For Our Children: Enforce the Movie Rating System

1215 Words3 Pages

Entertainment is one of the most favorite pasttime for families to do in their free time. Movies, games, and TV shows, so many good ones, so little time. Parents are face with so many decisions when raising their children. Some decisions are not easy to make, ex: schools to send them too, daycare system, and place of residency. With the everyday stress that parents face, it is good to know that somebody is looking out for us. Entertainment ratings are a wonderful tool to allow the parents to know what is age-appropriate for our children.

Let us get started by giving you some background information on the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA). According to The Classification and Ratings Administration (CARA), MPAA began in 1922. Filmmakers would submit their films for approval to the Production Code Administration. The first MPAA President was Will Hays, and with his list of rules, known as The Hays Code. If the films were moral, they were approved, but if they was immoral they was not approved. (2011),

It is amazing that the movie industry started out so plain, either the film was accepted, or not. Therefore, how did they go from that to what it is today? In 1952, the U.S. Supreme court to step in to guarantee the film industry the right to freedom of speech. (Lucia, pg. 1) In the 1960’s, MPAA Chairman, Jack Valenti was faced with a few controversy films; where the filmmakers tested the limits that was once unacceptable. With the times changing, Jack knew he had to come up with something. Late 1968, the movie rating system was created; after reaching out to a couple of organization for feedback. All parties agreed to enforce the system to ensure the films was seen by the appropriate ages. (2011)

The rating system i...

... middle of paper ...

...d be. Not all movies are meant for everyone. Knowing, understanding, and enforce the ratings will help guide the children to a better mindset. Get as much information about the movie, before letting your child see it. A Board bases MPAA ratings upon the majority of American parents, but an individual parent may not feel the same way. Therefore, parents, educate yourself, then decide.

Works Cited

President William J., C. (N.D). President William J. Clinton Delivers Remarks On The Movie Rating System. FDCH Political Transcripts, Retrieved From Ebscohost.

(2006, Winter2006). Do We Really Need Movie Ratings?. Cineaste. p. 1. Retrieved from EBSCOhost..

The Classification and Ratings Administration. The Movie Rating System: Its History, How It Works and Its Enduring Value. www.filmratings.com. Retrieved from http://www.filmratings.com/filmRatings_Cara/downloads/pdf/

Open Document