Final Reflection

Common Place Reflection

This idea of common placing at the start of this semester was new to me in concept.  I've had blogs where I pump out links and articles but never on a specific topic.  My research was helped a considerable amount due to this commonplace blog, and I can see the benefits of actively searching for articles on the web.  Eventually, the commonplace blog shifted my focus towards the MPAA and the ratings system more so than simply trying to prove films do not cause children to commit violent acts. 

My research process was driven mainly by the links to articles, videos and studies I found.  As I stated before, early on in my research, I was simply trying to show that films do not cause deviant behavior in children, and as a result, the MPAA shouldn't be so strict on film ratings.  What ended up happening was that I found that the MPAA appears to have ulterior motives.  I don't believe they are evil, and they truly do want to help families make better decisions for their children; however, the side effects of being so closely linked with the big six studios have made this simple task more difficult than it needs to be.

With all the links, I had found, I quickly shifting my writing towards separating the MPAA from the big six studios.  I thought this was a more honorable and practical solution than simply stating, “do away with the rating system and the MPAA.”  Obviously, that mentality would not have helped my research in the slightest.  Once I had a solid foundation in my mind, due to the commonplace blog, I was able to refine my ideas and ultimately begin writing my paper.

The one area I found frustrating was trying to find differing sources of information.  Many times, the articles I had found came up more than once.  For instance, the entry about the film Bully came up many times, and I found myself having a difficult time finding recent articles about the MPAA after April 10.  Another frustrating area was finding decent scholarly articles about the MPAA and censorship.  I found a few articles, which had quotes and experiences from Wes Craven, the director of A Nightmare On Elm.  Unfortunately, most of the other articles I had found simply spoke about violence in films, and the studies involved in proving films did or did not cause deviant behavior.  After seeing how much easier it would have been to keep to my original topic, I almost decided to shift back, but I thought against it after collected all the data that I had for the commonplace blog.

I would like to keep up with common-placing, but not for this assignment as I feel I’ve had enough of the MPAA for one semester.  I will, however, attempt to do this for my senior seminar next semester.  I can truly see the benefits of common-placing and how it can improve a person’s knowledge in one area, especially for a research paper.

 NOTE: I am provided this copy as well as a hard copy!

The ratings and what they mean

Another entry from the MPAA's website.  I've been finding this a good source of information for my paper.

http://www.mpaa.org/ratings/what-each-rating-means

There are still many things that the MPAA does not disclose about how these ratings are given.  There are a variety of rumors about the number of "F-bombs" can be used before you get an R rating.  Please note how much longer the PG-13 entry is, as most films that are meant to be blockbusters in the theaters are PG-13.  Also, PG-13 movies tend to be more profitable. I have no real statistics to back that claim up of course.  Either way, this provides some insight into how the ratings are given.

Rating system FAQ

Here is a little excert from the MPAA's website about their rating system.

http://www.mpaa.org/ratings

They make a point to show that the system is completely voluntary; however, with my paper I hope to show that this "voluntary" system has serious flaws.  Something interesting to note is the section about advertising.  Only if a film is rated can advertising campaigns begin.  Currently, it appears rare that a film which is not yet rated shows up in commercials and stays unrated.

Bully recieves an R rating. Director is PISSED

 The director of the film Bully, released some statements about the MPAA and the apparent hypocrisy of their rating system.  Bully is a film about...well...bullying and the horrible effects on children.  The director claims that while most films that glorify violence, and sex receive PG-13 or PG ratings, his film about values got an R rating for language.  The content of the film is not looked at while the language is, what a joke...
The content of a film should also be a determining factor for a rating.

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/bully-director-slams-mpaa-great-hypocrisy-307290

Ratings Bias

Here is a nice little article about an informal study done to show the biases of the MPAA against independent studios.  I may be able to use this as some sort of non-academic source for my paper.  This is my favorite part of the article:

"David Waguespack, an assistant professor at the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business, and Olav Sorenson, a professor at Yale's School of Management, find that the MPAA goes easier in its ratings on the major studios. This is less surprising when you take into account that the MPAA's only members are, in fact, the six major studios (Disney, Paramount, Sony, Fox, Universal, and Warner Bros.)"

Again, this is the type of thing that needs to be stopped with the MPAA, in my humble opinion.

http://www.slate.com/articles/business/the_customer/2011/02/the_7_percent_solution.single.html

NOTE: The website takes some time to load.

Brief history of the Hays Code and the MPAA

Today, I present you with a small tidbit of history.  This information is important as it shaped the current system we have in place with the MPAA.

http://www.artsreformation.com/a001/hays-code.html

Check out the section on how crime is handled.  We are definitely more lienent these days, but we still have problems.  Either way, I hope you enjoy it!

Once again, Matt and Trey

I know I keep coming back to these guys, but they're the only ones willing to speak out against this type of BS. I had posted a video a while back where they basically stated the same thing; however, I can't ignore this clip, and I enjoy South Park too much not to post this.  I honestly think if more content creators would speak out, then perhaps change could be enacted! In this clip, Matt and Trey basically discuss how the MPAA kept asking for changes to the South Park Movie.  Naturally, Trey and Matt ended up submitting far worse stuff that was accepted. I love the way these dudes do business.

I hope the ONE of you that hits up this blog enjoys it.