- Published: October 1, 2022
- Updated: October 1, 2022
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Looking At Sex In A Larger Way Article Summary In the article ” China’s film furror draws attention to changing mores”, Peter Ford of The Christian Science Monitor looks into the issue of discussing issues of sex as it comes to mainstream media. Ford mentions a movie titled ‘Curse of the Golden Flower’ which has numerous examples of the human form being exposed for the purpose of attracting the audience. Taken directly from the article, ” A pile of steamed buns,” fumed one establishment critic. A mother complained to China Daily newspaper that she had been obliged to repeatedly cover her 5-year-old son’s eyes as they watched the movie. ” I told him to do so with his own hands, but he wouldn’t,” she said.,” (Ford, 2/2/07). This quote directly fits in with the overall theme of how people, for example in China, seek to step aside from having conversations directly when it comes to the discussion of sexual issues in nature.
One of the reasons in many ways can be seen as a lack of communication between parents and children on this issue. There is a very strong cultural/society influence on how such issues are looked at and talked about. Towards the middle of the article, Ford mentions the level that China had stepped towards adopting a more Western approach to how they go about doing things. A fear among some parents that if the children were to have knowledge about sexual issues, that would enable them to take part in the issue. Making light of the ratings system that the United States has, Ford addresses the Chinese approach to having one. Yin Hong, a deputy head of Tsinghua University’s Journalism School is quoted in the article when he says, ” The time is not ripe for China to institute a ratings system,” says Yin Hong, a film critic and deputy head of Tsinghua University’s Journalism School,” (Ford, 2/2/07).
Important Points
Many of the points which Peter Ford mentions in his article are very important to understanding the bigger story. He mentions the fear amongst parents in regards to talking about things with their children that have to do with being sexual in nature. Unlike the United States, China does not have a ratings system in place. Without having any form of ratings system in place, it could be questioned that some are reluctant to put that kind of system into operation for a few reasons but one in particular. In keeping with the theme, Ford talks about it this way, ” Partly that is because of the difficulty of agreeing on where the lines should be drawn for different categories of film. But mainly it is because a ratings system would permit at least some films to use explicit language and nudity, and those are simply beyond the official pale,” (Ford, 2/2/07). Even with being open to new ideas, many are still wanting to stay with some of the original approaches. Ford tries to acknowledge just how important discussion is of sexual issues with the fact that he details the high level of syphilis cases that are being reported within the Chinese region. Trying to point out how so many cases of such a horrible disease could be greatly decreased with increased discussion given to people in order for them to be better prepared.
Personal Reaction
The article written by Peter Ford is very important to the issue of how a lack in discussion can lead to choices being made that can have great impact on society. Many are big fans of movies and are faced with the increased level of sexual content that it is present in these movies, especially those that are made within the United States and shown internationally. The author is very correct when he talks about how the issue of communication, really how much is occurring, can have a lasting impact on decisions made.
While some are still reluctant to have those kinds of talks, the closing portion of Ford’s article does look towards the increase in making sure the communication is a part of this grander issue. Many are afraid of what they do not know, as well as what they may not understand. The important thing to remember is that, despite having any fear, to loose the communication is a step in the wrong direction. Communication is very important when it comes to understanding something or someone that was not the case before. By not having a ratings system, it is unfortunate that this is not a part of the Chinese culture. To have a ratings system gives the audience the ability to judge the material that they are about to see. By not having a ratings system in place, the audience is left to guess about what material will be present in the movie that they are watching. That uncertainty is far worse than having a talk about it.
Works Cited
Ford, Peter. ” China’s film furor draws attention to changing mores.” The Christian Science Monitor.
Section: World, Page 1. Published: 2 February 2007. URL: www. csmonitor. com/2007/ 0202/p01s04-woap. html