Posted on 12/16/2004 11:14:18 AM PST by Tumbleweed_Connection
Federal Communications Commission Chairman Michael Powell has recommended the agency ignore indecency complaints filed against ABC television stations that aired the film "Saving Private Ryan" that included at least 20 uses of the "f" word during prime time viewing hours.
Many of those complaints were generated by American Family Association members.
According to Donald Wildmon, American Family Association Chairman, Powell's reason for taking no action opens the door for broadcasters to air anything. Powell stated that the use of profanity was part of an accurate representation of the events making them acceptable. "Using Powell's reasoning, there would be no limits regarding what could be shown and the law regarding indecent material would be null and void, " Wildmon said.
"If Powell can get only two other Commissioners to agree with him, then the networks and local broadcasters will be free to show anything. Everything they show, no matter how indecent could be classified as being an accurate representation. That is what they have been wanting for years. Powell is only two votes away from giving the broadcasters their desire.
"Chairman Powell has a sworn obligation to enforce Broadcast Decency laws. His lobbying other commissioners to disregard the law as well to the satisfaction of ABC executives is a betrayal of the public trust. Certain language on the public airwaves is a violation, regardless of the entertainment value he may perceive it to contain.
"We realize it is important for families, especially our children, to recognize the sacrifices made by our loved ones during wartime. However, airing excessively profane language during prime-time television hours is not necessary to convey that sacrifice. We believe ABC should have aired their salute to heroes without violating broadcast decency laws."
AFA is urging Congress to get Powell to fulfill his obligations to the public and enforce the law.
Lee actually made (as far as I'm aware) the only Hollywood feature to date dealing with 9/11...at least in the background. 25th Hour...it was very good.
Also parents can pick up the remote and change the channel.. It is real simple.
I've noticed many around here lately that think the f word uttered in public is in and of itself evil and a valid excuse for physical retaliation against the offender. However, I personally see no problem with airing an unedited movie.
"Patton"'s look at the man was indeed excellent, but, for the most part, it's portrayal of the war's violence and horror wasn't any more realistic than "The Longest Day."
I once had a minister (Christian) friend who put it in this very perspective.
"...a movie this accurate should not be edited."
Fine. Then don't show it at prime time.
The truth of the matter is all movies are edited. This one can be edited successfully for the audience or time slot as well. Think of what we all missed that is lying around on the cutting room floor. I want my money back!!
If the movie needs the language that bad, it was poorly written (and yes I've seen the movie several times).
...but don't get me wrong, of course we should avoid using such slang, but hell, if I were in battle, I'd sure not be worried about what I was saying...and therefore it is silly to think that this movie could be realistic without a whole lotta cussin'!!
And, by the way, the cursing in SPA is NOT gratuitous.
OTOH, I would hate to see the movie used an excuse to make the F word common to be used in prime time.
I agree with the ruling ~ we don't need censorship ~ we need personal responsibility!
There was plenty of warning about the content of the movie.
I learned the "F" word in the first grade ~ I'm 74 and still use it ~ it works wonderfully as an adjective, noun and verb. :)
Applying the Michael Powell principle, "Boogie Nights" could be shown uncensored because the language and "adult situations" are accurate depictions of what takes place in the dehumanizing pornography industry. There are things that can be done to render a movie like "Private Ryan" less harmful, e.g. frequent violence warnings and muting the more offensive language.
Well, whether right or wrong, this is just going to give more ammo to Howard Stern, and his crazy theory that the FCC is out to get him and only him.
I don't believe that there's a specific vendetta or program against him, but instances like this give me pause. There really isn't any difference between when "bad" language is used on H.S. and in this movie. They're both being used in a conversational manner. So if anyone on this thread or reading this now didn't have a problem with Saving Private Ryan running, unedited, because the language in it was "conversational", then I hope you're consistent and let Stern off the hook for the same reason. And if you want to talk about sexual content being worse than the extreme violence in "Ryan"....sheesh, ok....anyone who thinks that "wins" this argument, I guess. :|
I mean really. It's becoming increasingly difficult, even for someone like me who loves this administration, to justify some of the actions of people chosen by it (in this case, Powell). Consistency is a *good* thing, sometimes, you know?
Hypocrites, all of them....
Removes Belt.
Request Granted, my child.
It is the setting of the precedent that turns me off. Much like the push to allow foreign born immigrants to run for President (The Ah-nold Amendment). It sounds great if it helps a candidate you like, but you open up the future possibility of allowing a greater influence by, say, the Chinese Communist Party. Or maybe a fat-cat Indonesian F.O.B.?
JMOHO
I think we need to expand the rating system for movies shown on television. If the fword is used anywhere in the movie, then there must be an "F" superimposed on the screen in the lower right-hand corner. Make them flash the "F" for five seconds before the word is said, giving viewers ample time to change the channel, if they would be offended. See, there's at least one solution to every problem.
These people are just as bad as the ACLU clowns.
I hate busybodies, whether it's from the right or left...as for Private Ryan I just don't see lots of people watching it edited on TV anyway. Buy the fricking DVD and a cheap Made in China DVD player from Walmart. Sheesh....
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.