Two curse words in the previews before "Cars" which is a rated G movie. Anyone else?

[NeverlandClub23]

In DH's household growing up and even now, the word fart is absolutely unheard of. I can't tell you how many movies, television shows, and whatnot it's on. What some people consider a curse word, others do not.

This made me laugh. I'm 24 and my parents never let us say the word fart. I still don't say it. For some reason I always find it shocking when I watch kid shows and they make farting noises or say the word fart and kids find that so hilarious and it was considered a "curse" word when I was growing up. I also find "damn" offensive and if I had kids I would not want them around hearing it. I might have gone to some sheltered public schools but I didn't hear any curse words until 7th or 8th grade as my parents didn't let us watch a lot of TV (we spent most of our time playing outside anyways). Also, butt, God, and many other words people have no problem using today were considered curse words when I was growing up. To each their own but I wouldn't want my kids around any cursing. They may be around it someday but they don't need to be around it when they're little kids even if it's accepted by the rest of society.

 

[amy4bruce]

Just to set the record straight about older movies, when Hollywood adopted the Production Code (better known as the Hays Office, after the man running it), the whole idea was that every movie should be suitable for everyone. If a film failed to received the Motion Picture Code approval, no theatre would handle it. (Films that were really aimed at adults were labeled "educational" and showed in traveling tents. One such film was Reefer Madness, which most of you have heard of.)

At any rate, Gone With the Wind, released in 1939, broke the rule with Rhett Butler's line. An altenate scene with Butler saying, "Frankly my dear, I don't care," was shot, but David O. Selznick, the producer, thought that it didn't pack the same power, and wasn't used. The Hays Office, facing a blockbuster that the whole country was waiting for, couldn't block the film, but did give Selznick a $5,000 fine.

Flash ahead to the early '50s, when The Moon Is Blue was released with the word "virgin" in it. That shocked people.

Another facet of the Code at that time was you could not get away with a crime. This included adultery (check out the ending of Anna Karenina, with the count feeling that he has been punished for all time) and homosexuality, which couldn't even be mentioned. (For that, check out the film version of Advise and Consent.)

The code broke down in 1966 (I think that was the year) with Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolfe? which featured expressions like "hump the hostess" and a dance between Elizabeth Taylor and George Segal that mimed sex. The Code decided to explicitly say that some movies were not for children, and began to tag films SMA (suggested for mature audiences).

This only lasted a few years, when they came up with the current system. There were, at first, only four ratings - G, M (which became GP then PG), R and X. One of the first films to get an X rating was Last Summer, which definitely was for adults, but got an X instead of an R because of a scene where two boys were discussing what sex a pigeon was. They decided that it was male because it had a male sexual organ - they used the term that many people use for a needle stick.

Another film a few years later, Harry and Tonto, received an R because a character referred to a female relative by a four-lettered term for female gentilia.

Probably since the release of All The President's Men, langjuage is taken mostly on individual cases, whether or not it is germane to the story line.

By the way, PG-13 was introduced after the release of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, which was too intense for a PG, but that was all they could give it.

Sorry if I've gone on too long, but some of the arguments posted were making statements about film history, and I just had to chime in.

 

[Cindy B]

that one.
As far as which is better........stripper pole or two d***s............neither. Why should I have to pick a lesser of two evils? That is my point. A rated G movie shouldn't have either one.


Also, FWIW, my children aren't in public schools but I understand your point about the classroom. It is truly sad what our children are exposed to today. Which, BTW, adds to my point.

I would hold off before the pot calling the kettle black. I work with many kids that are homeschooled and Christian homes as well. These kids, curse see rated R movies and do unaccpetable internet behavior as well.

Watch before you paint with a broad brush for all public school children.

 

[4chitlins]

Ok. I understand the point that some of you are making. Let me clarify what I am trying to say. I understand that Gone With the Wind was G. However, it was not marketed to be a children's movie. I am talking about movies marketed for young children having a G rating. However, I see that we still disagree. I know that we are all different and have different opinions. I honestly had no idea that the majority of people wanted their young children to hear these words.

I hate to tell you but your kids are going to hear a lot worse than that at school. I have been shocked by some of the things my 9 year old twin boys have said that other boys have taught them.

 

[Mugg Mann]

I completely agree with you. I, too, would have given it a PG rating. I think that the innuendoes in the movie were just as bad as the words. I don't think that they were ok. As I said earlier, I didn't really check out the movie before we went. I have never thought it was necessary to do so because of the G rating. Again, I admit that was a mistake on my part and it will not happen again. Silly, naive me thought that the innuendoes were considered "subjective" so therefore wouldn't be easy to explain to MPAA or others. I thought that they would be considered "a grey area." I thought that the words were different. I thought that they were clearly a standard, line drawn kind of issue........you know? Honestly, I thought that most parents expected G movies to be free from words like that. I swear, honestly, I thought that others would be just as shocked as me. Call me naive, I know, I had no idea that I would be out of the norm here. I thought most parents brought their little ones to the theater, to rated G movies, expecting there to be no questionable comments or language. I expect it in PG.

One of the great things about this country is that you have the absolute right to raise your children as you see fit. If you feel that Damn is a curse word and that you don't want you kids exposed to it, it is your right to do so.
And to that end, here is a web site that Mrs. Mugg and I used all the time with the Muggette to gauge whether or not a movie was appropiate as she was growing up;

http://www.kids-in-mind.com/

This site assigns a 1-10 rating to each film in three catagories; sex, language and violence. It passes no judgements on the quality of the film, it merely tries to inform parents exactly what will be in the movie if they see it. We found it indispensible, and hope that you do too.

It's a big world out there. I hope that your children are ready for it when it's their time, but IMHO, your decision to shield them as much as you do will ultimately do more harm than good to their eventual abilities to interact with people from all walks of life.

 

[FayeW]

Why is hell even considered a curse word? It is a "place", just like heaven (is). If you believe in God and Heaven, then you have to believe in hell as well!

 

[Cindy B]

One of the great things about this country is that you have the absolute right to raise your children as you see fit. If you feel that Damn is a curse word and that you don't want you kids exposed to it, it is your right to do so.
And to that end, here is a web site that Mrs. Mugg and I used all the time with the Muggette to gauge whether or not a movie was appropiate as she was growing up;

http://www.kids-in-mind.com/

This site assigns a 1-10 rating to each film in three catagories; sex, language and violence. It passes no judgements on the quality of the film, it merely tries to inform parents exactly what will be in the movie if they see it. We found it indispensible, and hope that you do too.

It's a big world out there. I hope that your children are ready for it when it's their time, but IMHO, your decision to absolutely shield them as much as possible will ultimately do more harm than good.

Thank you. I could not agree more especially with the last paragraph. If the OP considers damn a curse word, everything will be an uphill battle as the children grow up. There will be battles on everything... from music, clothing, friends that they hang out with, the books the read, the websites they frequent, what movies they can watch, what video games they can rent...

Children are exposed to the real world no matter how hard we protect them. I've seen kids that had a very isolated life, private Christian school, etc... told a lot of nos, very protective parents. Guess what happened to this child? She wound up pregnant with someone from this small Christian school.

Has the OP ever seen the movie Saved? Yes, it is very tongue and cheek but a lot of it is uncomfortably true. Students saying how great they are that they aren't like student X or student P, however still being jealous, envious and not respecting others. Jealousy, envy, etc... just as sinful as other things by the literal biblical interpretation.

I hung out in very evangelical group for almost 15 years. Many people were very protective. However, when the kids went out into the world (even if they went to Christian schools and or colleges) they had a hard time adjusting. Guess whose children were drug addicts? The ministers children.

If the OP is worrying about two damns now, they will wind up with true anxiety about what is going on in the world outside thier home.

 

[Towncrier]

Guess whose children were drug addicts? The ministers children.

I beg your pardon? Not all theological offspring are drug addicts. Some of us actually turned out OK.

 

[Cindy B]

I beg your pardon? Not all theological offspring are drug addicts. Some of us actually turned out OK.

Not talking about you.. In my case, my previous church, this was what happened.

I know some well adjusted PK's, and some they well werent, for the lack of a better term.

I use this example to show that sometimes the most well intentioned parenting turns into a free for all by that lovely free will concept.

 

[Towncrier]

I know some well adjusted PK's...

Now you are really pulling my leg, Cindy

Sorry to hijack the thread. I just had to throw in my two cents worth.

It's a shame that we cannot shield our children from the harsh realities of life. I understand the original poster's outrage and can sympathize. The bad language and bad behaviour that bombards us comes soon enough without any help. Short of moving to a deserted island, I don't see how any parent can keep their children "safe" from these influences. Just teach your children well and hope that the lessons that they learn in childhood will carry them through.

 

[Minnie]

No one was trying to make anyone feel bad here. I was simply telling a real life experience on what the dangers of a BB gun can be.

As for criticizing the "smiley" I used in the post is IMO pathetic. (I was actually looking for a no smiley and that one was as close as it gets to shaking its head "no")

Living in Orlando, my children hardly live in a bubble! As far as activities for my children go,... Go ahead and dissaprove. Most of them are 2nd degree black belts, are level headed teens or young adults, one is a fantastic singer and very outgoing, another is a whizz in Math and is going to college on a full scholarship, they all have great manners and are very polite and just a pleasure to be around (most of the time) just like their Mom!!

As far as thinking before I type.... I do that a LOT. That's why my post count is so low.

I never criticized the "smiley" you used as my issue had nothing to do with that whatsoever. Pathetic - yeah it is pathetic to sink this low over something like this

Actually by being and say "my children will never " do this you are in fact trying to make the poster feel bad about her choice as a parent. That is very wrong and unkind no matter how you try to explain it.

 

[DisneyPhD]

Yes, I as a parent am worried about d***. That is unacceptable to me. To others, it may be fine; to me, it is not fine. That is my opinion. I am an individual and that is how I feel. I also raise my children differently because that is where I stand. I understand that not everyone else does the same. I am not making low blows at those of you that don't find it wrong. I just feel differently. I do use parental cinema web sites to preview movies. I stated that in another post. I use ScreenIt and PluggedIn. They are both saved on my favorites. However, as I stated in a few posts, I have never used them to review rated G movies because, as I have also stated a few times, I never thought I needed to. I thought rated G meant it was free from questionable material. Again, I have said this a few times as well, I was wrong. I will screen G movies from now on. However, ScreenIt and PluggedIn do not screen previews. There was no way to avoid that one.
As far as which is better........stripper pole or two d***s............neither. Why should I have to pick a lesser of two evils? That is my point. A rated G movie shouldn't have either one.


Also, FWIW, my children aren't in public schools but I understand your point about the classroom. It is truly sad what our children are exposed to today. Which, BTW, adds to my point.

I lost power last night due to a down power line, and missed alot. Power is back on, no food lost in my freg and the neighbors are breathing easier now that a live wire is not arching on their garage.

I have to say though I agree with this,

I always agree it is a shame what some kids are exposed to, but that doesn't mean we should lower our standards with our own family.

Oh and to me damn and Hell are considered a curse word, depending on how you use them. Fartknocker might not be a real bad word, but it isn't one I want my 4 year old using, so I don't use it in front of them. (heck I despise buttface, used in many movies for kids a number of years ago.)

 

[zurgswife]

Damn is a curse word?

This is my feeling also...

 

[TLHB70]

I understand the original poster's outrage and can sympathize. The bad language and bad behaviour that bombards us comes soon enough without any help. Short of moving to a deserted island, I don't see how any parent can keep their children "safe" from these influences. Just teach your children well and hope that the lessons that they learn in childhood will carry them through.

I agree that the bad language and bad behavior bombards us. We see it everywhere. My children can hear it anywhere........on the streets, in the stores, etc....I understand that. I cannot control that. I can control what I introduce to them, what I expose them to. That is my job and that is what I am trying to do. I disagree with the statement made above.....that if I consider d*** a curse word than I will have an uphill battle all of the way. I do believe that someone quoted the dictionary and the dictionary considers it a curse word. I stick to my belief. It is a curse word. And someone asked about hell being a curse word. It is indeed a word, a place, and when used that way it is not a curse word. We use it in our house when we speak about the actual place. Used as a curse word is using it in a different way. I do realize that many will disagree with me.

Children are exposed to the real world no matter how hard we protect them. I've seen kids that had a very isolated life, private Christian school, etc... told a lot of nos, very protective parents. Guess what happened to this child? She wound up pregnant with someone from this small Christian school.

I hung out in very evangelical group for almost 15 years. Many people were very protective. However, when the kids went out into the world (even if they went to Christian schools and or colleges) they had a hard time adjusting. Guess whose children were drug addicts? The ministers children.

I agree that things like this happen. However, I know just as many people that lived in Christian homes growing up, were raised by Christian family values and did not end up pregnant, drug addicts, etc.
It is my job to do my best and raise them the way that I believe is best. That is what I am doing. We are all different. You have your version of best. I have my version of best.

 

[Cindy B]

Now you are really pulling my leg, Cindy

Sorry to hijack the thread. I just had to throw in my two cents worth.

QUOTE]


Ok, maybe they were just decent actors/actresses!

You have a point.

I do agree short of being on a deserted island that things will come up and you will have to deal with it on a consistent basis.

 

[Cindy B]

In our house damn, fart, poop are inpolite words. Of course they aren't full on out George Carlin 7 dirty words obscene, but not polite.

I have students that say these words and I give them the "glare". They respond back it isn't a curse word. I state that I understand that may be what they feel but it isn't polite to say in front of others.

 

[Chipperdini]

Not all theological offspring are drug addicts. Some of us actually turned out OK.

"Us" meaning "including Towncrier"? You have a rather, um, "interesting" take on "okayness", TC...

 

[taxmom04]

I strongly agree with the OP. I also realize this may not be that big of a deal on its own(D*** in a preview before the G-rated movie)but these incidences do not happen in a vacuum. When we let "this" slide, there are plenty of powers that be who set out to push the envelope eventually as far as they can. And then we wind up with the F word on Prime Time TV.
Some people can't stand to see people who set high standards for themselves or for their children. They can't wait to "catch" them in a hypocritical state. Most of "us" realize that we aren't perfect and that we don't have perfect children but we will never, ever stop setting the bar high or stop having high expectations for the precious children we have been entrusted with. Even if the majority or the whole world go the opposite way!!

I stand by my earlier post(quoted above) and wanted to add that the OP was not originally talking about the movie Cars but about a preview that she had no way of knowing ahead of time the content. When I pay my money for my children to see a G-rated movie I do not want to be bombarded with Damn and Hell used as CURSE words in the preview or the movie.
Also, just because they will eventually be exposed to the ways of the world, doesn't mean me just go ahead and allow our young children to be exposed to things way before they should. I have a friend who once told me"I hope there are certain things that my children see or hear(for example curse words) that ALWAYS shock them." I feel I have a responsibility to protect them from many things while they are young. Protector is one of a parent's major responsibilities. Surely you will agree with that.

 

[Cool-Beans]

In our house damn, fart, poop are inpolite words. Of course they aren't full on out George Carlin 7 dirty words obscene, but not polite.

I have students that say these words and I give them the "glare". They respond back it isn't a curse word. I state that I understand that may be what they feel but it isn't polite to say in front of others.

So what do your kids call farts and poop? Flatus and feces?

 

[Cindy B]

So what do your kids call farts and poop? Flatus and feces?

I refuse to be drug down that road. However, we use specific terms including the ones you stated.

That has nothing to do with the OP though.