Censorship

So I've been thinking about some of our last class discussions on censorship, and I find myself really torn at times. When discussing issues surrounding pornography arise my initial reaction is do what ya want, you have the right, and if you enjoy it and aren't hurting anyone else then what is the problem? 

It's really tough though when magazines have pictures of women in their underwear or men in a speedo, with a sexual look on their face, and that magazine is being displayed in a local store like target, or even a grocery store. To be honest, if I had children I wouldn't want them to see it. That might be censoring my children, but seeing a woman or man with a "perfect" body would put ideas of what is beautiful in a child's mind.

I wonder if there is way that people can be as creative as they want, but at the same time not imposing that creativity to people who would rather not see it. Having sections for magazine's that might not want to be seen by children seems to work out well.

I find myself going back and forth on these issues.

Movie Ratings

Inspired by our most recent class discussions I decided to investigate more on movie ratings, and how they figure it out. One thing that was the most interesting to me was, even an NC-17 rating is not considered "obscene" or "pornographic." NC-17 movies can be really sexual or violent, but still aren't obscene. So then when does a film become obscene? I think it's when the entire film is pure sexual content.

Here is the rating system (to view the website it's from CLICK HERE):

A G-rated motion picture contains nothing in theme, language, nudity, sex, violence or other matters that, in the view of the Rating Board, would offend parents whose younger children view the motion picture. The G rating is not a “certificate of approval,” nor does it signify a “children’s” motion picture. Some snippets of language may go beyond polite conversation but they are common everyday expressions. No stronger words are present in G-rated motion pictures. Depictions of violence are minimal. No nudity, sex scenes or drug use are present in the motion picture.

A PG-rated motion picture should be investigated by parents before they let their younger children attend. The PG rating indicates, in the view of the Rating Board, that parents may consider some material unsuitable for their children, and parents should make that decision.

The more mature themes in some PG-rated motion pictures may call for parental guidance. There may be some profanity and some depictions of violence or brief nudity. But these elements are not deemed so intense as to require that parents be strongly cautioned beyond the suggestion of parental guidance. There is no drug use content in a PG-rated motion picture.

A PG-13 rating is a sterner warning by the Rating Board to parents to determine whether their children under age 13 should view the motion picture, as some material might not be suited for them. A PG-13 motion picture may go beyond the PG rating in theme, violence, nudity, sensuality, language, adult activities or other elements, but does not reach the restricted R category. The theme of the motion picture by itself will not result in a rating greater than PG-13, although depictions of activities related to a mature theme may result in a restricted rating for the motion picture. Any drug use will initially require at least a PG-13 rating. More than brief nudity will require at least a PG-13 rating, but such nudity in a PG-13 rated motion picture generally will not be sexually oriented. There may be depictions of violence in a PG-13 movie, but generally not both realistic and extreme or persistent violence. A motion picture’s single use of one of the harsher sexually-derived words, though only as an expletive, initially requires at least a PG-13 rating. More than one such expletive requires an R rating, as must even one of those words used in a sexual context. The Rating Board nevertheless may rate such a motion picture PG-13 if, based on a special vote by a two-thirds majority, the Raters feel that most American parents would believe that a PG-13 rating is appropriate because of the context or manner in which the words are used or because the use of those words in the motion picture is inconspicuous.

An R-rated motion picture, in the view of the Rating Board, contains some adult material. An R-rated motion picture may include adult themes, adult activity, hard language, intense or persistent violence, sexually-oriented nudity, drug abuse or other elements, so that parents are counseled to take this rating very seriously. Children under 17 are not allowed to attend R-rated motion pictures unaccompanied by a parent or adult guardian. Parents are strongly urged to find out more about R-rated motion pictures in determining their suitability for their children. Generally, it is not appropriate for parents to bring their young children with them to R-rated motion pictures.

An NC-17 rated motion picture is one that, in the view of the Rating Board, most parents would consider patently too adult for their children 17 and under. No children will be admitted. NC-17 does not mean “obscene” or “pornographic” in the common or legal meaning of those words, and should not be construed as a negative judgment in any sense. The rating simply signals that the content is appropriate only for an adult audience. An NC-17 rating can be based on violence, sex, aberrational behavior, drug abuse or any other element that most parents would consider too strong and therefore off-limits for viewing by their children.

Day of Silence

This past couple of years I've learned a lot about the LGBT community (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender). One really important event that takes place for this community revolves around a day of silence. We think of free speech as voicing our thoughts and opinions. When I picture protests I see men and women with a megaphone yelling encouraging words, as the crowd cheers. Sometimes police get involved and a protest gets violent. We've seen people hit and physically moved from their place of protest. We've seen protests where two sides argue, yell, and sometimes get violent. But what about the times when no one says anything? What about silence?

I encourage you guys to check out this site so you can read all about the group that helps to put on the day of silence.

Day of Silence

The silence that people practice here is to raise awareness and protest the silence that many LGBT are faced with. People are faced with oppression, prejudice, and hatred. It's also to fight homophobia in schools. Anyone who supports this cause vows to a day of silence and hands out cards when they want, or when someone tried to talk to them. 

The cards says:Please understand my reasons for not speaking today. I support lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender rights. People who are silent today believe that laws and attitudes should be inclusive of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. GLSEN'S Day of Silence is to draw attention to those who have been silenced by hatred, oppression, and prejudice. Think about the voices you are not hearing. What can you do to end the silence?

I believe that CSUMB puts on this event, I read online that one of the upcoming days for it is April 25, but I'm not sure if that's totally correct. I will try to find out to let everyone know!

A day of silence is such a strong form of protest. I feel like if I walked up to a person I knew to say hi and they handed me one of these cards, it would make me really think and be an extremely powerful act. It would also motivate me to join in and be a part of this amazing thing! Sometimes practicing silence is one of the strongest rights we have.