NationStates Jolt Archive

[Puts on political correctness hat]

I am so golly-darned tee-d off about this! By gosh!

Have you guys read this sports report about the Monday Night Football intro during the Eagles' game? Check it out:

http://msn.foxsports.com/story/3168960

Exactly WHO watches the NFL's Monday Night Football anyway? The next thing you know viewers will be calling in to complain that the coaches shouldn't be yelling at the players!!

It hurts their feelings, dadgummit! :rolleyes:

Oh dear, why the profanity?

A little nudity will certainly corrupt the morals of America's youth. Shame ABC, Shame.

Don't worry about it. Just another tempest in a teapot.

Seems a little ecessively puritanical. Really, its a harmless thing to show. Especially compared to some of the stuff on TV that's "ok". I'm talking mainly about violence and stereotyping. Now those things might do damage.

Seems a little ecessively puritanical. Really, its a harmless thing to show. Especially compared to some of the stuff on TV that's "ok". I'm talking mainly about violence and stereotyping. Now those things might do damage.
Clearly you don't understand American morality. It's acceptable to show a serial killer hacking up young co-eds. This is good clean fun. Showing the co-eds' breasts will warp the minds of our youth and make them perverts, atheists, or democrats. I shudder at the thought.

It may have been in questionable taste, but its not like the failed Jackson stunt that backfired. Apologizing over this is just pathetic, and it further empowers the FCC to make stations quiver. The larger *BC's (eh.. sure, include FOX, if you want) need to tell them (the FCC) to go get stuffed. I choose what music to buy, I choose what to watch on the tele at night. I can change the station, channel, whatever, or turn it off. If you're not offending someone, then people aren't interested in what you're doing.

Clearly you don't understand American morality. It's acceptable to show a serial killer hacking up young co-eds. This is good clean fun. Showing the co-eds' breasts will warp the minds of our youth and make them perverts, atheists, or democrats. I shudder at the thought.
Are you sure? I saw lots of slasher movies (and breasts, too!), and I grew with more republican-leaning tendencies.

Do you realize that the chilling effect of the FCC's fines prevented many stations from showing Saving Private Ryan? A fine patriotic film censored because some appointed body decided it's their job to police American morals.

Clearly you don't understand American morality. It's acceptable to show a serial killer hacking up young co-eds. This is good clean fun. Showing the co-eds' breasts will warp the minds of our youth and make them perverts, atheists, or democrats. I shudder at the thought.

LMAO! I can appreciate the contradiction. I don't know what to make of this, except to say that the pendulum has clearly swung way too far. What was ABC thinking? :confused:

I totally believe the stations should just really fight against FCC regulations cuz i mean the ACLU( i hate their living existance) said it best Americans have rights; ya to turn the channel if they dont approve of the material and wat ever happened to having a little backbone once and awhile. their are alot of other things on TV (CSI) that is alot worse thn the wat 30 sec intro. To HELL with the FCC ------ :) (FCC) :mp5:

doesn't the title "desperate housewives" just scream blatant sexual themes? sounds like a porn flick to me. and what is the actual problem with the commercial? i cant picture any situation where this could be a problem. i cant picture anyone using it as an excuse to do something they normally wouldnt even think of doing. i guess my question is: whats the big deal?

More fake outrage. Nobody is really shocked. They just think they should be.

Give me a break.

Oh, me oh my! Men who watch football are just beside themselves that ABC would dare show implied nudity. Of course we normally avert our eyes when the camera zooms in on the cheerleaders and would never think that advertisers are using sex to sell beer during the commercials. Why "those twins" are probably nuns making commercials to raise money for an orphanage.

What a nation of pussies we've become.

[Puts on political correctness hat]

i'm not so sure that the puritanical christian crowd and the (largely mythical) overly pc crowd are one and the same. in fact, they have a rather wide gulf between them - even though pc gone wild takes its cues from the same underlying puritanical cultural background, they typically focus on vastly different things than the hellfire and damnation types.

and it's clearly the fundies making complaints about all the sex on the television (...i mean, i keep falling off).

Though I'm generally not offended by the naked female form, I was a little upset that this was shown before an NFL broadcast, as I had my five-year-old daughter in the room, and started looking around for the remote to switch the channel. I simply didn't expect to see a naked woman jumping a football player on Monday Night Football. Even a parental warning just before the opening would have been better. Couldn't believe they crossed this line after the big stink after the Superbowl.

Let us know what we're in for and we'll make the decision to censor for our children. I'm more upset that I had no warning on this one.

Though I'm generally not offended by the naked female form, I was a little upset that this was shown before an NFL broadcast, as I had my five-year-old daughter in the room, and started looking around for the remote to switch the channel. I simply didn't expect to see a naked woman jumping a football player on Monday Night Football. Even a parental warning just before the opening would have been better. Couldn't believe they crossed this line after the big stink after the Superbowl.

Let us know what we're in for and we'll make the decision to censor for our children. I'm more upset that I had no warning on this one.

So you didn't mind that your five-year-old daughter was going to sit down to watch modern gladiator games, where 300lb men try to rip each other's heads off, but the idea that she would see the same female body she was born with was just too shocking to deal with?

So you didn't mind that your five-year-old daughter was going to sit down to watch modern gladiator games, where 300lb men try to rip each other's heads off, but the idea that she would see the same female body she was born with was just too shocking to deal with?
Maybe cause it was a white chick hitting on a black guy?

Though I'm generally not offended by the naked female form, I was a little upset that this was shown before an NFL broadcast, as I had my five-year-old daughter in the room, and started looking around for the remote to switch the channel. I simply didn't expect to see a naked woman jumping a football player on Monday Night Football. Even a parental warning just before the opening would have been better. Couldn't believe they crossed this line after the big stink after the Superbowl.

Let us know what we're in for and we'll make the decision to censor for our children. I'm more upset that I had no warning on this one.

no offense to you, i dont want to sound rude or anything, as your entitled to your own opinion... but what could possiblily happen after she sees this? its not like theres anything bad that can come out of it.. at least nothing that i can think of. i understand you dont want her to see those things, im just wondering why a little implied nudity is bad?

What bothers me is the refused to show Saving Private Ryan on vetrans day to honor those who have died and show what war is like, because they were afraid of "getting fined" yet showing desperate housewives is Okey Dokey.

So you didn't mind that your five-year-old daughter was going to sit down to watch modern gladiator games, where 300lb men try to rip each other's heads off, but the idea that she would see the same female body she was born with was just too shocking to deal with?
Why not keep the issue in context? It is not the depiction of the bare back of a woman. It was the blatant sexuality of her trying to seduce and then throwing herself at the man. Also the NFL isn't about tearing each other's heads off. When was the last time you actually watched a game - with an open mind?

no offense to you, i dont want to sound rude or anything, as your entitled to your own opinion... but what could possiblily happen after she sees this? its not like theres anything bad that can come out of it.. at least nothing that i can think of. i understand you dont want her to see those things, im just wondering why a little implied nudity is bad?
see above.

Why not keep the issue in context? It is not the depiction of the bare back of a woman. It was the blatant sexuality of her trying to seduce and then throwing herself at the man. Also the NFL isn't about tearing each other's heads off. When was the last time you actually watched a game - with an open mind?


LOL. I don't know you or how old you are, but I am going to venture a guess that I have been watching football longer than you have been alive (remember Deacon Jones and the Fearsome Forsome?).

I have also found that most people who watch footbal prefer an open beer to an open mind.

I love football and have no problem with it. I watch it most Sundays, sometimes on Monday, and will catch a game on Saturday now and then. Because I have a son in marching band I watch the occasional game under the Friday night lights, as well. My problem is with people who fake outrage because they see a little tit during a football game. Brits have been showing nudity on their public television for years and the island hasn't sunk into the North Sea.

The real problem is a society that has made violence into unquestioned family fare, but gets all a quiver over sex and nudity, which is natural, normal, and would be healthy if we weren't a nation forever stuck in puberty.

I don't get it. I just...don't. Why? Why can't people realize we have more important things to worry about? If someone thinks this will damage their kids, I hope they never enroll them in public school or provide them with Internet access.

Let's look at it this way, do I really want my young daughters or my small sons seeing someone glorify sexual edification or sexual iuendo. You can call me a pussy or a puritan all you want but honestly that's why America has turned into a group of weaklings. Not because of moral values about right and wrong but because we have succumbed to pleasurabel powerlessness. We want to satisfy our urges more than do what's best for ourselves and our society. I want my children to be able to discover who they are on their own among their own peer groups, not through mass societal programming or the over glorification of sex in our society. And yes, I am a Republican and if you don't like it. :P

Do you realize that the chilling effect of the FCC's fines prevented many stations from showing Saving Private Ryan? A fine patriotic film censored because some appointed body decided it's their job to police American morals.
And how appropriate that it was replaced in many markets with "Return to Mayberry."

LOL. I don't know you or how old you are, but I am going to venture a guess that I have been watching football longer than you have been alive (remember Deacon Jones and the Fearsome Forsome?).

I have also found that most people who watch footbal prefer an open beer to an open mind.

I love football and have no problem with it. I watch it most Sundays, sometimes on Monday, and will catch a game on Saturday now and then, as well. My problem is with people who fake outrage because they see a little tit during a football game. Brits have been showing nudity on their public television for years and the island hasn't sunk into the North Sea.

The real problem is a society that has made violence into unquestioned family fare, but gets all a quiver over sex and nudity, which is natural, normal, and would be healthy if we weren't a nation forever stuck in puberty.

We're close enough in age. My grandson is going on ten and we both love football. Tough and tumble is fine and a part of the game but I'm sure you'll agree it's a lot more than just 300 lb. behemoths tearing off someone's head. Yeah sure, a lot of the audience are guys hanging out with a bunch of beers. No doubt enjoying the cheerleaders in scanty outfits, etc. But it is also a family show.

As a family show there should be some restraint in what is shown. If they want to run a T & A ad for a dysfunctional Jerry Springer spinoff show this is the wrong venue. Some people don't feel this is a healthy image for their young children - of either sex. If the networks want to change it into a sexual free for all then their ratings will reflect that portion of the audience that will vote with their remotes.

At the beginning, middle and end of the day, it all about money to them.

I don't get it. I just...don't. Why? Why can't people realize we have more important things to worry about? If someone thinks this will damage their kids, I hope they never enroll them in public school or provide them with Internet access.
The devil is in the details. Watch your pennies and the dollars will watch themselves etc, etc, etc. If you keep letting "small things get past soon the whole landscape has changed. How do you think individual rights have become so diluted in America. All at once or a drip at a time?

LMAO! I can appreciate the contradiction. I don't know what to make of this, except to say that the pendulum has clearly swung way too far. What was ABC thinking? :confused:
What are they all thinking? The nation has swung so far to the right overnight. Just a couple of years ago, the country was awash in the sleaziest talk shows and music videos. Now stations are afraid to show "Saving Private Ryan." What happened?

Do you realize that the chilling effect of the FCC's fines prevented many stations from showing Saving Private Ryan? A fine patriotic film censored because some appointed body decided it's their job to police American morals.

Yes, on Veterans' day we weren't allowed to honor our veterans with a movie that honors them...because they dropped the almighty "f" bomb. Swearing and boobs...the downfall of America...

*rolls eyes*

Why not keep the issue in context? It is not the depiction of the bare back of a woman. It was the blatant sexuality of her trying to seduce and then throwing herself at the man. Also the NFL isn't about tearing each other's heads off. When was the last time you actually watched a game - with an open mind?

good point, but so the chick is easy - thats her problem. if someone is worried about their kid even knowing whats going on, much less thinking that its an ok think to do, just tell them "so that woman is giving it up way to easy. im telling you right now, you are better then that. that im raising you with better moral standards then her." i dont really see why is has to be a big deal. but thats just me

The devil is in the details. Watch your pennies and the dollars will watch themselves etc, etc, etc. If you keep letting "small things get past soon the whole landscape has changed. How do you think individual rights have become so diluted in America. All at once or a drip at a time?

Individual rights HAVE become diluted in America. That's obvious. But now we're so far behind that television networks apologizing for scenes deemed indecent by the general public is not going to change anything. Should little things be watched?...yes. But it just blows my mind to think of the things that don't get censored that should be, compared to the "controversial" things that enough people rally behind to get an apology or a relatively miniscule fine. Like you're not supposed to read Huck Finn in public schools, but rap videos with constant sex, alcohol, and drug references are perfectly okay to show on tv...maybe that's a bad example that I'll catch some crap for, but that's all it is, an example.

good point, but so the chick is easy - thats her problem. if someone is worried about their kid even knowing whats going on, much less thinking that its an ok think to do, just tell them "so that woman is giving it up way to easy. im telling you right now, you are better then that. that im raising you with better moral standards then her." i dont really see why is has to be a big deal. but thats just me
Faced with the same situation I would do the same. In fact - I HAVE done the same! (my daughters are 26 & 27.) The issue is that when it become so pervasive in the culture over a number of years then it is no longer an isolated incident handily managed by a dad that is present. Ask a therapist where eating disorders have their start. Yanno?

We're close enough in age. My grandson is going on ten and we both love football. Tough and tumble is fine and a part of the game but I'm sure you'll agree it's a lot more than just 300 lb. behemoths tearing off someone's head. Yeah sure, a lot of the audience are guys hanging out with a bunch of beers. No doubt enjoying the cheerleaders in scanty outfits, etc. But it is also a family show.

As a family show there should be some restraint in what is shown. If they want to run a T & A ad for a dysfunctional Jerry Springer spinoff show this is the wrong venue. Some people don't feel this is a healthy image for their young children - of either sex. If the networks want to change it into a sexual free for all then their ratings will reflect that portion of the audience that will vote with their remotes.

At the beginning, middle and end of the day, it all about money to them.

From one old fart to another here is where I think we might agree: I hate that human sexuality - something beautiful and wonderful and to be celebrated - is used as a cheap gimmick to sell products. The motto of American advertisers should be, "look at these boobs and buy something."

I have no problem with sexuality in art or on television and I think children should know about it and discuss it much more than they do. However, I hate the 14-year-old-boy/evangelical preacher split personality that too many Americans have about sex, swinging from prurient exploitation to puritanical censorship with no common sense middle ground.

Individual rights HAVE become diluted in America. That's obvious. But now we're so far behind that television networks apologizing for scenes deemed indecent by the general public is not going to change anything. Should little things be watched?...yes. But it just blows my mind to think of the things that don't get censored that should be, compared to the "controversial" things that enough people rally behind to get an apology or a relatively miniscule fine. Like you're not supposed to read Huck Finn in public schools, but rap videos with constant sex, alcohol, and drug references are perfectly okay to show on tv...maybe that's a bad example that I'll catch some crap for, but that's all it is, an example.
I agree with you over all. The banning of books because the word ****** or the portrayal of blacks particular to that time is "politically incorrect" is absurd and comes with it's own backlash. But that is another thread by itself.

Rap video and pop sluts? That you have to intentionally tune in to on cable and is under parential control (most cable access can be programmed according to ratings).

Televised sports events are for the whole family and it is distinct.

From one old fart to another here is where I think we might agree: I hate that human sexuality - something beautiful and wonderful and to be celebrated - is used as a cheap gimmick to sell products. The motto of American advertisers should be, "look at these boobs and buy something."

I have no problem with sexuality in art or on television and I think children should know about it and discuss it much more than they do. However, I hate the 14-year-old-boy/evangelical preacher split personality that too many Americans have about sex, swinging from prurient exploitation to puritanical censorship with no common sense middle ground.
Ah! So we have common ground after all. Sex education and awareness should start from the first question being answered honestly within the capacity of the child to comprehend. Events like this are an opportunity for parential comment on the behavior. However the endless stream of imagery and behaviors that the five year old girl will experience over the next 7 or 8 years can and will assault her self image. It is unhealthy.

However the endless stream of imagery and behaviors that the five year old girl will experience over the next 7 or 8 years can and will assault her self image. It is unhealthy.

...and yet what she'll see is reality...something you can't hide her from. She'll make her own choices and mistakes, and hopefully learn from them. She cannot however, blame television or ads for her own poor choices in life if she turns out "less than perfect."

I agree with you over all. The banning of books because the word ****** or the portrayal of blacks particular to that time is "politically incorrect" is absurd and comes with it's own backlash. But that is another thread by itself.

Rap video and pop sluts? That you have to intentionally tune in to on cable and is under parential control (most cable access can be programmed according to ratings).

Televised sports events are for the whole family and it is distinct.

Okay, you win :)

...and yet what she'll see is reality...something you can't hide her from. She'll make her own choices and mistakes, and hopefully learn from them. She cannot however, blame television or ads for her own poor choices in life if she turns out "less than perfect."
It is not an issue of perfect. That is a misunderstanding or wilful misrepresentation of the point. What is represented is not necessarily reality as in one size fits all. It may be what one has unconciously modeled themselves on and therefore acts out against self interest. Your suggestion of allowing the chips to fall where they may misses the point entirely and has the rule of the jungle feel to it that lacks the heart a healthy parent has toward their child.

So is this a situation where parents are unable to decipher salacious information for their children, or do we need to have our elected officials (and the appointees thereof) decide for us (as ABC vis a vis the FCC did in this case?)

I think the larger point is one of prior restraint and censorship, not a blond hottie jumping a ballplayer on prime time.

Clearly you don't understand American morality. It's acceptable to show a serial killer hacking up young co-eds. This is good clean fun. Showing the co-eds' breasts will warp the minds of our youth and make them perverts, atheists, or democrats. I shudder at the thought.
As do I. :shudder:

I wanna see that ad! Anyone got it on tape? Better yet, dvd?

I agree with you over all. The banning of books because the word ****** or the portrayal of blacks particular to that time is "politically incorrect" is absurd and comes with it's own backlash. But that is another thread by itself.

Rap video and pop sluts? That you have to intentionally tune in to on cable and is under parential control (most cable access can be programmed according to ratings).

Televised sports events are for the whole family and it is distinct.

Never mind that the demographic target for sports television starts at around the same age as music television - somewhere around 8-10 years old. If you don't believe me, consider Lil' Bow Wow and his clones, and the rapidly decreasing age at which it is fashionable to dress like some designer's idea of a penniless black gangster in East Oakland. The demographic for music television is simply narrower on the upper edge - where sports can be a lifelong passion, for most people moment-fashionable music loses its allure somewhere in their 20s.

Also, I'd take issue with the idea that sports are "wholesome," while NYPD Blue or John Wayne Night on Turner Classics aren't. While there is very little actual combat in sports, all the elements of televised combat - anger, the desire to "take him (the opponent) down," rough physical interplay, and so forth, are there. Perhaps this should serve as a reminder of what sports are - a form of symbolic combat. The football field is the battlefield, and the coach the commander, placing his "soldiers" in precise configuration on the field to what he believes to be his greatest tactical and strategic advantage. The soldiers spar to gain or lose territory, scoring points when the enemy "fortress" (the end zone) is infiltrated with a touchdown. Similar elements are there, at least to some degree, in every team sport I can think of.
After all, that is how sports developed - as a civil form of competition between tribes, cities or nations, be it wrestling in Japan or Africa, or Olympic competition in Greece.
Therefore, I'd hardly call the symbolic, bloodless violence of NYPD Blue or John Wayne worse than watching Monday night football. Of course, one can access slasher movies - and worse - on television, but there are likewise attractions such as Ultimate Fighting and pro wrestling WWE/NWO events in the sports arena.
I think I've made my point. :D

More fake outrage. Nobody is really shocked. They just think they should be.

Give me a break.

Oh, me oh my! Men who watch football are just beside themselves that ABC would dare show implied nudity. Of course we normally avert our eyes when the camera zooms in on the cheerleaders and would never think that advertisers are using sex to sell beer during the commercials. Why "those twins" are probably nuns making commercials to raise money for an orphanage.

What a nation of pussies we've become.

What a nation of dicks we've become, you mean?
Edit your sexism, please.

Though I'm generally not offended by the naked female form, I was a little upset that this was shown before an NFL broadcast, as I had my five-year-old daughter in the room, and started looking around for the remote to switch the channel. I simply didn't expect to see a naked woman jumping a football player on Monday Night Football. Even a parental warning just before the opening would have been better. Couldn't believe they crossed this line after the big stink after the Superbowl.

Let us know what we're in for and we'll make the decision to censor for our children. I'm more upset that I had no warning on this one.

So, it's okay for your 5 year old to watch grown men beating the hell out of each other over a BALL (heh - what does that do the concept that one should share one's toys) but a little flesh (which presumably the child sees when it bathes) is going to warp the child?????????????????????

Are you sure? I saw lots of slasher movies (and breasts, too!), and I grew with more republican-leaning tendencies.

Maybe political leanings have more to do with the RATIO of violence to breasts seen while growing up :)

From one old fart to another here is where I think we might agree: I hate that human sexuality - something beautiful and wonderful and to be celebrated - is used as a cheap gimmick to sell products. The motto of American advertisers should be, "look at these boobs and buy something."

I have no problem with sexuality in art or on television and I think children should know about it and discuss it much more than they do. However, I hate the 14-year-old-boy/evangelical preacher split personality that too many Americans have about sex, swinging from prurient exploitation to puritanical censorship with no common sense middle ground.

It is only that split which allows sex to be so commercialized. If we had an open attitude about sex, then the market value of exploiting it -along with the narrow, constraining images of gender and sexuality that the commercialization produces- would dry up.

A paranoid person might think that corporations had a vested political interest in keeping sex so taboo.
:(