PG-13 Movies: Ethical Rating Systems And The Entertainment Industry

In theaters today, it seems as if you see all ages going into the highest rated movies. Even most PG and PG-13 movies contain some form of sex, violence or other profanities, but how does this happen? Movie producers might see these things as what the consumers want, but it’s more likely they have created this ‘want’ by continuing to push the boundaries. There are plenty of different people in a variety of fields that have many conflicting opinions on this topic, but it seems to fall back on the unethical rating systems and the entertainment industry itself. In “An Extreme Makeover is Needed,” Tim Winter, president of Parents Television Council, explains that inaccurate ratings are based solely on the profits they incur. Susan Linn, director
Along with Tim Winter, she also acknowledges that PG-13 rated movies now would have been rated “R” in the past. Children are being exposed to more adult content that ever before, and it has shown a negative effect. Movie companies market these blockbuster movies to children through TV commercials on children channels, kid’s meal promotions and popular toys. For instance, there were more than 650 ads during a two month span of “The Avengers” promotions, solely on children’s television channels like Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network. The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) claims they review their marketing plans, but only for the content of the ad, rather than that of the film. The Federal Trade Commission consistently advises the MPAA to market consistent with the ratings, but they consistently decline. The MPAA doesn’t review their marketing for toys or food products either. “If they want the toy, they usually want to see the movie,” Paul Glitter, senior vice president of licensing at Disney Marvel explains. Children who aren’t exposed to TV ads and kid’s meal toys are often influenced by other kids around them, which is why film industries try as hard as they can to make their movies the talk of every
First of all, I definitely agree that movie ratings today are drastically different than those in the past. However, it seems as if today parents are more indulgent on the intensity of movies they let their child watch. You can blame movie ratings all you want, but the simple fact is that parents are aware of current movie content. If parents allow their children, and even take them to see these movies that are rated above their level, it makes the damage even worse when the ratings are inaccurate. Tim Winter uses the argument that the entertainment industry puts all explicit content in the hands of the parents. However, parents allow their children to see movies above their range in the first place, so the parents automatically take that responsibility. In that respect, Susan Linn makes a valid point that the MPAA aims their marketing at younger audiences because it shows more financial reward. Marketing of these inconsistent ratings to younger audiences is one of the biggest problems, or biggest successes, depending on who you are. It brings the big bucks for the marketers, and could bring big problems for parents and children in the future. I agree firmly with Cecile, that we should rate stronger on the content of violence, and be more lenient on sexual content. Although, I’ve seen movies like “Blue is the Warmest Color,” and I’m not convinced they are acceptable for 12 year olds. One reason it