Disney (and others) at the Box Office - Current State of Affairs

[Vegas Disney Fan]

I agree it is not draconian….there is no such rule in place here…. Until then there is no one breaking the law…. Not to mention there has never been a law of such matters… many that grew up with kids of their own… have never known such rules…. as someone who was not able to see rated R movies…. It felt like I was lost at times as I was not able to discuss the movies my peers were discussing…. But as someone who does not have children… it is not my place to make sure other people’s children are being raised how I think they should be raised

I feel blessed to have had strict, yet realistic, parents. They didn’t allow things like rated R movies in the house, didn’t allow things like drinking in the house, didn’t allow things like swearing in the house, etc, but they also let it be known there would be no repercussions if we called them rather than doing something stupid like getting in a car with someone who had been drinking. I got grounded more than once for breaking rules but I can still recall the first time I was at a party in high school and called my Dad to pick me and my friends up, he was clearly disappointed I’d drank but all he ever said was he was proud of me for doing the right thing and making sure me, and my friends, all got home safe.

Rules are important but kids will inevitably make mistakes, it’s important they have rules but even more important they know they can depend on their parents when they screw up.

 

[LittleBuford]

That’s a ridiculous argument. Physical harm (which is the result of giving alcohol to a child or a car crash with a child that isn’t wearing a seatbelts) has a much more objective standard, which is why there are many laws that apply to adults and children alike respect to physical harm with criminal liability in a way that isn’t the case with subjective emotional standards.

That isn’t to diminish that emotional harm can occur or that it can be damaging to an individual, but the *government* has a much more colorable argument to enact laws that prevent physical harm based on objective standards compared to potential emotional harm that is based on subjective standards (and whether any harm occurs at all would vary widely depending upon the person). No one should want the government imposing rules on issues that are inherently subjective matters.

I don’t believe it’s ridiculous or indeed subjective to argue that exposure to certain kinds of gore and violence poses a risk to children’s wellbeing.

 

[LittleBuford]

But your comfort level, presumably, has never had anything to do with any existing guidelines. It’s about the kids, not the general audience.

I don’t understand. Can you rephrase your question?

 

[LittleBuford]

But as someone who does not have children… it is not my place to make sure other people’s children are being raised how I think they should be raised

Most of us have children in our lives whom we care about, and even if we don’t, society as a whole is shaped by the decisions parents make. One doesn’t need to be a parent to have worthwhile views on the matter, just as one doesn’t have to be a motorist to have legitimate opinions on speed limits.

 

[DKampy]

I feel blessed to have had strict, yet realistic, parents. They didn’t allow things like rated R movies in the house, didn’t allow things like drinking in the house, didn’t allow things like swearing in the house, etc, but they also let it be known there would be no repercussions if we called them rather than doing something stupid like getting in a car with someone who had been drinking. I got grounded more than once for breaking rules but I can still recall the first time I was at a party in high school and called my Dad to pick me and my friends up, he was clearly disappointed I’d drank but all he ever said was he was proud of me for doing the right thing and making sure me, and my friends, all got home safe.

Rules are important but kids will inevitably make mistakes, it’s important they have rules but even more important they know they can depend on their parents when they screw up.

I do agree with this… if you thought I was complaining about being lost… I am not…. I think I had pretty great parents… they may have been strict on some things… but like you… I knew I could come to them with any issues

 

[Willmark]

Anyone want to talk about the current state of the box office?

 

[DKampy]

Most of us have children in our lives whom we care about, and even if we don’t, society as a whole is shaped by the decisions parents make. One doesn’t need to be a parent to have worthwhile views on the matter, just as one doesn’t have to be a motorist to have legitimate opinions on speed limits.

I do have my niece and nephews who I adore and I would choose not to watch a Rated R violent horror movie with them But ultimately how my and my wife’s siblings raise there kids is not up to us

 

[Vegas Disney Fan]

I do agree with this… if you thought I was complaining about being lost… I am not…. I think I had pretty great parents… they may have been strict on some things… but like you… I knew I could come to them with any issues

Didn’t think you were complaining at all, I can totally relate, I can recall many times friends would be talking about a hit movie, Aliens for example, and I was completely lost because my parents wouldn't let 13 year old me watch it. What’s ironic is I can recall watching it when I was probably 16 and still being freaked out by it, they were right not to let 13 year old me watch it, as far as I know none of my childhood friends were scarred for life by watching it at 13 either so not sure there’s a right or wrong answer to when somethings appropriate.

 

[easyrowrdw]

Anyone want to talk about the current state of the box office?

Evidently not

 

[Tony the Tigger]

I don’t understand. Can you rephrase your question?

Unless I’ve misunderstood, you’ve mentioned more than once that you as a moviegoer are not comfortable with other peoples’ children sharing the theater with you to watch a rated R movie.

My point is that your comfort level was never a factor in putting these guidelines in place, so it has no direct bearing on the discussion of whether to change those guidelines.

The guidelines have changed over time. They can change again. I remember when there was no PG-13. We just had General Audiences, Parental Guidance suggested, and Restricted to 17 and older without a parent. I don’t know that PG 13 made a difference, and I don’t know that there’s any point complicating things further when it would affect so few. I’m assuming this discussion is happening nowhere but this thread.

 

[Disney Analyst]

It's no doubt possible for parents to be unaware of kids TV and internet viewing, but are they putting in some effort? Using parental controls? Checking watch history? Looking in occasionally while their kids watch TV?

There may be less control but there's no reason for parents to be completely in the dark. How do kids watch an entire Netflix series without any parental awareness?

I don't think it's about morality. It's more about things like emotional maturity. I have no moral qualms about a movie in which fictional dinosaurs eat people, but it might give a very young child nightmares.

When parents fail to have reasonable restrictions, that's when the question about laws comes up.

I'm not a child psychologist or anything but media can be traumatizing for children. Heck, as an adult I know there are things I shouldn't watch for my own mental well being. I can make that determination. Kids need parents to protect them to a degree.

I used to sneak downstairs in the middle of the night, and watch the adult cartoons while my parents slept (shows like The Oblongs, Clone High, etc.)

 

[erasure fan1]

I think you're taking things to extremes here. Do I believe that all kids across the board should be allowed in rated R movies, no. But do I believe that a parent should be able to make a judgement call for their own child, yes as they know them best.

I get the philosophy that parents should decide what's best for their kid. But there's not much evidence to say it's healthy for a 6yr old to see that kind of violence and language. We aren't talking about a 12 or 13 year old. We're talking about kindergarten or 1st grade. While having your 6yr get drunk is worse than seeing Deadpool. Let's not kid ourselves that a 6ry old, no matter how advanced you think they are, have the ability to process something like Deadpool. But too many people are afraid to say, yes, I don't think that's right so they don't offend anyone.

 

[Disney Irish]

I get the philosophy that parents should decide what's best for their kid. But there's not much evidence to say it's healthy for a 6yr old to see that kind of violence and language. We aren't talking about a 12 or 13 year old. We're talking about kindergarten or 1st grade. While having your 6yr get drunk is worse than seeing Deadpool. Let's not kid ourselves that a 6ry old, no matter how advanced you think they are, have the ability to process something like Deadpool. But too many people are afraid to say, yes, I don't think that's right so they don't offend anyone.

Its not a blanket thing though, and that is the point that I think you're ignoring. Its on a case-by-case basis. As I said I don't believe that all kids should be allowed in to see any and all rated R movies. But I do believe that a parent has the right to decide for themselves and their kid whether a particular rated R movie is appropriate for them or not. And I'm thankful that this country allows parents that right to decide for themselves, at least for now.

 

[erasure fan1]

Its not a blanket thing though, and that is the point that I think you're ignoring. Its on a case-by-case basis. As I said I don't believe that all kids should be allowed in to see any and all rated R movies. But I do believe that a parent has the right to decide for themselves and their kid whether a particular rated R movie is appropriate for them or not. And I'm thankful that this country allows parents that right to decide for themselves, at least for now.

Im not ignoring it. There's just zero evidence that points to watching that type of content is anything but detrimental to such a young child. That's the point that you seem to ignore. I agree it's not a blanket thing. I don't think this type of movie is appropriate for any kindergartner or 1st grader no matter how much the parents think their kid is ready for it. You want to let your 6yr old watch avengers, okay, it's not anything like a Deadpool film. I guess I'm just a bit shocked that thinking Deadpool isn't appropriate for 6yr olds is such a controversial take. Morales be damned I guess.

 

[Disney Irish]

Im not ignoring it. There's just zero evidence that points to watching that type of content is anything but detrimental to such a young child. That's the point that you seem to ignore. I agree it's not a blanket thing. I don't think this type of movie is appropriate for any kindergartner or 1st grader no matter how much the parents think their kid is ready for it. You want to let your 6yr old watch avengers, okay, it's not anything like a Deadpool film. I guess I'm just a bit shocked that thinking Deadpool isn't appropriate for 6yr olds is such a controversial take. Morales be damned I guess.

I'm not ignoring anything you've said. I understand your point of view, that you believe that its harmful to the child to watch said movies. I've even said overall that it not a blanket situation where all kids should be allowed to see all rated R movies. My point however, and I repeat, is its not for you, me, or anyone else to dictate what is appropriate or not appropriate on someone else's child. It should be the parents choice whether they feel said movie is appropriate or not.

 

[LittleBuford]

Unless I’ve misunderstood, you’ve mentioned more than once that you as a moviegoer are not comfortable with other peoples’ children sharing the theater with you to watch a rated R movie.

Thankfully, it’s nothing I’ve ever experienced; I was speaking hypothetically.

My point is that your comfort level was never a factor in putting these guidelines in place, so it has no direct bearing on the discussion of whether to change those guidelines.

My comfort levels have nothing to do with why I think the restrictions should be in place; they just happen to coincide in this instance with what I think is best for the children in question. There are plenty of things I’m personally uncomfortable with but don’t wish to see legislated against.

I’m not sure how else to put it other than to cite my earlier example of The Exorcist. No parent in the world should be able to take their six-year-old to the cinema to see such a film. Not all choices are valid or appropriate just because of some vague notion of personal freedom.

 

[MisterPenguin]

By that logic, one should have nothing to say about parents who choose not to put seatbelts on their children or who choose to give them alcohol.

Um... technically...

Parents can give their own children alcohol in their homes. Some cultures introduce drinking wine (sometimes watered down) as part of the family meal. Totally legal.

Can't serve children in your home that aren't yours, except many states allow that if their parent is there and consents.

Businesses can't server minors.. except in Texas, of course. (Parent must be there.)

When Is It Legal For Minors To Drink?

Learn more about the history behind the National Minimum Drinking Age Act, exceptions to the law, and the risks of underage drinking.

alcohol.org

 

[LittleBuford]

Um... technically...

Parents can give their own children alcohol in their homes. Some cultures introduce drinking wine (sometimes watered down) as part of the family meal. Totally legal.

Can't serve children in your home that aren't yours, except many states allow that if their parent is there and consents.

Businesses can't server minors.. except in Texas, of course. (Parent must be there.)

When Is It Legal For Minors To Drink?

Learn more about the history behind the National Minimum Drinking Age Act, exceptions to the law, and the risks of underage drinking.

alcohol.org

I appreciate the correction. It doesn’t really change the point I was making, however. @Wendy Pleakley’s last post aligns pretty closely with my thoughts and does a better job of conveying the argument than I seem to be doing.

 

[DKampy]

Um... technically...

Parents can give their own children alcohol in their homes. Some cultures introduce drinking wine (sometimes watered down) as part of the family meal. Totally legal.

Can't serve children in your home that aren't yours, except many states allow that if their parent is there and consents.

Businesses can't server minors.. except in Texas, of course. (Parent must be there.)

When Is It Legal For Minors To Drink?

Learn more about the history behind the National Minimum Drinking Age Act, exceptions to the law, and the risks of underage drinking.

alcohol.org

In Wisconsin you are able to share a drink with a kid in a bar if you are the parent…. I was shocked when my parents moved here in the 90’s… My dad tested this…. Ordered my younger brother a glass of Champaign which the sever gladly served him

 

[celluloid]

Um... technically...

Parents can give their own children alcohol in their homes. Some cultures introduce drinking wine (sometimes watered down) as part of the family meal. Totally legal.

Can't serve children in your home that aren't yours, except many states allow that if their parent is there and consents.

Businesses can't server minors.. except in Texas, of course. (Parent must be there.)

When Is It Legal For Minors To Drink?

Learn more about the history behind the National Minimum Drinking Age Act, exceptions to the law, and the risks of underage drinking.

alcohol.org

Most states under 21 can possesses it on the own home, but it found to be drinking it, consuming it is still illegal.

Possession and consumption are different. And people get arrested getting that confused all the time.