| It's funny, looking back on this rant from the perspective of almost a decade, and seeing how my ideas have changed. While I still oppose censorship and believe that freedom of speech is important, I have at the same time come to the gradual conclusion that our much-vaunted "freedom" in this society consists mostly of the right to buy things. I think that if I were to write about this topic today, I would have a lot more sympathy for a group of parents opposing the commercialization of children's television. I might have ranted instead about my favourite show being used so blatantly as a medium for advertising toys. Ah, well. I guess that times have changed, and my politics have changed along with them. Here is the original rant, in its entirety: |
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An Open Letter To whom it may concern: I feel that it's high time more than one voice was heard in the now-tiresome controversy over "children's television" which certain groups seem incapable of laying to rest even now, after their efforts have been for the most part successful in banning "dangerous" shows form the face of North American television. As an adult individual who enjoys animation as an art form, I resent having my viewing choices curtailed by members of an outside pressure group, even an apparently well-intentioned one, who seem to feel that anything which does not meet their standards of cuteness and blandness should be utterly banished from public viewing. This behaviour is known as censorship, in certain circles. For the record, I would like it pointed out that every television sold on this continent comes equipped with an "off" switch. If you don't like what you see, then please exercise your freedom of choice by reaching over and changing the channel. Believe me, this simple act will get the attention of television moguls far more quickly than any amount of lobbying at the White House will. If there is certain material you do not wish your family to be exposed to, then why not sit down with your children and come to an agreement as to what you do, or do not wish them to be watching on TV, and why, or why not? This would be a far more constructive course of action than declaring war on the television industry. As for excessive commercialism, that is a problem in our society in general, and is just as irritating in adult television as it is in children's'. This is, however, perhaps one of the prices we pay for living in a free enterprise system, and it is up to us, as consumers, to make responsible choices when it comes to the products we buy, as well as the reasons why we buy them, If your children are spoiled, that is not the fault of the TV! With the advent of video and cable TV, there is an incredible variety of shows availability to suit almost any taste or lifestyle. If every show which someone, somewhere, happened to consider to be of questionable taste were banned, this would not be the case. (In fact, there would be very little left on television whatsoever!) It is each person's prerogative to choose the shows which they enjoy most, and to avoid the ones which they deem detrimental. As members of a free society, we have the right to make that choice freely, without our selection being limited by another person's sense of moral righteousness. Sincerely, Alexandra Jones |