Clive Barnes said, “Television is the first truly democratic culture — the first culture available to everybody and entirely governed by what people want. The most terrifying thing is what the people do want.” Beyond the invention of atomic power, electricity, automobiles, space craft, and other astounding accomplishments of man, no single invention has changed the course of history and directed the future in such a way as television has. Few homes do not possess its charm and captivity and fewer still own less than two. More hours are spent in front of the television than any other activity.
Incorporated now into the television medium is the industry of movies, once seen only on the big screen. It is difficult to imagine the kind of material that our culture has allowed on the screen — into our living rooms — into our lives. This can best be understood be going back 30-60 years to the culture of the beginning of television and movies. The following is gleaned from “Don’t Touch That Dial: The Impact Of Media On Children And The Family,” by Barbara Hattemer and Robert Showers.
THE MOTION PICTURE CODE, 1930-1966. “The sanctity of the institution of marriage and the home shall be upheld. Pictures shall not infer that low forms of sexual relationships are the accepted or common thing. Obscenity in word, gesture, reference, song, joke, or by suggestion (even when likely to be understood only by part of the audience) is forbidden. Many scenes cannot be presented without arousing dangerous emotions on the part of the immature, the young or criminal classes. Even within the limits of pure love, certain facts have been universally regarded by lawmakers as outside the limits of safe presentation … Children’s sex organs are never to be exposed. Seduction or rape … should never be more than suggested. And only when essential for the plot, and even then never shown by explicit method. Adultery and illicit sex, sometimes necessary plot material, must not be explicitly treated or justified, or presented attractively. Pictures shall not infer that low forms of sex relationship are the accepted or common thing … Sex perversion or any inference of it is forbidden. The technique of murder must be presented in a way that will not inspire imitation. Brutal killings are not to be presented in detail. Revenge in modern times shall not be justified … The use of firearms should be restricted to essentials. Dances suggesting or representing sexual actions or indecent passion are forbidden. Dances which emphasize indecent movements are to be regarded as obscene. Methods of crime should not be explicitly presented … There must be no suggestion, at any time, of excessive brutality … Action showing the taking of human life, even in the mystery stories, is to be cut to the minimum. Mankind has always recognized the importance of entertainment and its values in rebuilding the bodies and souls of human beings. Movie producers recognize the high trust and confidence which have been placed in them by the people of the world. They recognize their responsibility to the public because of this trust and because entertainment and art are important influences in the life of a nation. When right standards are consistently presented, the movie exercises the most powerful influences. It builds character, develops right ideals, and inculcates correct principles. If movies consistently hold up for admiration high types of characters and present stories that will affect lives for the better, they can become the most powerful natural force for the improvement of mankind. Law, natural or human, shall not be ridiculed, nor shall sympathy be created for its violation. So, correct entertainment raises the whole standard of a nation. Wrong entertainment lowers the whole living condition and moral ideals of a race.”
Satan came up with a great invention. More people will serve him through television and movies than ever before. And they will never know it. Will you?
Kent E. Heaton, Sr.