Would "Casablanca" have been rated XXX?
Depictions of smoking in movies will now be a factor when deciding what a film's rating will be, possibly making a PG-13 movie R-rated, the Motion Picture Association of America said yesterday. The policy affects only new movies.
Along with violence, depictions of sex, adult language and other content considerations, ratings organizations will examine new releases to determine if they glamorize smoking or if it is pervasive through the films, even among adults. Underage smoking has always been considered when rating a film.It's going to be nice explaining to children, decades hence, just what Humphrey Bogart is doing with his hands in some of his films. "Once upon a time, Americans could smoke small amounts of tobacco. Then we discovered that it was addicting and that excessive usage over long periods of time could lead to adverse health affects. Naturally we had to ban it, though as long as we're still fighting for Freedom around the world I don't mind."
The undercurrent of American puritanism is annoying. It is especially so when it is severed from the only part of it which could be called reasonably good, namely the slight connection it had with Jesus Christ. But it is usually the worst parts of heresies which linger--like secondhand smoke, which is not nearly as dangerous as misguided thought.
When the Inquisitors, whose reputation for evil is severely over-stated, attempted to stamp out heresy, they were at least doing so with the hope of saving souls. Whether or not they were doing so, and whether or not they proceeded in the best manner can be debated. But the new Inquisitors are seeking to save, not man's soul, but merely his lungs. Even supposing that they succeed, it does little good if his soul goes to pot. I seem to recall certain divine words: "What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?"
As soon as the MPAA recognizes the soul, I shall pay a bit of attention. Until then, I'll do my best to seek out old films, filled with the ignoble immorality of smoking. Pray, don't tell.
6 comments:
I tell ya Eric, it's getting uglier and uglier out here. Not seein Bogey smoke, or even Joan Crawford with that sexy raspy voice of hers, holding a lucky strike is down right communistic, fashists, and every other despotic crap we've been fed to believe is wrong.
Fighting for freedom? Who's freedom?
Fighting for freedom? Who's freedom?
That's my attempt at a joke Ron. Or maybe it's there's. But it's not all that funny.
Hey Eric, I forgot to tell you.I remeber some time ago we talked about Type O Negative.
Check out the lyrics to this song from their new albumn. It's about as Pro-Life as it comes...
http://www.lyricsmania.com/lyrics/type_o_negative_lyrics_980/dead_again_lyrics_42528/these_three_things_lyrics_460524.html
Its about the money,wiser, not the soul.The whole medical system, insurance through hospitals, is now threatened, the workforce is less productive, tobaccos profits will be sacrificed for the Greater Profit.
You tend to see things from an economic perspective, which I appreciate, but I think you're wrong on this one.
It's not about money; it's about control. I don't see smoking bans as increasing the profits of bars and restaurants, though the money spent there must go elsewhere.
Also, I recall reading somewhere (Larry Elder's book I think) that smokers are actually good for the economy, what with the dying early and all.
Thanks for the link Ron. It looks like you got a chance to check out their new album. I'll need to give it a couple of listens myself.
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