Let Censorship Ring!

“Don’t you see that the whole aim of Newspeak is to narrow the range of thought? In the end, we shall make thoughtcrime literally impossible, because there will be no words in which to express it.” George Orwell.

Well, on this Veteran’s Day, November 11th 2004, it seems that some real “do gooders” have been quite busy. Tonight, the ABC television network is broadcasting the movie, “Saving Private Ryan”. For those who have not seen it, it’s a great, important movie. Many have called it the best depiction of the horror of war ever put on film. Well, the do-gooders in this case, are the managers of some ABC affiliate stations, including Boston’s WCVB Channel 5

Their statement basically refers to the “new rules” hammered down by that ever-watchful group, the FCC. Seems many tv and radio stations are scared to death of fines and political backlash, brought about by Janet Jackson’s “wardrobe malfunction” during last year’s super bowl game. WCVB’s management further expresses concerns about this movie being telecast during time when children are watching television.

To put it simply, this smells like the Fleet Center Men’s room, after a big Celtics game. They’re concerned about foul language? Uh, have you affilate management folks been near an elementary school lately? Believe me, the kids know all the words, and probably some you’ve never heard. And Violence? Uh no, I don’t buy that one either. There’s more violence in computer games such as “Quake” then there is in Saving Private Ryan. And yes mommy and daddy, your sons are playing those games, with your knowledge, or without it, whether you like it or not.

So, this is the way it’s going to be? Censorship? Heck, if they’re going to not broadcast something, why not black out mind-rot like “The Apprentice”, “The Bachelor”, and “The Swan”?

If there are very young children in the house, and parents are concerned about what they may or may not see, why not use the V-chip device, which all modern TV sets have? Or, lacking that, just say “No Hannah you can’t watch that, and it’s not open to discussion”.

I know, I know, don’t ask questions like that.

Oh well, guess it’s time to add “Saving Private Ryan” to my DVD collection.

Oh, one more thing: WCVB is broadcasting some movie which stars Nicold Kidman and her ex, Tom Cruise, in place of Saving Private Ryan. I have learned that some other affilates are planning to broadcast old episodes of “The Andy Griffith show”, in place of the movie. No, I’m not joking.