R movie passes for teens

[VOR]

http://www.cnn.com/2004/US/Midwest/06/07/movie.r.card.ap/index.html

Critics argue that the cards amount to parents handing the delicate decision about what movies are appropriate to their kids, a shift they say violates the intent of the motion picture industry's voluntary rating system.

"All R-rated films are not alike. It is the parents' responsibility to make specific judgments about R films -- and wrong to give a blanket endorsement to all," said Jack Valenti, president and CEO of the Motion Picture Association of America, which issues movie ratings.

Apathy and convenience..so much easier than parenting.

[SOB]

Right, a company comes up with a good idea and since some don't agree with it, it's instantly a horrible thing and only used by lazy parents who don't care about their kids.

[gofaster]

Supporters say parents can sign off on movies for their kids without the time and expense of chaperoning them

Hmmm. Is this convenience or simply shirking parental responsibility?  Although, I guess at some level the parents would have to take the time to actually go down to the theater to buy the card in the first place, right?  So how much of a convenience is it, really, rather than just simply pawning off disclipline?  Seems to me this is benefitting the kids more than the adults.

But hey, the whole MPAA thing is self-policed anyway, so the theaters can get around the ratings "rules" without repercussions.

[AKCasca]

what exactly makes it a good idea?

[VOR]

Originally posted by SOB
Right, a company comes up with a good idea and since some don't agree with it, it's instantly a horrible thing and only used by lazy parents who don't care about their kids.

Right, someone disagrees with a commercial idea and since he forsees potential problems he's instantly jumped upon because he thinks parents don't know or shouldn't be the judge of what's best for their own children.

I think the rating system is a good thing even tho all it does is give me a general idea of what to expect in a film. I don't see an "R" rating as an immediate reason to not let my kids watch a particular film, either. I base that decision upon the subject matter and presentation. Regardless, I'm gonna see it first and be there right in the middle of their business when they do. That's not so bad.

[jigsaw]

Originally posted by AKCasca
what exactly makes it a good idea?

I think whether it's a good or bad idea will come down to if it involves a good or bad parent.

A good parent would use it as an opportunity for communication with thier child. Parent maintains posession of the card. If a movie is out that the child wants to see, the parent would research the movie, discuss it with the child, then decide whether to let them use the pass for that specific movie.

A bad parent giving thier child a pass would be no different than those who use TV or Everquest as a baby sitter while they do their own thing.

Admittedly, the good parent scenario requires trust and communication on both parts, but that's a big part of what being a good parent is about.

A bad parent is going to be a bad parent regardless of the means.

[Drifter1234]

I think is an OK idea.

I have a 16yo nearly 17yo son.  He is 6'-2" and can easily pass for 18.  I allow him to go see R-rated movies unescorted. He tells me what movie he plans on seeing and why . I will research it but I I have almost always allowed him to use his judgement on whether is an appropriate selection in almost every case.  

I would have no problem using it.  

My son is taking seven honor/ap classes next semester.  I trust his judgement.  I have rented R-rated movies and allowed him to watch them.  I try to point out that it is a movie and life is often very different.

It seems that theaters are lax in IDing anyhow.  I do not believe some parents ask enough questions if any at all.

My 2 cents

[vorticon]

sounds good to me...kid wants to go to a R rated horror movie but the parents really dont want to see it...parent goes down and gets the thing gives it to kid...everyone wins...

[Manedew]

i rememebr when i was about 12 .. got droped off at the theaters to see Falling Down  ....

Didn't ever ouccour to me there would be a problem ... so the thearter didn't let us buy the tickets .. it was rated R ....

Soooo we got someone else to buy the tickets.....the theather got wise tho .... and wouldn't let us in

In the end I got my parents to call the damn movie thearter to let me see the damn thing ...... i'd already gotten the bloody tickets .....


See why someone might want them ?


idiots

[slimm50]

Originally posted by jigsaw
I think whether it's a good or bad idea will come down to if it involves a good or bad parent.

A good parent would use it as an opportunity for communication with thier child. Parent maintains posession of the card. If a movie is out that the child wants to see, the parent would research the movie, discuss it with the child, then decide whether to let them use the pass for that specific movie.

A bad parent giving thier child a pass would be no different than those who use TV or Everquest as a baby sitter while they do their own thing.

Admittedly, the good parent scenario requires trust and communication on both parts, but that's a big part of what being a good parent is about.

A bad parent is going to be a bad parent regardless of the means.

Ditto, Jigsaw

[SOB]

Originally posted by VOR
Right, someone disagrees with a commercial idea and since he forsees potential problems he's instantly jumped upon because he thinks parents don't know or shouldn't be the judge of what's best for their own children.

Ummm, well yeah, if you think parents shouldn't be the judge of what's best for their own children I think you should mind your own business.  The government is nanny enough already, and there's absolutely no reason for them to trample on this.  Regardless, Jigsaw said all that needs to be said.

[VOR]

Originally posted by SOB
Ummm, well yeah, if you think parents shouldn't be the judge of what's best for their own children I think you should mind your own business.  The government is nanny enough already, and there's absolutely no reason for them to trample on this.  Regardless, Jigsaw said all that needs to be said.

I think you missed my sarcasm. I would never tell another parent what to do or not do with their kids. My real issue is the growing # of parents who have little or no idea what their kids are doing and who they're doing it with. Seems to me the thater industry intends to fully capitalise on this parental attitude. (I don't see mom going down to get the ID as a form positive parental control in ALL CASES.) Yeah, I understand it cuts both ways, and yes jigsaw's post was good reading. Hopefully, we understand each other now.

[SOB]

Well, you're stating the obvious, so yeah I understand there are good and bad parents out there.  However, the theater chain offering the card doesn't change the number of good and bad parents.  They're providing a service to their customers beyond what their competitors are offering.  Unless you want to guess at their motives, which you are, it's just good business.

[majic]

Always liked GKC theaters...

[Sandman]

Good parents, bad parents... pffft...

You make it sound as if the rating system were consistent. It's not.