I did a little research about the question I asked in class today about the ratings of films. I didn’t find a check list of any sorts, but the general trend is that if a woman experiences sexual pleasure, the film will be rated NC-17, which really sets the film up for limited exposure. But a movie that shows rape, torture, or violence against women can be rated PG-13 or R. Definitely messed up. Here’s one of the articles I found that is really interesting and a quick read.
http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/blogs-main/advocates-blog/1743-twist-and-pout-the-mpaas-sick-rating-system
There is a disconnect about female sexuality in our society and what role sexuality should play in a woman’s life. Women are objectified and sexualized by our media, but they cannot experience sexual pleasure in mainstream media. I read an article last year that argued ignoring female sexual pleasure begins at a young age in school when taught about reproduction. The story of reproduction involves the male orgasm, it’s one of the big contributing factors. But, the female orgasm is left right out of the lesson. Sex is set up to be something men enjoy but women endure.
This is a disheartening reflection of the MPAA’s values. It seems to start off as innocent because there’s the matter of filtering what children should see, but as we’ve all noticed, there’s something concerning about how these ratings are set up. Friedman reminds us that we live in violent and sexually repressive times, and these ratings and categories such as ‘male nudity’ contribute to it profusely.
*I also appreciate the link given at the end of the article that provides us with the chance to promote change.