What is with today's Media?

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   N8Ballposted 8 years ago

   What is with today's Media?
   
   So growing up there were certain inuendo's or activities that were a sin to broadcast on television or in the theatre. However, in today's world, it seems as if nothing is off limits. For instance, I recently saw a preview for a new movie titled "DOPE"...nice title right? This movie is not only going to show drugs and sexual references, but it is promoting them as being NORMAL AND COOL. Now I know it is rated R, but come on, that never stopped anyone under age from viewing a movie at some point. I have 5 nephews and a neice, and to be honest, I'm terrified of the media pressure they will face.

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   Akriti Mattuposted 8 years ago

   Today's media is over doing it. They either make heroes of people or crucify them. There is no balance and there's a lot of irresponsible reporting.

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      N8Ballposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      I agree 100%, every reporter wants to break a story, and try to make it as extreme as possible one side or the other. Unfortunately as time goes on it looks like that will become the norm and even more irresponsible.

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   dashingscorpioposted 8 years ago

   Some people don't believe you can show something without "glamorizing it". Many years ago I did  a play in high school called "Dope" and it was about a junkie who tries to clean up his act and protect his sister from getting involved in drugs and becoming a prostitute. He ended up paying with his life.
   There is a market out there for people who want to see realistic portrayals of people dealing with various issues abundant in our society.
   The Godfather and Godfather Part II were movies about gangsters and won Oscars. The Sopranos TV show dealt with killing, strippers, sex, and infidelity and it won Emmy awards.
   Oddly enough some folks are more comfortable having their kids see one character blow another character's head off with a shotgun than for them to see a simulated sex act between a couple in love.
   I agree with you that an "R" rating won't keep someone from seeing a movie who wants to see one anymore than age requirements for cigarettes and alcohol won't keep teenagers from getting a hold of them if they want to.
   Anyone regardless of age with a computer can Google "nude women" or "nude men" and be exposed to thousands of images!
   It's nearly impossible to keep someone from seeing or doing something (they) want to do. Therefore all we can do is provide parents with ratings, statements such as "viewer discretion advised". And even if all your TVs have parental monitor controls and you only buy movies that are rated G and PG. (Even PG-13 can be very suggestive) You still can't control what they may see on their friend's cell phones at school or while visiting others in their homes.
   It's impossible to "child proof" the world. 
   More often than not teens and adults live in parallel universes which rarely if ever intersect. We tend to forget this when become adults.
   In the U.S. most teens lose their virginity by age 17 and you can bet (very few consulted with their parents) before doing so!
   I can remember getting my hands on copies of Playboy, Penthouse, and Hustler Magazine long before I was age 18. I use to listen to Cheech & Chong party albums which dealt with drugs and Richard Pryor who often told sex jokes. My parents had no idea!
   Like it or not your nephews and niece are going to (choose) to do things they know you and the parents would not approve!
   Do the best you can to protect them but if they want it they'll get it.

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      N8Ballposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      I see your main point that no matter what under age are always going to get there hands on inappropriate material, including my family, and I completely agree. It just seems that today a majority of media outlets are pushing them to make that choice.

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      dashingscorpioposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Unfortunately it's impossible to advertise to a target audience without exposing it to those it's not intended for.
      We have lots of beer & Viagra commercials on TV during sporting events. The target is adults.
      Underage kids watch these games!

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      N8Ballposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      I suppose that's true, just when the ad is portraying (not underage) but young adults portraying in activities, it just rubs me the wrong way. It is more "in your face" now then it used to be but money talks, and you and me both know what walks.

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   prettynutjob30posted 8 years ago

   Times are definitely different than when I was a child. I mean we had some violence going on back then, but it was nothing compared to what's going on now. I think the media is reacting the way they are because they want to appeal to the majority, and unfortunately the majority now a days act pretty crude, and impulsive.
   I can't believe some of the nasty, racy stuff that airs on TV, instead of young girls wanting to be like Punky Brewster, and Debbie Gibson which were a few of my faves growing up, they want to be like Miley Cyrus, and Nicki Minaj.

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      N8Ballposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Great minds think alike! Reality TV stars are seen as role models by young boys (and especially girls) which is what I'm most concerned with. There used to be wholesome family shows on prime time TV, now only time you can watch those are re-runs.

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   chuckandus6posted 8 years ago

   i agree even further i cant stand watching the garbage they put into the media today, myself, let alone having the kids watch it.
   even the.videogames are like this, i believe that sexual stuff should be behind closed doors, and people shouldnt talk about it like the weather.

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   TeriSilverposted 8 years ago

   Oy, don't get me started.  I am one of those "old school" dinosaur journalists who believes in both sides of the story, the 5 Ws & H and equal time.  I remember a few years back, doing an interview with Walter Cronkite (yup, THE Walter Cronkite; he was visiting our city) who said that the Internet was taking over and it wouldn't be long before it would sorely affect the journalism standard of "fair and balanced." The man was in his 80s but very savvy.  People would voice their opinions and then call it "news."  And now ... sigh, I TOLD you, don't get me started!!!!  :-)

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      Larry Wallposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Mr. Cronkite was not my favorite anchor, but what he told you was absolutely correct. I to am an old school journalist, worked as a reporter and as an editor. Keeping new reporters to stick to the facts and leave the opinions at home was a difficult.

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      N8Ballposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Great comments! I appreciate the example of Mr. Kronkite which sheds light from a truly credible source on the subject. I just wish more people like yourselves in the media were listening! What other topics are you interested in btw? (To all in post)

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