I think about people being able to make choices for themselves and their families without being told they’re contributing to the decline of moral society. I think about it being a good thing that we no longer expect all families to look alike, all kids to dress the same, that some of us can go a bit against convention and won’t be judged for it (by and large, since obviously some still do). I think about movies being worthy despite some shocking scenes BECAUSE of those scenes, the kind that make those very movies all the more realisitic and reflective of society.

Come to think of it, I AM what I think about- a liberal-minded supporter of free speech and free will who doesn’t think that those with tighter moral standards need to tell the rest of us what to do. Wow-it works!

Logic card eh? Well then, it’s a logical fallacy to take one part that makes up the morality of a given society that has changed and assume it’s all on the decline or that a numerical decline is a bad thing. Spousal abuse is also on the decline since the 1950’s and so is child abuse. I believe the moral standard for the latter was, “spare the rod, spoil the child”.

I agree with your definition but not the premise. Funny that the 1950’s are always used as the example but what about the 1920’s with flapper girls and burlesque shows.

If I still owned a copy of Duckhunt, I probably would’ve taken my stress out on the video game even though me, myself in real life, does not support the NRA and is repulsed by people who think it necessary to carry firearms.

I guess what I’m really trying to say is to each, their own. And I agree with Scout – people commit crimes, not music, movies or video games. People.

I don’t think media is solely responsible for any of this stuff. But I think sort of shrugging it off and saying it has no effect is really naive and needs to be considered a little more. I never said anyone played GTA and then got drunk and went driving. I am saying the mind is a very powerful thing– what you think about you bring about. Surround yourself with enough negative influences, and blam! You’ve just created a new you.

Erica- you may not think you are being defensive– but I am sensing it in your tone. I am going to play the logic card here:

(From dictionary.com)
mor·al
–adjective
1. of, pertaining to, or concerned with the principles or rules of right conduct or the distinction between right and wrong; ethical: moral attitudes.
2. expressing or conveying truths or counsel as to right conduct, as a speaker or a literary work; moralizing: a moral novel.
3. founded on the fundamental principles of right conduct rather than on legalities, enactment, or custom: moral obligations.
4. capable of conforming to the rules of right conduct: a moral being.
5. conforming to the rules of right conduct (opposed to immoral): a moral man.
6. virtuous in sexual matters; chaste.
7. of, pertaining to, or acting on the mind, feelings, will, or character: moral support.
8. resting upon convincing grounds of probability; virtual: a moral certainty.
–noun
9. the moral teaching or practical lesson contained in a fable, tale, experience, etc.
10. the embodiment or type of something.
11. morals, principles or habits with respect to right or wrong conduct.

Now play along with me– if the moral or standard was “thous shalt not have premarital sex” in lets say 1950, with me? And let’s say 65% of the people were living that, (I’m being figurative). Now let’s say that 5 % of people today are living that. Is that or is that not a “decline”?

Now let’s also take a look at the kind of conviction, control and discipline it takes to keep that standard. A lot right? Making it a pretty HIGH standard. It’s certainly a lot easier to just have sex on a whim without commitment or paperwork, isn’t it? Requires very little control or conviction. That is a lower standard. Or at least, a looser one.

So if you don’t like the term “moral decline” can you handle the term, “moral loosening?”

And I am so not judging you. It really doesn’t matter to me how you live your life. If you’re happy with it– great!

So, I am a clueless Mom. I bought my kids some miscellaneous multi-packs of DS games at Costco for the holidays. They looked liked kids games. Turns out one game is racing with the prize being a big chesty woman dancing. I think it was called “Big Mutha Truckers.” I only found out a few weeks later after my kids had been playing it for weeks. I completely did not do my job as a mother. Damage done.

Yes, I know I suck in some people’s eyes. I know it. I also let my kids watch Stigmata, Hostel (one of the most depraved movies I have ever, ever seen), Kill Bill, and a plethora of other violent movies. Shrug. Most people would say inappropriate. Most of the time, they aren’t interested and walk off to play. But, there is very little I forbid them from watching.

Ah well.

Just so you know, my kids are some of the most well-behaved, easy going, polite, mature, and courteous kids most people will ever meet. Not a day goes by that I don’t get complemented on them. Seriously.

They place nice. They respect adults. They form strong friendships. They excell academically. They are super involved in sports, extracurriculars, student body offices, and humanitarian causes. They’ve watched me volunteer immense amounts of hours over the years and see the importance of doing for others.

I get nothing but rave reviews and comments like “I wish all my students were like your sons and daughter” at teacher conferences. My son seriously has pulled one displine card his entire elementary school career while others pulled 3-4 daily. My kids are compassionate and have been known to stand up to bullies. They are friendly. They are well-liked by all the different groups of kids at school.

So, in short, I just have to go with watching these movies and perhaps an occasional video game has not hurt them, made them violent, depraved, or misbehaved.

When it comes down to it, the responsibility rests with the parent. You must teach children that movies and games are make believe. You must realize it is YOU the parent who is the biggest influence on your young child’s moral upbringing. You must teach them right from wrong. You must give them a core set of beliefs and behavior. Why? Because when they hit their teenage years, you won’t be the biggest influence. You won’t be able to keep them shielded from movies, violence, sex, drugs, and yes, games–unless you keep them in a cave. At that point, it will be up to them to make some decisions. If you have so shielded them, they might not have the filter to make good decisions and the right choices.

As for controversy stirring up sales, absolutely. This reminds me of Tipper Gore and the explicit lyrics stickers of the 90’s. Yes, let’s point out to the kids all the inappropriate content so they want it more.

As for adults playing Grand Auto Theft. Shrug. It’s your thing that you should be allowed to play in the privacy of you home. Video games aren’t my thing and the kids and my husband seem perfectly happy with Guitar Hero and Super Mario Brothers Brawl on the Wii. I doubt I’ll buy it, but I must admit my curiousity is piqued because of this controversy.

Regards,
Scout’s Honor
A very shielded, raised Mormon now agnostic, pre-marital sex having, baby-born out of wedlock, 3.7 GPA Berkeley Honors grad and mother of three, proud former Army Lieutenant, supporter of gay marriage, Republican with some very conservative values, former PTA president, vice-president, treasurer, secretary, and committee chair, eleven years straight room mother extraordinaire, committed wife of almost 12 years who blames none of her mistakes nor her triumphs on video games or movies in any way

PS I think blaming sex/violent crimes on movies, music, or games is the real problem with our society. It strips people of their personality responsibility and gives them an excuse. It was WWF that caused me to kill the kid my mom was babysitting. It was music that made me kill all the kids at my high school. No, my children. It was you. Your hands. Your decision. Your responsibility. It is when we take away that responsibility, but continue to offer freedoms and liberties, is when our culture declines.

Peace.

You asked about moral decline with the assumption that I agree morality is on the decline. Since the topic in the comments shifted to “skimpy” clothing and people living together before marriage I assumed that’s what you meant, so with that in mind I did answer your question.

Or do you mean the other question, “And I don’t think real life married couples suddenly started sleeping in separate beds either. That would be kind of ridiculous wouldn’t it?”

If TV isn’t a reflection but actually shapes society, I don’t think it’s completely out of the question. I’ve known of a married couple and have heard of others that slept in separate beds/rooms, and no, they were not on the verge of divorce.

And you never actually answered my question.