Ratings Board, Studios Need Separate Beds

If we can celebrate movies that deal frankly--and often graphically--with the horror of war or slavery or mental illness, then we should provide the same respect to artists who grapple with sex. If not, then the board should be honest enough to admit they'd really be happier if American movies were all as infantile as a Mike Myers or Adam Sandler comedy. At least then we'd have a refreshing dose of candor, not the corrosive kind of hypocrisy that has given today's rating system the moral heft of a feather boa.

The influence of the major studios on the rating boards makes for not only inconsistent standards for ratings but poor standards as well. The meaning and value of sexual expression is diminished in our society when frank and realistic depictions are only exposed to a restricted audience while at the same time exaggerated and vulgarized versions are given a wide play. Sad.