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I have consistently criticized the MPAA for allowing the F-word in a PG-13 movie. It used to be limited to one non-sexual use of the term but now they allow it more than once in some PG-13s. It makes no sense at all. Either the word is acceptable for young children or it is not. Movie studios are cynical in manipulating the MPAA to get the rating they think will sell the most tickets. So they will throw a bad word into an otherwise-acceptable film so it won’t get a “babyish” PG rating.
Today I am quoted in a new piece in the Huffington Post by Glenn Whipp of AP about the use of the F-word in PG-13 movies.
“Allowing it once or twice just doesn’t make sense to me,” Minow says. “The word is something you’re OK with a child hearing or you’re not. And, still, in 2011, I’d argue that it’s outside the safety zone for children.”
The MPAA’s Joan Graves responded that she is open to revising the rules to prohibit the F-word if she hears from parents who object. If the language in PG-13 movies bothers you, get in touch with her at:
Joan Graves
MPAA Ratings Board
15301 Ventura Blvd., Building E
Sherman Oaks, California 91403
(818) 995-6600
filmratings@mpaa.org
posted August 18, 2011 at 12:41 pm
I believe this should have been done long ago, it is past due. I hear other words such as using God’s name in vain that is very ofensive to me, our Heavenly Father’s last name does not begin with the letter”d”.
posted August 18, 2011 at 4:35 pm
Thank you very much, Mr. Jordan. It will take many comments to get them to change their policy so I hope they hear from a lot of people.
posted August 18, 2011 at 1:42 pm
Nell, when I went to the website I got a warning which stated that it could be a possible phishing site. That certainly discourages me from leaving a message there.
posted August 18, 2011 at 4:34 pm
Thanks, Tim — the website is just the AP article so it may be the language that triggers your alerts. The message you want to send is to filmratings@mpaa.org — and if this is an important issue to you, get as many who feel the same way as you can to write as well.
Pingback: MPAA Willing to Consider Banning the F-Word in PG-13 Movies | Christian Media Cross
posted August 18, 2011 at 7:57 pm
Thank you for this information. I don’t understand why profanity has such a prominence in movies. I don’t talk this way, my children don’t talk this way and my friends don’t talk this way.I resent it being in my face when I go to be entertained. I plan on writing to Ms. Graves in the hopes that tighter restrictions can be used on PG and PG13 movies.
posted August 18, 2011 at 8:10 pm
Thank you, Karee. The more people they hear from the more likely they will be to make a change. I’m very glad to hear that this is an issue that matters to people.
posted August 19, 2011 at 10:21 am
Thank you for the contact information.
posted August 19, 2011 at 10:35 am
Thank you for this article and your comments. I have emailed the MPAA and have asked my Facebook friends and Twitter followers to do the same. We can make a difference.
posted August 20, 2011 at 2:11 pm
DEFINITELY NOT ACCEPTABLE for children to be seeing in a film and thinking it’s OK. Enough vulgarity is heard on the streets or schools. This new society has lost RESPECT for one another.
posted August 20, 2011 at 3:54 pm
Thanks, Ms.Frissora. I hope you will get the word out and encourage anyone who cares about this issue to get in touch with MPAA.
posted August 23, 2011 at 11:35 am
Profanity is not taught in schools. I don’t understand why “they” think we are so uneducated and feel the need to use it. Vulgar talk is not permitted in schools or in our home. The Bible states no unwholesome talk should come out of your mouth. A movie can still be good without profanity. My view of an actor/actress’s character will change if they choose to use the Lord’s name in vain. That is not something to be taken lightly…Even in Acting.
posted August 23, 2011 at 12:42 pm
Thank you, Ms. Winters. I hope you will let the MPAA know how you feel.
posted August 26, 2011 at 9:05 pm
There are so many movies that we would like our children to see ( ex. King’s Speech), however, the frequent insertions of profanity in even stories that are inspiring is very disappointing. It is very much like the smoking and drinking that used to be shown in movies before. Children who view it over and over and accept is as the norm.
Thank you for caring about our kids.
posted August 26, 2011 at 10:17 pm
Thank you, GS. The more people the MPAA hears from, the better chance we have of making a difference.