I meant to write this after I attended the local screening of "Watchmen." But, it is not so much that it was the screening of "Watchmen" that sparked this blog. I could have written the same thing after seeing the recent local screening of "Friday the 13th" or a dozen other R-rated movies.
It is amazing that something can't be done about the blatant child abuse that is going on in this city. It is horrifying when abuse happens behind closed doors. But, this isn't the hidden abuse that is a plague on society. It is almost unimaginable, but this abuse is out in the open. It is flaunted.
That child abuse occurs when children - as young as 4 or 5 - are taken to see a movie that is extremely R rated. "Watchmen" is a movie designed for a mature audience. It has some brutal fight sequences. There is a rape scene that is extremely disturbing. other acts of violence are committed against women. That's not to mention the sex and nudity.
Don't get me wrong. Anyone who has read "Watchmen" knows these are all elements that had to be in the movie. That's why it got an R rating.
That R rating didn't stop at least six sets of parents from dragging their small children to last night's screening. One boy, about 10, stood in one of the aisles during the movie and let out sinister laughs during the movie's most brutal scenes. I guess the well-being of a child means little when there are free movie tickets to be had.
I am not arguing violent images in movies always lead to violent adults. It just doesn't seem worth it if there is even the smallest chance such imagery could have a negative effect just because you got a free movie ticket.
Don't blame the theaters. They have no legal way to stop the parents. The movie rating system says minors can attend R-rated movies as long as they have permission of a parent. That means there is nothing theaters can do. In fact, theater staff often get yelled out by parents if they even suggest a movie might be too intense for a youngster.
There must be something that can be done. If someone from Social Services saw a parent emotionally or physically abusing a child in public, they would step in and at least investigate. How is this any different? The reality is it shouldn't have to come down to the government taking action. If you are a parent of a small child, stop and use your brain. Do you care so little about the child that you are willing to put them through such a situation?
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