Problem-Solution Essay (draft)

Outline

Topic: Media regulations

Thesis statement: Various films and television shows of today demeans morality among the youth; therefore, there should be better policies to regulate these entertainment shows.

I.               Introduction

A. Situation

B. Thesis statement

     II.        Body

     A. Problem

1. Examples of films and television shows that demean morality   among youth.

2. Reasons for films’ promotion of immorality and perversion and

3. Effects of these films and television shows on the youth’s morality

                 B.  Solution

                        1. Better policies in media regulatory boards

                        2. Parental guidance

                        3. Alternative entertainment

III.           Conclusion

A. Thesis statement/ summary

B. Benefits of the prohibition of immoral films and television shows

Revamping the Youth’s Vision Through Television

Typical lines from the teen series Skins UK vary from “I’m Katie f-cking Fitch, who the f-ck are you?” (Elsely & Brittain, 2010) to “Ow! I'll kill you, you f-cking flat-chested c-cksucking spastic horse-f-cker!” (Elsely & Brittain, 2007) Profanity is archetypal when it comes to the dialogues of the characters in this television series, Skins UK and other television shows, especially those who cater to the youth and adolescents. The youth and adolescents, designated between ages ten to twenty-four are exposed to television shows and films that celebrate profanity, perversion, and immorality. The trend of these characteristics in films and television shows that cater to the youth have become a norm in the twenty-first century and subsequently. Moreover, the trend of perversion in media has been popularized in the Midwestern, thus more fervently adapted by the rest of the world. It has become a form of entertainment that compromises the morality and character of its viewers, especially among the vulnerable youth. Various films and television shows of today demeans morality among the youth; therefore, there should be better policies to regulate these entertainment shows.

Not all television shows that cater to the youth have themes of perversion, profanity, and immorality. Even so, the number of television shows that present themes not suitable for the youth are comparable to those who do not. Some examples of these television shows catered to the youth that manifest immorality are Skins, Gossip Girl, 90210, Awkward, and several reality television shows like Jersey Shore, Teen Mom, and 16 and Pregnant. For films, Project X, Super Bad, Sex Drive, and Easy A can be listed as examples. These television shows and films contain scenes and themes not suitable for the youth yet, they target them as their audience.

Due to the liberated views of the Midwestern, many aspects are affected like clothing, language, music, and naturally, television shows and films. Many of the television shows and films of today are inspired by the liberated culture, even those targeted for the youth due to the prominence of Hollywood in the entertainment industry. Due to the manifestation of this culture in many aspects of life, the entertainment industry is also compelled to adapt themes of perversion and profanity to media and its counterparts, namely films and television. “The issue with immodesty is all over the world and considered "culturally acceptable." The sex-sells theory is at large part to blame for this problem. Media nowadays, specifically prime-time television, uses immodesty for comedic entertainment and to help boost it's viewer numbers.” (Shaver, 2007) Evidently, media incorporates perversion and profanity in films and television shows because sex apparently does sell— even with the youth.

Due to the exposure of the youth to films and television shows that manifest immorality, the youth’s sense of ethics is affected negatively. Since the characters seen in television shows and films seem ideal, the youth commonly imitate the personas portrayed.  “In fact, having real teenagers look up to these faux guys and girls is dangerous for the real-life adolescents in our community. At a time in life when we’re trying to figure out who we are, it is disturbing to see people mimicking the often illicit and morally corrupt behavior advertised on these television shows.” (Iribarren, 2010) According to The Washington Times, “It’s well-known that the mass media influence teen attitudes and behaviors on issues such as violence, eating disorders, tobacco and alcohol use,” this connotes how influential the media is to today’s youth. The reason why the youth easily adapt the things that they see on television is because “adolescents accept, learn from and may emulate behaviors portrayed in media as normative, attractive and without risk.” (The News, 2005) A concrete example of how the perverted themes among television and films negatively affect the youth is through the number of teens who engage in sexual intercourse due to their exposure to these kinds of media. “A new study shows that 12- to 14-year-olds exposed to the most sexual content in movies, music, magazines, and on television were 2.2 times more likely to have had sexual intercourse.” (Warner, 2006) Truly, the disclosure between the youth and the corruption of media demeans their morality.

To remedy the impending predicament of the manifestation of immorality in media and its effects on the youth, media regulatory boards must have better policies in regulating films and television shows that target the youth. A number of films and television shows are inappropriate, even those distinguished as youth entertainment, thus, the purpose and work of media regulatory boards are rather questionable. Media regulatory boards, regardless of its country must articulately scrutinize a television show or film before they permit it to air for the world to see. Cinemas who show films with age requirements must be more particular with the maturity of its customers, as far as requiring identification cards if necessary.  In the Philippines, local television networks indicate the corresponding ratings of each television show before it starts but, are these Parental Guidance warnings simply enough?

Parental Guidance need not only correspond to a precaution because for it to be an action is more ideal. Parents need to take action in the choices of the films and television shows that their children see. “As much as parents might hate it, they've got to be vigilant against the onslaught of readily available mature content on television.” (Abelman, 2008) For parents too encourage better television choices, parents must know what their children are watching. They should challenge their kids by voicing out their opinions in the content of what their children are watching or what they have been meaning to see for it may encourage the youth to voice out when he or she is watching dubious television shows or films. (Kaboose, n.d.) Lastly, parents can limit the time allotment of their children toward television shows and films to pave way for alternative entertainment.

To limit or regulate the youth’s exposure to the immorality prevalent in films and television shows, alternative entertainment must be introduced. Alternative entertainment may pertain to simply encouraging them to join activities that will help them socialize and utilize their minds and physical body. Examples of these activities are sports, reading, arts and crafts, and the like. These will not only lure them away from the negative effects of television and film but it can also improve the youth’s mind and body.

 Without a doubt, it is arguable that today’s media setting is corrupted with immorality-- the vulnerable youth being an easy target. To repair the situation, the media and its counterparts must take responsibility and promote sensible films and television shows without sacrificing entertainment. If the ethics of the films and television shows produced nowadays be scrutinized and mended, then, the youth’s sense of morality will not be impaired by what is depicted in the media. To dissent the sexual norms prevalent in today’s society and in the media is to dissent the thoughts of the youth toward promiscuity and its prevalence. Therefore, the youth is given a chance to reassess their values away from the distorted views of films and television shows that uphold profanity, perversion, and immorality.

References:

Iribarren, C. (2010, April 26). Gossip girl? 90210? bad tv takes its toll on teens. The         News. Retrieved from http://thenews.choate.edu/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=215:            gossip-girl-90210-bad-tv-takes-its-toll-on-teens&catid=3:opinion&Itemid=2

Reduce your teen’s exposure to media violence and encourage better tv choices with          these television tips. Kaboose. Retrieved from http://parenting.kaboose.com/age       -and-stage/teens-conversations-television-watching.html

Shaver, C. (2007, November 6). The impact of sex-sells in the media and advertising.         Retrieved from http://voices.yahoo.com/the-impact-sex-sells-media-advertising        -639404.html?cat=7

The Washington Times. (2005, July 05). Media’s effect on teen sex not known. The         Washington Times. Retrieved from             http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2005/jul/05/20050705-110513-     3596r/?page=all          

Warner, J. (2006, April 3). Media may prompt teen sex. Cbs news. Retrieved from           http://www.cbsnews.com/2100-500368_162-1464262.html