Monday, March 16, 2009
The Simpson's
When we discussed The Simpson's in class I found it interesting that many were not allowed to watch the show. My parents thought The Simpson's was one of the best shows on TV. There didn't seem to be any discussion about whether or not kids should watch it in my house. This was Family TV night once a week as I was growing up. I have two younger brothers and I don't think any of us thought of this as a big deal. I knew some of my friends couldn't watch certain ratings, but The Simpson's didn't seem like a big deal. I think the question becomes is it good for parents to censor the shows their children watch? Where is that line between sheltering your children too much and letting them see too much? I am interested to see how others feel about this issue, if anything.
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6 comments:
In my family growing up it was also family night. I am the oldest of 4 and we along with my parents would all watch it every sunday. As i got older i started disliking the show more and more. As a parent myself i worry that i will shelter my daughter to much. There are so many things to protect our children from, its hard to know where to draw the line on going overboard
My parents never let my brother and I watch it. They always said it was because they swear and do "bad things". I think the extent of the swear words were hell and damn, and I heard my parents say worse so I never really understood it either.
My parents didn't allow this as well, fortunately enough my friends had TV so I was covered. But as I grew up I was able to interpret the deeper levels and subtexts going on between the glorification of alcohol and Bart's juvenile antics. There is a lot of commentary on our culture and the human experience that I think is valuable knowledge to be had.
But whether or not parents should censor The Simpson's (or shows like it) is something that needs to be decided by the individual. I would probably allow some degree of crudeness or immaturity if it were to prove a larger point, and in this case I would make sure to take the time to explain what is going on and why it's important to my kid. However on the other side of the coin there are definitely shows that are far too mature in theme for children, and despite anyone's efforts kids will have access to it. Maybe I just won't have kids...
I was allowed to watch the show when I was younger but as I got older and understood what the messages were about, I stopped watching the show.
As a parent, I do not let my children watch this show. Kids are always trying to imitate what they see on tv, and a good portion of it is either not nice or can get them hurt. Why would I encourage my children to watch something that blatenly shows Bart being disrespectful to his whole family or Homer as a pathetic drunk who can't seem to have control of his kids.
I think that parents should definitely censor the shows their children watch. Everyone's oppinions on what is alright and what isn't is different. Every parent should be involved in helping children make those decisions because the material they take in and their eperiences serve as a major part in creating who they will someday be.
One of my good friends is pretty religious. One afternoon him and his little brother who is 14 were at my house watching tv and a commercial came on. It was a make up commercial I think, and it had gorgeous women running around in bathing suits. I like most every guy was leaning forward in my seat! I looked over and his little brother was looking at the ground. This was just weird to me. I think that overprotection as a child caould lead to serious problems as a teenager or an adult.
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