Frankly, I DO Give a Damn

  "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn."  The quote from the movie, "Gone with the Wind"  caused quite a stir with the Motion Picture Association in 1939. Use of the word "damn" violated the Production Code.  The MPA board passed an amendment to the code allowing Clark Gable to utter the controversial sentence that shocked movie goers.  Nothing seems to shock movie audiences anymore.  Violence, strong language, sexual content are delivered in toxic doses, and the film industry thrives on the revenue.  Yet, we can't blame Hollywood for supplying a demand.  After all, the money comes in from movies such as, "Kill Bill"  and sequels are produced.  

     The rating system is used as a means to ignore morality screening regarding movie content.  It's simply easier and more lucrative to throw a restricted designation on a film and put it out there.  Although the category warns of objectionable material for viewers under a certain age, the "R" rating actually entices young curious teenagers.  

     People may argue that the film industry merely provides a variety of entertainment options and it's up to the individual to choose a viewing preference.  The problem is that even movies geared for children are rated PG or PG13 because of the language used or the incorporation of violence.  Films that earned an "X" rating several years ago are now rated "R."  Hollywood productions have an ever increasing element of immorality built into plots and dialogue.  In my opinion, this influences our culture and behavior.  Surveys have been conducted in which a control group of youngsters watched non-violent television shows and movies, while the second group was subject to films containing physical assaults and fighting.  The children in the second group exhibited aggression and unacceptable social interaction after the viewing sessions, while the control group did not.

    I believe the time has come to make a stand and say, "Enough is enough."  As long as we open our wallets and purchase a movie ticket or video that is tainted with objectionable content, we support and condone the continuation of unacceptable viewing standards.  How far are we willing to allow Hollywood to go?  I wonder what would happen if a day went by without anyone visiting a movie theater or video store.  What if there was a week of abstinence from the big screen?  If enough profit loss occurs, perhaps producers would re-evaluate their film-making ethics.  Maybe it's time to be proactive and let Hollywood know that the American public demands higher quality film content.  Either we get it or movie revenues will soon be "gone with the wind."