wrong for kids to watch and they’re educational as well; sort of. I know I found them fascinating when I was a freshman in high school. I don’t suggest Criminal Minds to them, though. That show is just wrong on so many levels (most levels that I find interesting, but kids would vomit and have nightmares). But, I understand your point.
ReplyDeleteAlso? Two and a Half Men has Charlie Sheen on it; that’s why it’s inappropriate.
What I find most interesting about your blog was your comment about watching the Disney Channel and Nickelodeon to avoid vulgar language and material. Now, I watch the Disney Channel (no judging, please) and there are certain phrases that are used that actually shock me. And, Nick has Degrassi on it, which is like the melting pot of everything that occurs in a teen’s life. Though, it’s not represented in the best way. I just think that television is an inky subject nowadays because the language has changed so much. Though, I don’t mind a good episode of I Love Lucy every once in a while.
Times have changed indeed; I think I give the credit to Beverly Hills 90210 (the original). Maybe it’s because the show’s target audience at the time (mostly the teenage demographic), and at the time- underage sex was a hot button issue amongst various political factions. That show promoted sexual situations on the regular, and kids (like I was at the time) ate it up (of course for me- sexual exploration and the use of foul language can be attributed to many hours of listening to D.J. Quik). I (like you) don’t believe that this will not change any time soon; we as a society have become accustomed to a particular brand of reality in entertainment- it’s a little late in the game to change the rules now. I see this as being a cultural contradiction of sorts- here we are a society that demands equality, tolerance, and sensitivity- yet we entertain ourselves with programming that represents the antithesis of those ideologies; we condemn Kobe for saying the word “faggot” (which was not directed at homosexuals)- and at the same time Eminem sells millions of records saying the same thing only his comments are directed at homosexuals. I’m not complaining (at least there are still forms of free speech in this country)- but my question is: why is it only cool for some entertainers to practice this, when other public figures either get fined or fired for doing the same thing?
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