Now I'm not usually big on ranting or raving, but a few recent occurences have got me to thinking. Although Americans' freedom of speech is not being threatened at this moment, there are a lot of people out there, ranging from Baptists to soccermoms to John Ashcroft to Tipper Gore, who are actively looking to censor and limit our freedoms. This is a rant I wrote on my own and posted on my personal site, l33t World, which you can go to by clicking that link or the one in my sig. Just some food for thought. This is mostly aimed at Americans, but I think everyone should read it. The url of this specific rant is http://l33tworld.bravehost.com/censorship.html ---------- I was having a conversation with a few people the other say - one of whom is uber-religious, and the topic of recent FCC action, censorship and such was brought up. Thinking that I could trust people to think using common sense, I obnoxiously presented my view of the whole thing: it's all bullshit, and no one has any authority to limit anyone else (media included) to what they can or can't say or do. Anywhere. Ever. Looks like I was wrong. Before this, I didn't think the zealots, the type of people who support the Howard Stern ban and push for FCC authority over cable TV existed among us regulars. Nobody told me they existed outside Georgia. Imagine my shock! But back on topic, the main argument flung at my side was that there should be some type of standard, some sort of decency rule that prohibits just anybody from saying what they want to, or expressing how they feel in ways deemed inappropriate by the FCC (i. e. the government, because the FCC is supervised by Congress and it's commissioners are appointed by the president). How is all this justified? The children of course! Think of the children, what ever would happen if they were exposed to profanity and sexual content at a young age? No seriously, think about it. What WOULD happen? Kids would start to curse? Or play doctor? Big fucking shit, they curse and play doctor anyway. It's not the media's job to raise your kids, that's your job. If a child's behavior gets out of hand, put 'em in their place. Time out, starvation, a belt, cattle prod, rapier or chainsaw are all safe, acceptable forms of punishment for kids who misbehave. Innocence is overrated, what's the big deal if a kid sees a vagina or hears a 'bad word'? Why the fuck should my viewing and listening options be limited, or someone else like Howard Stern's right to freedom of speech be infringed upon, just so someone else's "morals" can be imposed upon the media? Morals in and of themselves are purely religious ideas, and separation of Church and State is one of the basic American values. It's not just the religious right pushing for increased media censorship either. The Joe Liberman's and Tipper Gore's are equally responsible for it. This notion that every form of entertainment or media that enters the home must be child proof is bullshit. The first amendment to the U.S. Constitution consists of the following: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.It's funny, because on the FCC's website, in the 'About the FCC' section, the following information is posted for all to see: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is an independent United States government agency, directly responsible to Congress. The FCC was established by the Communications Act of 1934 and is charged with regulating interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite and cable. The FCC's jurisdiction covers the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. possessions.As to what they actually do, I did a search and pulled up this nifty piece of literature: It is a violation of federal law to broadcast obscene, profane or indecent programming. The prohibition is set forth at Title 18 United States Code, Section 1464 (18 U.S.C. § 1464). Congress has given the Federal Communications Commission the responsibility for administratively enforcing 18 U.S.C. § 1464. In doing so, the Commission may issue a warning, impose a monetary forfeiture or revoke a station license for the broadcast of obscene, profane or indecent material. The first amendment to our glorious constitution clearly states that Congress can take NO action that impedes upon the right to freedom of speech, yet the FCC exists solely under the jurisdiction of Congress, for the purpose of making sure nobody says or does anything "obscene, profane or indecent." Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't it every American's right to express themselves in an "obscene, profane or indecent" manner? If you don't like it, change the fucking channel. If you don't want your kids watching it, try keeping an eye on what they do, or better yet, installing some type of parental control they don't know how to override. It's not the government's job to make sure your 'morals' aren't being offended or to make sure your kids don't watch porn. That's the responsibility of the parent. If ABC wants to air a porn movie at 11 A.M., why the hell should they not be allowed to do so? In addition, the FCC has the authority to punish broadcasters for broadcasting "obscene, profane or indecent material." Wonderful. So who gets to decide what is "obscene, profane or indecent"? The commissioners of the FCC. And who appoints the commissioners of the FCC? The president of the United States. Call me paranoid, but I don't like the idea of a government agency whose commissioners are not elected by the people deciding what can or cannot be broadcast. No one should EVER have ANY authority over deciding what is appropriate for television or radio. If you don't like what you hear or see, change the goddamn station. That is also your right as an American citizen. If you're not American, I suggest you stay educated, and make sure that no similar organization can ever be given the authority over what you are allowed to see or watch.
That was an extremely impressive rant. I have been thinking the same but didn't look into it too much. Good job Fuck the FCC:X
As a parent, I am concerned with what my child watches on TV. So, I watch it with her, and don't let her watch progams which I think are too mature for her 5 yr eyes. Too many parents are giving up their responsible to raise their children. They expect teachers, day care providers, and the government to do it for them. I'm not going to complain about what is on television...I'm not going to say there is too much violence, sexuality, drugs, blah blah blah...I just turn it off. No one is being forced to watch or listen to anything. Parents need to do more parenting and less complaining.
As a parent also, one of the concerns I frequently hear (and tend to agree with)is that it has become much more difficult to 'protect' our children from influences we feel are not healthy. Years ago, there was a small amount of effort required for a person to enjoy less than family oriented entertainment if they wished to see or hear it. Now days those same types of efforts are required to avoid such material. As a middle aged, middle of the road American, the very last thing I wish to see is censorship but I also wish I didn't have to be constantly be on guard to protect myself or my children from influences I feel are less than appropriate. The issue in some ways reminds me of those who enjoy driving with their music blasting at an extremely loud volume (boom boxes I believe their called). I'm pleased that they enjoy what they listen to but is there really a need to force myself or others to listen too? In the same sense, at least for many of us, inappropriate material has become more and more difficult to hide from. It's not that I feel it shouldn't be available, it's just a little too blatantly in your face these days.
then keep your kids tuned to disney and nickolodean, everybody else shouldnt have to watch watered down versions of our favorite movies or shows because you dont want your kids to watch them. put parental locks on the channels you dont want them to watch, it aint that damn hard.
Your assuming that TV is the leading source of questionable entertainment and that I'm demanding you shouldn't have access to the the programs you wish to watch. I'm curious as to how a reasonable concern expressed by me is then seen by you, soulrebel, as some form of future or current censorship ( everybody else shouldnt have to watch watered down versions of our favorite movies or shows because you dont want your kids to watch them.). If you re-read my post (it ain't that damn hard), and with a open mind, you'll notice I made no mention, expressed or otherwise, that ask's for any form of censorship. I expressed a concern that many parents feel now days. That concern covers many areas of todays media, advertisements, magazine covers, etc. It could also cover the concern of why many youths these days feel that they need to insert a 'fuck' or several 'fucks' into their sentence's while talking without regard for who might be within hearing range. Putting a 'parental lock' on a tv hardly covers the vast sources of questionable material that are available. Again, and so there are no MIS-INTERPETATIONS, I have in no way asked for any form of censorship. Now please feel free to twist my concerns into whatever form you feel best limits your future plans to watch whatever it is you wish to watch.
I understand what you mean, but I can't say I totally agree. Your concern is understandable, but I think the whole "shield kids from bad stuff" strategy isn't the best way to go about raising kids (I don'y have any, so I can't claim to know from experience). Sooner or later, kids will get into porn, watch violent movies, hear curses, etc. No parent, however good that parent is, can prevent that. Instead of trying to keep them from watching/hearing the bad stuff, I think parents should explain to their kids why it's wrong, and why it's ok to do said bad stuff in movies but not in real life. Make sure they know the line between fantasy and reality, and then you won't have to worry about what they see, because they won't interpret it the wrong way.
Very true Max and I totally agree with you. I think it comes down more to how we wish those 'less than wholesome' influences to be viewed and understood by our children. I can think of very few times where shielding a child from the bad stuff out there is actually benefitual in the long run. My concerns are mostly with the ever increasing assault of less than desirable activity's or influences that seem to becoming more and more present within nearly every avenue of our daily lives. No longer do we have to search for porn (if thats what one wishes), it's now presented front and center at many retail shops. I agree that everyone should have a right to have access to things of this nature if thats what they wish but shouldn't we be equally concerned over those who have no wish to come across such items? More than anything, I think it really comes down to each of us maintaining a given level of respect for each other regardless of what we see as appropriate. With respect, I won't invade on your rights to hear or see things I might not find acceptable and by the same token, you won't impose upon me to see or hear such things. Once again I'm reminded of the boom boxes. Thanks Max, I've always enjoyed your views. Generally very well thought out.
are you saying you have never said 'fuck' in front of your kids? what about your wife for that matter?
These parents need to grow the hell up. If you don't want your kid to watch something, fucking tell them not to. My dad has never really prohibited me from watching/reading/listening to things. When I was 4 or 5 or 6, and a tit showed up on the tv, he'd tell me to look away, and when it was over I would look back. It worked then, why does'nt it work now? I could sit down on the couch next to my dad and start reading the bible. An hour later, I could start reading the satanic bible. Either way, he would'nt think a damn thing of it, and that's the way it should be. Also, may I ask, what exactly does the fcc control? Do they control cable/sattelite? If so, well that's completely unjust. If not, I don't really see what everyone is bitching about, because nothing "bad" comes on reg tv anyways.
We don't use foul language around children regardless of who's kids they are. In fact we rarely use foul language. I may use a few choice words when I'm around the guys at work but for the most part, it is not part of our daily vocabulary. I'm sure my 14 year old son has a few favorites when he's with his friends but he also knows when it's acceptable and when it's not. I tend to believe it's a simple case of showing respect to those around you. I'm sure you wouldn't appreciate me telling your mom she was a fucking moron for believing something as opposed to simply telling her I believed she was incorrect. One method is showing some level respect for her and the other is not.
i dont believe you one bit when you say that youve never sworn in front of your kids. everyone does it, its not like its a bad thing theyre just words. dont be a hypocrite and a liar. id love to see you call my mom a fucking moron, that would make my day
Nah, I'd never call your mom (or you for that matter) anything like that. I was just using it to try to make a point. Many years ago, my wife and I discussed the subject of harsh language. Our oldiest son (who is 14 now, I think he was about 6 at the time) was included in the conversation since it was he who blurted out some word which I no longer remember. He said he had heard me say that word over the phone one time. We decided, as a family, that if anyone said a bad word, that person then owed everyone who heard the word a dollar. I've paid a few bucks over the years but nothing in the last 5 or 6. Really not at all that unusual, I know several familys who keep their language in check when around kids or just the general public. Actually I think I'm more surprised you find my habits unusual since I naturally assumed most parents would tend to be aware of their language when around their kids. But lets take the debate a little further, do you, Soulrebel, truely feel that a persons language should or should not be be questionable when around others at places such as the market or movies or near kids, etc? Would you use such language when apply for a job or asking for a promotion? Maybe at church during a loved ones funeral? If not then wouldn't the same respect you've shown in those situations be equally at home in other situations? Granted when hanging out with your friends at any number of peer activity's, without adults or young children, I doubt anyone would be uncomfortable with your choice of words but I'm more interested in how you feel about situations other than that.
My beautiful thread had gone off topic..... Ah well. I think it's everyone's right to be a prick whenever they want to, cursing in front of kids or whatever, but in public it's probably better to show respect for others. Of course, around friends or at work (I work in an office with a bunch of other miserable white collar workers) I don't watch my language, visit my website and see how much respect I show in my reviews. But in front of my boss or at a job interview, I definitely won't drop fucks and shits left and right. My point in the original post was about people's right to express whatever they want to on television, radio, etc., where whoever is listening has the option not to. In public it's different though, you should show respect for other people since they can't just turn you off or stop listening.
exactly! if you dont want your kids to hear "bad" words anymore change the damn channel. it aint that damn hard.
