TV and Radio:
Television shows are frequent targets of morality groups, and they always seem to target my favorite shows. Former Presidential candidate, the late Senator Paul Simon sponsored a bill to encourage a decrease of violence on tv. So much for the First Amendment! As far as I'm concerned, violence on television has a very small effect on actual violence. I think it was ridiculous that a Mormon housewife, Terry Rakolta, intimidated many large corporations to stop advertising on the Fox network while the sitcom "Married With Children" was on. She apparently lacked the common sense to just change the channel. It is frightening that this lone person could have caused this show's demise. Admittedly, "Married With Children" was a risque, bawdy, decadent, and arguably even a voyeuristic program from time to time and it wasn't for everyone, but it harmed noone and added a lot of needed laughter to the world. Besides which, I'd rather laugh with the Bundys than cry with the saints any day of the week. Personally, I don't care much for the risque humor of the animated comedy "Family Guy", but I wouldn't want to try to cancel or censor the show for those who enjoy it. (to be cont'd)
[The original version of this essay first appeared in Eastern Connecticut State University's Campus Lantern student newspaper in the early '90s and as part of my unpublished manuscript "In Mediocrity We Trust... In Debt We Die" And Other Essays.]
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