The question of the week was “how
do media industries shape media audiences?” I discussed the MPAA ratings system
in my case study to answer this question. Pertaining to my case study, film
studios (media industries) set the standard for the content of films by
creating a rating system for the media audiences. The studios influence the
audiences by rating the subject of the films and receive reception from critics
as well as parents. I also discussed how parents push for a harsher rating for
sexual content and profanity as opposed to violence in films. Critics of the
rating system believe that the system limits the creativity of filmmakers.
Filmmakers can appeal for a less severe rating since their main goal is for a
wider audience to view their film.
I
received a lot of thoughtful answers from the discussion section of my case
study’s presentation. I asked the class if the rating system is effective or
ineffective and got a diverse set of responses I also asked them if films
should be censored or rated by the government and most of the class said that
it’s unnecessary for the government to step in and I completely agree with that
because the government has other important affairs to handle.
In
conclusion, the media industry continues to impose and regulate media content, however,
the audience does have right to respond or alter the regulation of the content.
The rating system has influenced the kind of films audiences choose to watch. While
government censorship of films isn’t necessary, it is essential for films to
let the audiences know which film is suitable for them and children.
Sources:
Askar, J. G. (2012, November 15). Why ‘Breaking Dawn – Part
2’ was almost rated R. Retrieved March 06,
2017, from http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865566807/Why-6Breaking-Dawn-1-Part- 27-was-almost-rated-R.html
Austin, B. (1980). The influence of the mpaa's film-rating
system on motion picture attendance: a pilot study.
Journal Of Psychology: Interdisciplinary And Applied, 106(1), 91-99. doi:10.1080/00223980.1980.9915174
Corcoran, P. (2016). Respecting the Audience. Boxoffice,
152(2), 18-19.
Indiewire (2014, October 07). 15 Times the MPAA Got it
Wrong. Retrieved March 06, 2017, from http://www.indiewire.com/2014/10/15-times-the-mpaa-got-it-wrong-69310/
Rottenberg, J., & Sperling, N. (2013). Will the MPAA
Ever Get the Ratings Right?. Entertainment Weekly, (1287), 18
Straubhaar, J., LaRose, R., & Davenport, L.
(2016). Media Now: Understanding Media, Culture, and Technology (9th ed.).
Boston , MA: Cengage Learning.
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