Do Music and Movies Corrupt U.S. Kids?

FOX ^ | 3/28/02

[Tumbleweed_Connection]

From Britney Spears' sexy gyrations to Marilyn Manson's violent lyrics, American kids contend with a barrage of explicit images every day.

But should children be protected from such sensory assaults? And if so, who has that responsibility?

Many artists say that burden lies with parents. Others believe entertainment industry executives should more strictly police their products. Most experts say the responsibility must be shared.

[Tumbleweed_Connection]

Why do students become "anti-professor" when they listen to Rush. How should we handle this reaction?

[Huck]

Do Music and Movies Corrupt U.S. Kids?

Of course they do.

[Revolting cat!]

'Do Music and Movies Corrupt U.S. Kids?'

How does it go, I forget: is the bear who sh*ts in the woods Italian?

[toenail]

ping

[philosofy123]

The culture, which is programmed by the media is constantly showing how stupid grown ups in comparison to children. In addition, they show how stupid guys are in comparison to girls.

It has been pounded in men’s head to be nice to women even if contemporary women are insulting them right and left. In addition, the concept of worshiping children rather than teaching them became the norm. It is too late to even talk about this mess. If the majority of guys are happy to be insulted all day on TV commercials, then they deserve what they get.

[MadRobotArtist]

I guess a good rebuttal is that if a parent doesn't teach their children the difference between reality and fantasy there is a real problem. If a parent doesn't want their children to do something, like watch a violent movie then the parent should make sure that it doesn't happen. Why is it that idiots like this always want to punish people en-masse, instead of just making parents do their jobs.

[mysterio]

"Do Music and Movies Corrupt U.S. Kids?" Of course not. Why does every generation have to repeat this same tired mantra? Have you ever noticed that the kids that come from the most sheltered backgrounds often turn into serial killers? I think the deeper root of the problem is that humans always do what they see others doing. It even happens here. Anyone who does not think humans are animals, look at the herd mentality that's everywhere you go. It isn't the F word in songs and on TV. It's blindly following the herd wherever is goes. It's better to think about things in their context. That got me through my teen years without doing what the rappers bragged about.

[LouD]

Not only do they corrupt kids, it is an intentional effort on the part of the media.

Check out the outstanding* show that PBS' Fronline did a year ago on how movies and music are marketed to children.

*Not a term I often throw around when discussing PBS.

[newgeezer]

Why do students become "anti-professor" when they listen to Rush. How should we handle this reaction?

Huh? I neither understand your comment, nor see how it relates to this article.

"But filmmakers have been accused of marketing even R-rated films to kids under 17."

"Even"? Compared to what? Of course they're marketed to the under-17 crowd. Just the fact that they're verboten makes them want to see the films. Most of their parents probably think theaters will turn them away (some actually believe it's the law!). Ask most teenagers whether they want to see R- vs. PG-13 rated movies, and you might as well be giving them the choice between a ride on the latest thrill-packed roller coaster and the ferris wheel.

[Some hope remaining.]

Do movies and music corrupt kids? Yes, they certainly can contribute.

Whose responsibility is it to protect them? The parents.

I do, however, wish the purveyors of garbage didn't make it so difficult for me to do my job. I can't even watch "family oriented" programming with my kids without being bombarded with commercials or ads for other shows which are well outside the bounds of "family oriented." I often have to mute and/or change the channel during commercials.

[joathome]

"Valenti admitted under-aged audiences can be a problem for the movie industry, but said it's ultimately the parents' responsibility to monitor their own children."

ROFLMBO hahahaha

They TARGET this age group. Real reporting, here. :(

[ClearasaBell]

Where do responsibilities lay for feeding our kids this crud? In money suckin scumbags who are void of moral responsibility. as the saying goes in computing ..garbage in - garbage out

[joathome]

I'm sorry, but you're wrong.

Just take the issue of homosexuality. Parents may be dismayed that homosexuality is "taught" in public schools, but kids still hear a lot more about it, and see a lot more approval of it, on tv and in the media. What is naturally abhorrent to just about any heterosexual person is made to seem normal. Of course the movie industry, tv, and the media have a profound effect on kids!

It's one of the reasons why many of us shelter our children and homeschool. My 10 year old doesn't watch tv, except for minimal programming we approve of--that includes NO.......NO network tv. She is not constantly bombarded with messages that contradict what we teach her.

For example, divorce in the church should be almost non-existent. It should be something we are shocked about and grieve over. Are Christians shocked? It's all around us, and we are now divorcing at rates as high, or higher in some denominations, than the rest of society.

[Tumbleweed_Connection]

How many of us from the 60's and 70's listened to what will always be considered real music, watched violent television from it's start, and are successful today?

What's the the difference between limiting violent exposure of music or movies and that of the conservative perversion created by Rush? Who is the government to tell us what we can either watch or listen to?

[End Times Sentinel]

I do, however, wish the purveyors of garbage didn't make it so difficult for me to do my job.

Perfectly stated. Bad taste can’t be outlawed (although on some level, I would love to see it so long as I was the arbiter…). All I ask is that suggestive, vulgar, violent content be kept off of shows where you have expectations of a family/child friendly environment.

Fortunately, my two are under 3, but it won’t be too long before I have to start explaining very suggestive content on commercials in particular that you wouldn’t expect to be shown in the middle of the day.

Owl _ Eagle
“Guns before butter.”

[Some hope remaining.]

Um, talk about contradiction. You say they don't corrupt kids and then turn around and say all people do what they see others do. Ok...

And you also make this claim about some sheltered kids turning into serial killers. Gee, maybe I should go out and rent some porn films for my kids then. That ought to help them. Oh, wait, some people who get hooked on pornography turn out to be serial killers too. Gee, which extreme ought a poor misguided father like myself lean toward?

[dead]

Do Music and Movies Corrupt U.S. Kids?

Yes, many of today’s movies and song lyrics try to convince kids that socialism, and government in general, is responsible for their ultimate happiness and success.

Unfortunately, the “ban bad music and television” crowd is teaching them exactly the same thing.

If the government can’t sort this out, parents might have to step in and raise their own kids.

[Ward Smythe]

Many artists say that burden lies with parents.

That's exactly where the burden lies. While I wish some of those "artists" would take a little more responsibility, I can't stop the swill they're putting out, but I can for darn sure keep it out of my house.

Our 12 (almost 13) year old is exposed to a lot, but he knows if Mom and Dad don't approve of something.

Last week he wanted to buy a CD for his friend's birthday, my wife read the lyrics that said something like "Take the devil by the horns and put your **** in his ****." The **** was on the label, not the actual words. She told him he could forget it.

[Libertarian_4_eva]

Do Music and Movies Corrupt U.S. Kids?

Of course not. I think the question should be. Do parents who ignore their children and let the mass media raise their children for them corrupt kids? This is the same group think PC garbage that anti-gun rights groups use to attack firearms. I do not need big daddy republican or democrat to filter out EVIL or RACIST content.

[Moleman]

They said Elvis was vulgar too, with his hip movements.
If the prudes don't approve, I suggest they turn the channel.