Will Smoking Scenes Trigger an R Rating in Movies?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the implications of the Motion Picture Association of America's new policy regarding smoking in films and its potential impact on movie ratings. Participants explore the broader context of media influence on society, particularly in relation to violence and smoking.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express skepticism about the significance of smoking scenes compared to other violent content in films, suggesting that there are more pressing issues in the entertainment industry.
  • One participant humorously exaggerates the criteria for smoking scenes to warrant an R rating, implying that extreme depictions would be necessary for such a rating.
  • Another participant references the documentary "This Film is Not Yet Rated" to question the rating system's effectiveness.
  • Concerns are raised about the rationale behind the new smoking policy, with one participant expressing frustration and suggesting extreme measures against those who implement such policies.
  • A humorous suggestion is made about disciplining children who smoke, reflecting a more aggressive stance on the issue.
  • One participant draws a parallel between the smoking rating policy and other societal issues, advocating for a balanced perspective on health-related language and media representation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally express disagreement regarding the importance and implications of the new smoking rating policy, with multiple competing views on the effectiveness and focus of movie ratings in relation to societal issues.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the complexity of media influence on behavior and the subjective nature of rating systems, indicating that the discussion is influenced by personal values and societal norms.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in film ratings, media influence on public health, and the cultural implications of smoking in entertainment may find this discussion relevant.

Ivan Seeking
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Directors may want to think twice the next time they want an actor to light up on screen, after the Motion Picture Association of America announced that smoking will now play a bigger role in determining the rating a movie earns.

Similar to sex or violence, the rating would be based on the amount of “glamorized” or “pervasive” smoking seen in a film. [continued]
http://www.ny1.com/ny1/content/index.jsp?stid=1&aid=69586

If smoking scenes will demand an R rating as does violence and sex, then I assume that the person would have to be smoking an entire pack at once, blowing smoke from every orifice in their body, chomping on a bale of chew, and wearing a nicotine suit in order to qualify? :smile:

I tend to think that we have a lot more to worry about from [the entertainment industry] than smoking scenes. How about if they stop killing 100 people an hour or whatever it is that is broadcast to our children daily.
 
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Ivan Seeking said:
I tend to think that we have a lot more to worry about from [the entertainment industry] than smoking scenes. How about if they stop killing 100 people an hour or whatever it is that is broadcast to our children daily.
I know; seriously! We need to go more European on this.

Speaking of which, has anyone seen the documentary This Film is not Yet Rated?
 
Ivan Seeking said:
[I tend to think that we have a lot more to worry about from [the entertainment industry] than smoking scenes. How about if they stop killing 100 people an hour or whatever it is that is broadcast to our children daily.

Defiantly even though it flopped, the movie Ultraviolet seriously had a bad case of cord wood syndrome (the body's were piling up like cord wood) and it only had a PG-13 rating. Well maybe there going along the line of thought that smoking kills.
 
What idiot came up with this idea, and why does our society allow them to still live?

This is why we need public beatings on the steps of congress. (Rated PG13 -strong scenes of dumbassness)
 
if your kid is smoking just give them a good smack across the face for every cig they've ever smoked. that will teach them. :-p
 
This all reminds me of the folks who studied hospital language and decided that "strokes" should be called "brain attacks". Meanwhile, the hospital was short on respirators for babies.

Sometimes a little sense of balance goes a long way.