Content ratings are just about everywhere that we look these days. They are slapped on movies, television shows, websites, and more. And their purpose, at least the surface-level reason we are usually given for them, is to guard against negative and inappropriate influences reaching those who might be sensitive to the subject matter.
Sounds good, right? Yes, I think so too. Though I do think that ratings can be helpful, I am quick to admit that they, in many ways, seem to be failing in accomplishing their purpose, at least accomplishing it well. They oftentimes allow for the inclusion of material that is beyond what is appropriate for certain age levels—for example, things that in years past would have likely garnered a Restricted-rating or a Mature Audience Only-rating now often boast a Parental Guidance-rating at most, despite the fact that the amount and types of sex-related situations and violence have dramatically increased and expanded.
Of course, what is and is not appropriate can be a very subjective thing—what one person considers appropriate might differ from what someone else considers to be so. And I respect that. At the same time, we do still need to have considerations that can be applied in a general sense. And that is what I seek to address here.
As faulty as the ratings system for movies, television shows, and the like is these days, at least it is in place, providing a modicum of guidance despite its hints at unreliability. We don’t have such a system even in place for books, magazines, journals, etc. that don’t clearly reside in the adult entertainment arena. Something that, at least in my opinion, is needed.
Considering the direction in which much of the materials that we are exposed to is progressing—an increasing inclusion of colorful language, racier subject matter, and a significant increase in violence—it is only right that books, magazines, and the like should have ratings applied to them, ratings that are comprised of a letter rating and a brief explanation for the rating (e.g., contains adult language, sex, etc.). Something akin to the current ratings system used for visual media.
People should not have to spend money on a book or magazine, after doing their due diligence of reading the blurbs, reviews, and summaries published regarding those items, and taking the time to read a sample of the work, only to discover that the book or magazine contains content that goes against their desired proclivities and beliefs. They should not be bombarded with things that negatively affect them that could have otherwise been avoided had a ratings system been utilized. Making it possible for us to better ensure that people receive the reading material that contains the types of subject matter and other relevant content that they desire.
This is not in any way a bashing of people and the things that they like to experience and read about. It is, as always, up to each person to decide what is right for them. This is, however, an encouragement to make changes that will make it easier for us readers to find the exact items that we are looking for. And that is as good for the whole as it is for the individual. Be blessed. #sanguinemango
Sanguine Mango 