Be a real parent

In an effort to continue my recent string of entries and not fade into obscurity, I have another issue to write briefly about.  This time, it has nothing to do with homosexuality though.  See?  I am more than just a queer.

Today it’s about censorship in entertainment media.  We all know the rules.  Cable TV networks are only allowed to say certain words during certain times of the day.  Nudity is strictly prohibited except on premium channels such as HBO or Showtime.  Of course you may have noticed that Comedy Central has started showing uncensored versions of some rather risque movies after 1 AM.  I was so amazed the first time I heard about them showing South Park: Bigger, Longer, and Uncut in an uncensored format that I had to stay up to watch.  It was simply amazing.  As was the night when an episode of South Park centered around saying the word "Shit."  162 times, in fact.  Ahhh…  What would I do without Comedy Central continuously pushing the envelope?

But back to the problem.  Apparently there are things that stations are censored for during certain times of the day.  The new thing is the attempts to censor video games.  Why?  Are parents worried that their kids would see this material and be corrupted by it?  If that’s the case, are they admitting that they have so little control and influence over their kids that a TV show or video game can overpower them?  They have so little control that they can’t tell their kids what they are allowed to say and do and what shows are appropriate for them?  That seems to be the message I’m getting.  The government has to censor certain things because parents can’t control their own kids.  Maybe we should collect all of the fine money that stations are charged when they let something "inappropriate" slip and start a class for new parents on how to discipline their kids and teach them what is appropriate.  We apparently need it.

We live in a time when parents have so little control that they can’t keep their kids from running up and down store aisles and playing on the floor in restaurants, but the real problem is that television and all the naughty language and violence and sexual situations that they show on it.  Parents let their kids get away with anything they want, struggling to pay their bills so their sons and daughters can have their name-brand clothes.  They don’t teach their kids about sex, then get pissed when the schools have to do their jobs for them.

It seems to me that the problem with kids is the parents, not the television or video games.  Quit spending all of your time bitching about what’s on TV or in your kids’ video games and be a real parent.