Introduction
Mike Myers stars in the raunchy PG-13 movie “Austin Powers — Gold Member.” PG-13 ads warn: “Parents Strongly Cautioned: Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.” (AFP Photo/Melinda Sue Gordon)
|
Many critics say Hollywood's movie-rating system doesn't adequately warn parents about the amount of sex and violence in films. Moreover, the Federal Trade Commission says the system sometimes fails because some theaters don't enforce the age restrictions, allowing unaccompanied minors to watch restricted movies. Critics also fault the system for “ratings creep,” which lets behavior or language that once warranted an R or NC-17 rating slip into the lucrative PG-13 category. But Hollywood executives say the system enables parents to make informed decisions about their kids' movie choices while protecting filmmakers' First Amendment artistic freedom. Meanwhile, with the 2004 elections drawing closer, some politicians are once again attacking Hollywood for undermining “traditional family values.”
|
|
|
 |
Apr. 16, 2004 |
Broadcast Indecency |
 |
Mar. 28, 2003 |
Movie Ratings |
 |
Nov. 17, 1995 |
Sex, Violence and the Media |
 |
Feb. 19, 1993 |
School Censorship |
 |
Dec. 20, 1991 |
The Obscenity Debate |
 |
Dec. 07, 1990 |
Does Cable TV Need More Regulation? |
 |
May 16, 1986 |
Pornography |
 |
Jan. 04, 1985 |
The Modern First Amendment |
 |
Oct. 19, 1979 |
Pornography Business Upsurge |
 |
Mar. 09, 1979 |
Broadcasting's Deregulated Future |
 |
Mar. 21, 1973 |
Pornography Control |
 |
May 17, 1972 |
Violence in the Media |
 |
Jan. 21, 1970 |
First Amendment and Mass Media |
 |
Jul. 05, 1967 |
Prosecution and the Press |
 |
Jun. 28, 1961 |
Peacetime Censorship |
 |
Apr. 12, 1961 |
Censorship of Movies and TV |
 |
Dec. 23, 1959 |
Regulation of Television |
 |
Jul. 29, 1959 |
Control of Obscenity |
 |
Jul. 27, 1955 |
Bad Influences on Youth |
 |
Mar. 21, 1952 |
Policing the Comics |
 |
Apr. 12, 1950 |
Censorship of Motion Pictures |
 |
Sep. 20, 1939 |
Censorship of Press and Radio |
| | |
|