Michael Powell As Mommy
This New York Times Letters To The Editor writer has a point: It's ridiculous and wrong that the FCC is stepping in for parents who aren't doing their job, thus narrowing the field of programming for the rest of us:
To the Editor:Re "Don't Expect the Government to Be a V-Chip," by Michael K. Powell (Op-Ed, Dec. 3):
The most common reasoning I have heard quoted for greater government regulation over television and radio is that we must protect our children from programming that leads to moral degradation.
It strikes me as odd (as a parent) that parents have the wherewithal to determine which programming is unsuitable for their children, but apparently lack the capability to communicate this to their children by changing the channel, setting rules for television viewing, or simply removing the television completely.
Instead, it seems that parents would prefer to spend time complaining to the Federal Communications Commission in hopes that it will assist them in parenting their children.
When I was growing up, my parents shut the TV off during the weekdays, and allowed restricted viewing of programs during the weekend; somehow that approach today seems much more effective than looking to the F.C.C. to solve the problem.
What we need in our culture is more parent intervention, not more government intervention.
Mark Lisi
Briarcliff Manor, N.Y., Dec. 3, 2004
We weren't allowed to watch TV as kids, save Disney on Sunday nights, and a few other programs. Then again, my parents acted like parents (ie, fascists), not overgrown friends.
Parents who let their kids watch TV are probably being irresponsible. TV is as good a reason not to have kids as any: Imagine trying to explain all that commerce, stupidity and distortion.
But it's just not true that your "field of programming" has "narrowed." Never before have people of the most moderate financial means had access to such profoundly diverse media.
I loves the Jarvis 'n' all, but this is a weird time to be getting worried about broadcast censorship. Amy, you never struck me as a Matlock kinda gal. So who cares what CBS programming is like? If Powell, a typical son of priveledge, decides to fine CBS or Fox or whoemever a few million, isn't it likely that they deserve it for one thing or another?
This is partially facetious, but we have to assume that your upset about this stuff is largely theatrical as well. Yeah; in principle Powell is full of shit, and what-EVAR. But in the real world who cares?
Do not harsh me for mispeling privilidge.
Cridland at December 5, 2004 10:04 PM
PS- Jarvis says Fox is gonna contest their FCC fine re: Married In America. This is good... It's great to see a downtrodden immigrant multibillionaire like Murdoch can stand up to the Man.
Cridland at December 6, 2004 1:00 AM
I never really understood why my mother (I'm dating myself here) wouldn't let me watch the Little Rascals. She had a bizarre sense of what was ok television. But what is up with these parents that aren't paying enough attention to make rules and enforce them?
Sheryl at December 6, 2004 1:54 AM
I think they call it parental correctness. Rules now are questioned into submission, not the kid. Free to be. You and me. Nothing about rules in there. My g-g-generation was bad enough with this, but we procreated some of the biggest horse's asses when it comes to raising kids. It's all about meshing with all the damn people on this planet, not being free to be you and me in every stinking place and moment you take a breath.
allan at December 6, 2004 3:44 AM
Allan.
What Allan said.
Cridland at December 6, 2004 4:07 AM