Exposing Kids to Sex and Violence

Re “Hollywood Simply Can No Longer Abdicate Its Responsibility to Kids,” Commentary, July 21:

How come the same films and even more explicit programs are shown in Europe, yet they don’t seem to have the problems we do? Perhaps we should focus a bit more on gun control and parental responsibility instead of primarily blaming the industry for these problems.

While there are some distinguished individuals who have signed their names to this proposal, I am a bit suspicious when I see L. Brent Bozell III of the Parents Television Council and others who espouse “family values” on the list. This is the same organization that deemed that that sex-filled, violence-laden show “Will & Grace” should be on its list of shows that are “most offensive.” Give me a break!

While most people have their hearts in the right places (no pun intended), others clearly have a separate agenda.

DAVID DIAMOND

Woodland Hills

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The main thing that Hollywood can do to protect children is to enact a new R rating that states that no minor under the age of 17 may watch these adult movies. This would protect all children from being exposed to very inappropriate adult content.

I am continually shocked to see children as young as 5 being ushered into R-rated movies by their parents. If parents won’t protect their children, then the media must.

JANIS WHITTINGTON

Laguna Hills

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When the church, the school and the home all have the same values, kids have a good chance of turning out well. However, even the most dedicated parents cannot fight everything in society. You can keep the trash out of your own home; but when every other house in the neighborhood has media violence, pornography and interesting medications, the kids are going to find them.

The ultimate responsibility for raising our kids lies with parents, but it would really help if society were behind us and stopped patronizing the purveyors of filth and violence. The people who criticize parents should look to themselves to see if they really are in a position to throw stones.

MELISSA EDSON

Westwood