Summer months bring Hollywood's latest blockbuster hopefuls to the screen almost weekly. My friend Billy and I go to the theater about once each week during the summer. I've always loved going to the movie theater. When I was a child, a parent could be sure that if the movie was rated "G," or if Disney produced it, it would be appropriate for any age. Neither of these theorems holds true these days. Even gentle movies like "Flipper" a few years ago contained profanity.
I have been discouraged by the apparent acceptance of movies like "Titanic" as a movie for children. My nine-year-old daughter was the only child in her class not to have seen this film. I saw it and it was very well done. The effects were impressive and many of the details of the actual event were captured on film. However, I think many parents have missed something.
Despite it's impressive effects, "Titanic" was a film that contained profanity, sexually suggestive scenes, nudity, fighting, a graphic suicide by a firearm, and other forms of death graphically portrayed. What other type of objectionable material is left? Why would parents allow their children to view such material?
First of all, I think most parents simply give much thought to what their children see. They might read my list of objections to "Titanic" and say, "So?". They don't censor what their children see. I know. The word "censor" has terrible connotations in a culture which has perverted the right of free speech to mean you can say, print, or show anything you want regardless of how it might effect others (including children). I have little patience with this type of irresponsibility.
Second: I believe that the hype of movies like "Titanic," clouds the judgement of well-meaning parents. They don't realize what is in it until someone points it out. Many years ago, when I had been married only a few years, my grandmother was visiting my wife and I. We decided to watch a movie I had on tape. I had seen it several times and thought it was very funny. However, the presence of my conservative grandmother heightened my sensitivity. The movie, I realized, was one profane conversation after another. Thirty minutes into it, we shut it off. I have since become more discriminating about what I watch.
I believe that our cultural desensitization to violence and human suffering stems, in large part, from our repetitive viewing of mayhem on the screen, both large and small. It is a part of our daily cognitive diet from the movies to the evening news. I'm not just picking on "Titanic." Weekly I read reviews of movies that are being produced. I know what is out now and what will be coming out throughout the summer. Of the dozens of movies that will hit the theaters this summer less than three will be appropriate for young children and less than a dozen will be appropriate for children under twelve. Frankly, most of the movies produced will be a colossal waste of time, money, and effort.
The best rule I can provide for the parents of young children is to see the movie first before you let your child watch it. For older children, at least read the reviews, know the actors, director and producer. For example, you can almost be certain that movies with Bruce Willis or Clint Eastwood will be violent and profanity laden. Consider your child's age and what may be appropriate for him or her. A movie like "Schindler's List" (which contains the same objectionable material as "Titanic") is very important viewing for teenagers through adults, but it certainly is inappropriate for children. The producers of films have no concern for your children. They are in it for the money. If you don't think about it, who will?
