April 2003 Ratings System:
++ Christian - made specifically by Christians for Christians
+ Secular - but contains nothing offensive to most Christians, probably made by Christians trying to exert influence in secular media.
M Mature content. Not necessarily offensive, but parents should be careful before allowing exposure to children and pre-teens.
X Mature content. For mature teens, firm in their convictions and morals, who have received much parental guidance.
XX Contains very mature, problematic content. Parents should seriously consider restricting exposure to teens.
XXX Completely offensive. Not only should teens be restricted, but adults may want to question their own exposure.
50 Cent / Get Rich or Die Tryin' XXX
I don't know where to start on this one. Am I more offended by the extremely obscene language, the blatant corruption of god's gifts of love and sex, or the extreme degradation of women? The radio hit is called, "In Da Club". The chorus is so full of expletives, the only line I can print is this one: "I'm into having sex, I ain't into making love". That kinda gives you an idea, eh? Oh sure they bleep the four letter words on the radio, but they don't bleep that line, or the many others that I find offensive. Another reason to monitor your children's listening habits. As for teenagers, why not use that line as a starting point for a good discussion about morals and God's plan?
T.A.T.U / 200 km/h In The Wrong Lane XX
Listen to the lyrics and you won't find anything objectionable. Just a pop ditty with a female singing. The words are so few and nonsensical that you can't really figure out what the song is about . . .until you see the video. T.A.T.U. is an acronym for the band's name in Russian. English translation: This Girl Loves That Girl. Yes, the two girls are from Russia, and yes, they are lesbians. And yes, they kiss, quite passionately, in the video. In fact the video is absolutely dripping with sex. They are absolutely all over each other. Oh, and did I mention that one is 18 and the other is 17? And did I mention that the video is in high rotation on MTV? If you are a follower of this column, you know I talk a lot about the convergence of the music industry and the pornography industry. T.A.T.U. has moved the convergence along another notch. Yet another reason to banish MTV from the house if you have kids.
Movie / Daredevil X
Based on a comic book series about a blind superhero whose remaining senses have been miraculously heightened, Daredevil is a grim, violent film about love, loss and the fine line between crusading against evil and living in a moral "gray area" for the greater good. One central figure is a Catholic Priest who questions Daredevil's actions through lines such as: "Justice isn't a sin, but vengeance is". Indeed Daredevil finally learns this lesson, but only after some pretty rough violence. It would take a pretty mature teen to see the moral through the trees. The film is rated PG-13, but should be rated R for violence. Daredevil went back to the Motion Picture Association of America ratings board three times before it was trimmed enough to barely avoid an R. I disagree with the lower designation. The violence is still quite explicit in places. That concerns me, because this movie is doing all it can to capitalize on the popularity of Spider-Man, including the way it's being advertised. That could lead many parents who gave Spidey a thumbs-up to give their approval here as well. But Daredevil is no Spider-Man. It's darker and considerably more violent. You make the call, I just give you the facts.
Quote of the Month -
"A lot of moms come up to me and they're like, 'Thank you for not dressing like Britney. Thank you for being a good influence on my daughter.' I'm like, "Uh, … cool? … you're very welcome?'" -Avril Lavigne
Wuggie's Email Inbox:
Mark, Here's my dilemma. My 13 year old (just barely) daughter wants to attend the Good Charlotte concert at Cobo in April. Based on your assessment of the band, I don't have a problem with her listening to the CD. My problem is letting her go to the concert--even with an adult chaperone (me). Based on the pictures of the band on the internet, they aren't "clean cut" and thirteen seems young to me to start going to concerts, but I'll admit I'm way out of touch and wasn't much of a rock band concert fan in my youth. What kind of crowd would be there be-what would the fans be like? Wouldn't the attendees be significantly older than 13? At what age are the Redeemer youth going to concerts? What's it really like? I'd appreciate any thoughts you have on the subject.
Thanks. Peggy Cook
WOW! Good question. I'll share my insight with you, and then end up right where we started: with you having to make the decision!! Thought #1 - Good for you for taking the time to research the band your daughter likes!! Thank God someone is paying attention to what I'm saying. Thought #2 - The idea that they aren't "Clean cut" is to you and me a wake up call. What you and I define as "clean cut" has everything to do with our adult perspectives on youth culture and nothing to do with the messages, values, and morality behind the band. For us to say (and I've caught myself saying it!) that Christian kids should shun anything that looks like pop culture and stick to only the "clean cut" Christian acts like Michael W. Smith and Rebecca St. James is a message that is received by our kids that we are just out of touch. The real skill we want them to learn is to be able to decipher the morality and values behind an artist. If we disapprove of an artist for blending in with pop culture even though they haven't compromised their morals to do it is to muddy our message. If we want them to develop this skill, then we must practice it ourselves. Yes, Good Charlotte are edgy. They have tattoos and piercings. They wear their hats sideways. They have a very 'street' image. They don't look like the kind of guys you want to see your daughter bring home in a couple years. Let's look at reality for a minute. I'd like to suggest that when she does start dating you'd rather her select a guy with a piercing and a tattoo who professes Jesus Christ as Lord and is committed to his sexual purity until marriage (these guys do exist) rather than have her select a 'clean cut' young man who thinks that having sex on prom night is a rite of passage (there are more of these than I can count). What do they teach at Westmaple Nursery? Don't judge a book by its cover. Hey, in a lot of churches a guy with sideburns like mine couldn't be employed. Thought #3 - Thank you for considering what their concert might be like and what type of people might be there. Very wise! Most Good Charlotte fans are not Christians. That is the point. These guys are post-modern evangelists, trying to affect the culture from the inside. The point is, even though the morality of the band is way different from say Blink 182, the morality of the crowd isn't. Expect to smell the aroma of marijuana. Don't wear your best coat because the guy behind you could spill beer on it, etc. There will be a mosh pit up front, so make sure your seats are on the first level, not the main floor. Mosh pits get very crazy. There will be a very high ratio of people with punk clothing: leather, spikes, chains, piercings, etc. There will also be a sprinkling of Christians throughout the crowd. Some will try to blend in - other will try to stick out. The crowd will be much older than 13, but there will be a fair amount of young teens in attendance - most sans chaperones. I wouldn't recommend that. I'm quite happy to hear that you wouldn't consider letting her go without you. I went to my first concert at the age of 13, interestingly enough also at Cobo. It was Cheap Trick (boy am I dating myself). I lived to tell about it. Yet still, you are right to be cautious about the atmosphere. It's one thing to listen to the music, it's another thing completely to go to the concert. You'll have to decide if Megan is ready to be exposed to these things. When she is, you are smart to be right there beside her so you can be her influence.
I hope this helps. Sorry I can't make up your mind for you. I know these calls are tough. If I can help you with anything else, please don't hesitate to call or write!
Please, if you have any questions, call me or send me an Email (Mwuggazer@RedeemerBirmingham.org). I'll gladly help you with how to do any of this!!