Has MTV gone too far?
I know I’m going to sound like that guy that spits in the Twisted Sister video “We’re Not going to Take It” but I’m really feeling like MTV has just gone too far. I tuned in for about an hour of the MTV Movie Awards last weekend and couldn’t get over the ridiculous amount of cursing and very graphic sexual references.
I know Madonna was pushing the envelope in the 1980s squirming around on the floor in her underwear but this year’s movie awards came off as adult programming, not a show for 16-year-olds wanting to see Bella and Edward from “Twilight” kiss. (I couldn’t get the stupid videos to load properly so you’ll have to click the links to see Christina Aguilera’s performance where her back up dancers fondle her and her vaginal region lights up in a heart shape at the end. Also watch one of the stars of “Twilight” curse a blue streak accepting his award.”
I was thrilled when Entertainment Weekly’s coverage of the MTV Movie Awards agreed with me that there was a ridiculous amount of cursing and way too much graphic sex references.
EW broke it down by the numbers:
50 times a curse word was bleeped
12 times MTV missed the bleep
16 number of pelvic thrusts
12 number of simulated sex acts
Another example that I think is just simply over the line is a new show called “The Hard Times of RJ Berger.” It is basically a show all about a teenager with a giant – well you know. It’s unbelievably sexual and very adult. Essentially a younger version of HBO’s “Hung.” And even though when I saw it the show was on at midnight it just seems way too raunchy for a teenager. (Maybe OK for college students.)
I just walked upstairs to get the EW to quote from and MTV happened to be on. The show was “True Life: I’m in the Adult Sex Industry” and the guy was explaining how he was a straight guy doing gay porn because he made more money that way. That seems appropriate for a 16-year-old.
So have I completely crossed over to Old Ladiesville or has MTV crossed a line with content that is just not appropriate for teenagers anymore? Are they aiming more for college students? But you know high school (and younger) are watching it!
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83 comments Add your comment
catlady
June 15th, 2010
2:12 pm
You mean it isn’t music videos anymore? The last (only) thing I watched was M Jackson moonwalking.
Tiger Ochocinco Mellencamp
June 15th, 2010
2:13 pm
I wholeheartedly agree that the glorification of sex without consequences or responsibility is a not exactly the message we shoudl be sending to kids. But there is an awful lot of porn out there being supported by a good portion of adult society, and not all of them are in their basesments dressed in their grandma’s panties and smearing peanut butter on themselves. I would submit a lot of them are respectable members of society, your neighbors, people you view as role models and respect, heck there might even be one or two bloggers here who has *GASP* rented or viewed a pornographic movie, or read some erotica.
So what is the issue here…cuz I’m getting the vibe from some on this group is that outside of loving, pro-creative sex in a committed relationship, sex shouldn’t be discussed or promoted to kids, or adults for that matter. If you have a naughty side or proclivity that extends beyond missionary, sweet, romantic sex, then you need to keep that behind closed doors. And since 16 year olds don’t have any rights to privacy, they shouldn’t be subjected to anything other than Ward and June sleeping in separate beds. Let’s leave the naughty stuff to us adults.
Seems to me that rather than throwing the TV and computer out the window, shows like the MTV Music Awards and programming content that is on display can be turned around into excellent teaching opportunities that we can provide to our children and even better learning opportunities to see how they decipher those displays. Of course that would require talking to our children about some pretty uncomfortable topics, so I guess I can see how it’s just easier to throw the TV away.
BlondeHoney
June 15th, 2010
2:20 pm
Tiger, i am with you 1000%.
Young@heart
June 15th, 2010
2:22 pm
35 today is not the same as 35 …20 years ago …. I liked the awards becasue I like movies.
Tiger Ochocinco Mellencamp
June 15th, 2010
2:24 pm
@blondehoney…careful making that public, I have a feeling we’re going to be in the minority on this one!
JATL
June 15th, 2010
2:37 pm
@Tiger and Blondehoney -I’m with you too! I think it’s sad that MTV isn’t a bunch of music videos anymore, but I wouldn’t be up in arms about a 16 year old watching it. Now a 10 year old or 12 year old -yes. BUT -I believe in discussing things with my kids and I plan to continue that -even when it’s sexual in nature. As to adults -don’t you DARE try to take away my “adult” programming -and I’m not even talking porn -but you would be surprised at the busybodies who think shows like “Breaking Bad” shouldn’t be shown because some kid may get ahold of the remote (if you watch that show -it may not be a bad thing -talk about many teachable moments…) -anyway -as I said before -CONTROL what your kids watch! I can’t imagine just getting rid of tv and computers all-together.
Tiger Ochocinco Mellencamp
June 15th, 2010
2:41 pm
and really…when comparing the sexual inferences and depictions on MTV with porn…there’s really no comparison. MTV is not porn..neither is anything else on basic non premium channel cable.
Don’t believe me…compare anything on cable to movies like:
Shaving Private Ryan
Romancing the Bone
Sorest Rump
Saturday Night Beaver
Buffy the Vampire Layer
Six Degress of Penetration
On Golden Blonde
Pulp Friction
I think you’ll find that those are porn…and MTV is just lacking in taste, intelligence, and any kind of socially relevant message.
uconn
June 15th, 2010
2:48 pm
Tiger, Blondehoney … I am with you as well…. Geeeezzz… Just because you are an age whether it be 20,30…even 60, doesn’t mean you can’t be ineterested in something. My mom just turned 60 last Friday and was asking me about some show and I had no clue… She dances to hip hop and generally has an all around good time. If you think you should act old because of a number, well then I feel sorry for you. You still have to have respect and be polite but why if I am over 35 can’t do what I want???
Also, I think George Carlin said “I would rather have my children watch a movie with 2 people having sex, then 2 people trying to kill one another” … Seems we’re A-OK with the violence, but the sex? Surely no!
Becky
June 15th, 2010
2:54 pm
“Make love, not war”
BlondeHoney
June 15th, 2010
4:03 pm
Amen Tiger…MTV is not porn; anyone that thinks so hasn’t seen porn in YEARS if ever. Not porn; sophmorish and juvenile, sure. I’m with you JATL, anything you don’t like,vote with your remote and don’t watch, simple as that. But don’t take away what like just because you don’t approve. An uconn, your mom reminds me of mine…too funny :)
Photius
June 15th, 2010
4:03 pm
When Walsh turns age 11 or 12 he and his buddies will start searching through each others home when the parents are away. Perhaps they will find Dad’s Penthouse magazine collection? I know we did! At around age 15 or 16 we saw our first porn movie on tape – guess what parents, it didn’t warp us into degenerates! Hey, a lot of girls in high school watched Ron Jeremy at a party as well! Guess what – they grew up to be normal 40 year old mothers who are shocked at MTV! You can fight it, but bottom line if you have a boy they will all be drawn to the porn and there is nothing you can do to stop it. Testosterone is a tremendous motivator.
srh
June 15th, 2010
4:11 pm
I know I am in the minority, but I thought the swearing was a little funny, much like a Judd Apatow movie. A little excessive, but some of the comedy was quite good. Tom Cruise was hilarious in that role of the sleazy film guy. MTV has also won quite a few awards for documentaries like the Real Life series. Some of the topics in this series show valuable lesson for young people. 16 and Pregnant is also a good show for young people to see. For any girl that thought it was glamorous to be young and pregnant, this show will change their minds. I was there for the beginning of MTV as well, and while I rarely watch it, I do like the Real Life and the 16 and Pregnant shows, oh, and I did watch the Jersey Shore maraton and laughed my azz off!
Billy
June 15th, 2010
4:46 pm
I agree that MTV has gone way to far. It was raunchy and vulgur. I turned the channel. There was nothing entertaining about that award show.
FCM
June 15th, 2010
5:15 pm
My thought is this…your 30 something—why are you watching MTV????? There is far better ways to find out the information…like the next day on the net…without having to watch the show.
G.R.I.T.S.
June 15th, 2010
5:50 pm
mtv is not porn..you are right…it is just needless trash…and really as many have said a lot of shows are like this,…and its because the majority of people want it that way. shows that dont make money for the company dont make it…i remember years ago the first time i watched roseann i was appalled at the way the parent and kids talked to each other….and i wouldnt let my son (a young teen at the time) watch it. kids live what they learn and see….whether its from home…school or tv…i just can think of many things id rather do and have my kids do than watch crap like that….my kids are more or less all grown now…last one is just turned 18 and they can watch what they want….my son loved the comedy channel and that is one of the most vulgar channels i have ever heard…im glad to have the tv off…i dont miss it and probably will never have it again….for the couple of shows i like its not worth paying so much….
Tiger Ochocinco Mellencamp
June 15th, 2010
6:25 pm
I’m not sure how I can throw out the TV because of all the filth on it when I count The Hangover as one of my favorite films of all time. Like I said, I think I might just have to explain to my kid the nature of responsible sex and behavior as well as the virtues and vices of parody. Oh…and monitor his behavior and correct it as necessary. Call me crazy, but I think I can be a bigger influence on my kid than the TV ever could be….as long as I’m taking an active role in his life, which is what I practice.
@Photius…I have a feeling that we’re getting to stuff even more personal than just the magazine collection of dad’s. With the growing acceptance of battery powered therapeutic devices and parents whose are stashing them in their nightstands without locks and digital photography for mom and dad’s personal collection not hidden well enough on the pc, we’re talking bigger shocks for the kiddos than just pictures of anonymous women from far away lands that are totally unattainable.
It’s one thing to see a mag of another woman in a professional studio…it’s another to come across a pic of mom posing for dad one day and the next finding out that the “back massager” in her nightstand hasn’t been used on her back for years!
Tiger Ochocinco Mellencamp
June 15th, 2010
6:28 pm
@Photius….”When Walsh turns age 11 or 12 he and his buddies will start searching through each others home when the parents are away. Perhaps they will find Dad’s Penthouse magazine collection?”
you KNOW there’s not a Penthouse in Theresa’s house! Good luck finding one at your buddies Walsh!
catlady
June 15th, 2010
8:20 pm
Enter your comments here
penguinmom
June 15th, 2010
10:14 pm
@Tiger – per your question about my 7yr old watching MTV or Saving Private Ryan… I have to say I wouldn’t be happy with either but would much, much rather catch him watching Saving Private Ryan than MTV. Private Ryan is based on historical events and shows violence in the context of war. Violence isn’t a good thing but if he learns that violence is sometimes necessary to stop an evil regime then that’s fine. If he grows up looking up to soldiers as heroes that’s fine also. On the other MTV is just about a bunch of spoiled rich brats who are held up as being something important when they are really not. It is filled with unnecessary gratuitous sex, swearing and self-promotion. None of those are things I want my child to learn.
In our house, we don’t watch soaps or other shows (like Desperate Housewives) that promote a casual view of sex. Yes, some of the shows we watch occasionally have an unmarried couple in bed together. Those aren’t ones my kids are allowed to watch with us though. They all know the meaning of the word ‘inappropriate’ and accept that anything deemed inappropriate isn’t going to be watched by the non-adult members of the household.
I think the main thing here is that parents need to be more aware and proactive in censoring what comes into their house. While I would dearly love to see MTV go away completely, I don’t expect it to happen anytime soon so the best a parent can do is: be aware; educate your child; and know your child’s friends.
uconn
June 15th, 2010
10:48 pm
How about you don’t watch what you don’t like and stop forcing your particular ideals on everybody else??
JJ
June 16th, 2010
7:45 am
PenguinMom – I’m sorry, but I do NOT agree with censoring what comes into the home. I don’t believe in censoring at all. I myself see nothing wrong with an unmarried couple in bed together on tv, as that is pretty much the norm now. I myself lived with my now ex husband for two years before we married.
Like I said, I don’t believe in censoring. I believe in open discussions, age appropriate, of course. I’ve never censored anything from my daughter. I’ve always had an “Open door” policy at my house.
JJ - you mean...
June 16th, 2010
8:46 am
…you had a 2 year try out and still did not realize you had a scum bag?
Joel
June 16th, 2010
9:04 am
The comment by JJ pretty much sums up whats wrong with the world today…”it’s pretty much the norm now”. I find it laughable that America has so lost its moral compass on the premise of ‘its pretty much the norm’ or ‘everyone else is doing it’. From taking weed breaks in middle school to having sex on the bus, from ABC forcing gayness down our throats on every show to TLC making a mockery out of a family of 10. Hollywood and liberal groups such as the ACLU have DESTORYED our morality to the point that its all just normal now. At this rate in a decade, I’m sure we’ll all think its normal to sleep with animals and kill each other at will.
Tiger Ochocinco Mellencamp
June 16th, 2010
10:20 am
@Joel….how exactly is ABC forcing gayness down anyone’s throat? By acknowledging homosexuality and having programming that has story lines including gay relationships when there are no less than 130 other channels, including quite a few christian dedicated channels to choose from? I wouldn’t say in todays world that ABC exactly has a monopoly on the TV audience. Would you feel I have a legitimate argument if I said “from TBN forcing Christianity down our throats”?
Becky
June 16th, 2010
10:53 am
@JJ-you mean..We’ve been there before..Yes JJ made a mistake..Not everyone is a scum bag from the start of a relationship..Glad to know that you have never made a mistake, so now can we go on to something else?
ATL06
June 16th, 2010
11:36 am
Tiger I loved The Hangover I do not think that they need a sequel. I also loved Super Bad absolutely hilarious.
Tiger Ochocinco Mellencamp
June 16th, 2010
11:47 am
@ATL06…lets not forget “forgetting sarah marshall”, “the 40 year old virgin”, and “role models” either. I’m so glad these guys started making R-rated comedies again! If I had to watch another film like “Mrs. Doubtfire” be praised for it’s humor I was going to puke.
I still need to see “get him to the greek”.
ATL06
June 16th, 2010
11:53 am
Forgetting Sarah Marshall was pretty good too so I can’t wait to see Get him to the Greek. I think I’ll see it this weekend.
JJ
June 16th, 2010
12:12 pm
Thank you Becky!!!
FCM
June 16th, 2010
1:16 pm
@ JJ I believe in censoring, I use the same method JATL suggested. I censor what can be watched by changing the channel. I censor it by putting a parental block on the “spare” tv in the den. I censor it by refusing to purchase the “tie in” products of tv shows with which I do not agree.
@Joel–ABC is not forcing a lifestyle down your throat. They have been the most progressive of the “majors” to have that lifestyle on regular programming. What if your little Billy or Sally sees to same genders in Mid-Town holding hands? You going to pretend that isn’t real? That those folks are not real people with feelings and a right to live free of fear of physical harm?
I think a few folks on here need to go back and revist “Free to Be You and Me” and I am not a Steinem Feminist either. In fact I disagree with most of what she says. I do agree though that we should not be limited to a single sterotype existance.
angelhappy
June 25th, 2010
2:21 am
I am in the 30 something crowd and I remember back in the 80’s when MTV was just that: Music Television! Nowadays they should change their name to METV(Music Entertainment Television because there are hardly any music television. Just stupid nonsense shows with stupid award show with out of control rappers and singers acting like fools. I stopped watching many years ago.
www.honeyfern.org
July 5th, 2010
9:51 am
I couldn’t watch it with my 10-year-old; she looked at me after about 15 minutes and said, “I am pretty sure I am not allowed to watch this!”
S
July 12th, 2010
2:16 pm
I don’t like MTV shows: “Real World”, “I am Pregant and 16″ and “The Hard Times of RJ Berger”. Why? Overgloryfing sex. I am not surprised with the connection between teenage pregnancy and MTV or other tv shows.
Now, about penis… for the show, “The Hard Times of RJ Berger” are subconsicously squashing general male population that big penis is better and/or saying it is a freakshow. Big penis is not always better, boys and girls! Big penis can’t be rock hard just like the average penis. Believe me, I have been there and done it.