A question for atheists...?

Question

I know a lot of Christians disagree with media, like a lot of the music, TV, movies, and what all is in them. They say they don't like the sex, drugs, all that stuff. I've heard a lot of people in reply just say, "don't watch it so you can't complain." I'm just wondering how many of you agree with this statement and would say it or have yourself.

And mention if you are atheist. Some lay low Christians agree with this too... So if you're atheist or Christian, or something else, please state. thank ye.

Answer 1

I'm far more sickened by the commercialism, shallow spirituality, supernatural BS, and the anti-intellectualism. I don't like the violence either.

There's essentially no sex on TV or in the movies. People just like saying that there is. Watch and you'll see.

As others above have pointed out, the media are giving us what the Christians demand.

Answer 2

I MOSTLY agree with it. I do think that there should be some way to tell what it is that is going to be coming on. My big gripe with the Janet Jackson thing at the Superbowl was that it shouldn't have been expected there.

With movies there is a good rating system and so on. I really don't have a problem with carrying that through to albums and so forth. I also don't have a problem with preventing kids (including teens) from getting it.

But if you don't like Howard Stern, and you are offended after tuning in anyhow....then you are a total moron. And there should be a way that those of us that want to hear him can.

Answer 3

There is no commandment that "thou shalt have a television". If you really object, then why have a TV? That way you can insulate yourself from unwanted information.

A much more important issue to me is the blurring of the lines of family entertainment. On our cable system, there is the ABC Family channel...which recently started a cartoon that has a lot of suggestive, if not outright sexual, references, and drug and alcohol references. Family channel? False advertising. I guess i can commiserate a bit with those who complain when they get a message like that. When I turn on the "family channel", I don't expect to have to worry about references to sex in cartoons. So, if I had small kids, I'd lock out the familiy channel, I guess.

Answer 4

I am an Atheist and a parent. I think that some views on the media change due to other things than religion. Before I had kids that watch t.v. it didn't matter to me what was on. Now, it's a little disturbing that when I watch a comedy show on Comedy Central I have to keep the remote really close to me because they play extremely graphic scary movie previews.

Answer 5

There's a balance.

I'm mostly with the "if you don't like it, don't watch/listen to/read it" camp.

But there are exceptions. For instance, I would be extremely upset if my child was watching Sesame Street and some movie preview came on and showed graphic scenes of some person getting blown to bits.

In other words... I think parental advisory labels and rating systems are fine. But censorship - removing the material altogether, even from adults who can make their own decisions - is just stupid.

I'm an atheist.

Answer 6

I believe there needs to be a system in place to properly monitor such things. That's why channels have parental controls and what not.

I do not agree with censorship bans, but what can and should be aired does require a bit of common sense based on the audience.

I've never used the phrase you mentioned, but I have suggested using parental locks and monitoring systems rather than try and have something taken off the air.

Answer 7

I partly agree with that statement. In the case of Internet and cable, I agree 100%. But the airwaves for broadcast television are publicly owned -- companies just get leases on them with a promise to serve the public good. If they aren't serving the public good, they should lose the lease.

Having said that, my concerns about the media relate more to the promotion of consumerism, the devaluing of real information, and the cheapness of real news.

I also think hate speech from televangelists is obscene, but I see no obscenity in a Janet Jackson's boob.

Answer 8

I am a Christian...albeit, a liberal thought one.

For those things that do not affect anyone but the person or the consenting adults involved, I say, we should live and let live.

Remember God gives us free will...he stands at the door and knocks...we must open that door to him. Likewise, we cannot shove our morals or opinion of interpretation of scripture as to what is right or what is wrong onto someone else. They have the right to choose these things for themselves....as long as it does not affect an innocent person.

Answer 9

I am a big fan of the ratings system. In advance, I can know what to expect on a show. If it is something that I'm not interested in, it's easy to change the channel. Also, now that it's possible to block channels and shows yourself is much better. I just don't want my future children to be able to grab a remote, and see "adult" material.

LDS

Answer 10

I agree with the staement that if parents (or guardian) are complaing because there Kids are getting bad morals and message from TV shows or music, then don't let them watch/listen to it

but to take away a persons right to moan and complain is taking away there freedom.