Movie Ratings

G, PG, PG-13, R, NC-17

These ratings describe the appropriate ages to view a movie based on its content. They have existed for as long as I can remember. However, I believe over time these barriers will no longer exists, as they have become a less important factor in determining whether to see a movie or not. This is so as people are becoming more open and we are learning and doing things at younger ages. Likewise, what out parents would have been allowed to view at age 17 is not the same content we view today. This can be attributed to the evolution of society, as norms are constantly changing. The issue surrounding movie ratings is very controversial and is one that constantly needs to be re-evaluated.

I believe the movie rating is very subjective and based on what only a certain type of parent would want their child to see. This does not necessarily represent the majority of people. The issue of sexual scenes versus rape and violence is a very touchy subject. Personally I would prefer to subject my child to a sex scene rather than violence or rape. This is so, as I believe most teenagers before the age of thirteen know about sex, it is not something new and is a part of life. By placing a rating due to sexual content does not necessarily stop children from viewing the subject matter, there are so many other ways they can access this information today. On the other hand, violence, unlike sex, should not be practiced and therefore putting a rating on movies with very violent content is understandable.

Even though movie ratings are for society’s best interest, I do not believe they must always be followed. Every parent has the right to choose how they wish to raise their child, and soon enough I believe these barriers are not going to exist because we live in a very progressive society.