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to The History of American Film: Primary Sources
Motion
Pictures Rating System (1968)
This
Code is designed to keep in close harmony with the mores, culture,
the moral sense and change in our society.
The objectives of the Code are:
1.
To encourage artistic expression by expanding creative freedom.
2.
To assure that the freedom which encourages the artist remains
responsible and sensitive to the standards of the larger society.
Censorhip is an odious enterprise. We oppose censorship and classification
by governments because they are alien to the American tradition
of freedom.
Much of this nation's strength and purpose is drawn from the premise
that the humblest of citizens has the freedom of his own choice.
Censorship destroys this freedom of choice.
It is within this framework that the Motion Picture Association
continues to recognize its obligation to the society of which
it is an integral part.
In our society parents are the arbiters of family conduct. Parents
have the primary responsibility to guide their children in the
kinds of lives they lead, the character they build, the books
they read, and the movies and other entertainment to which they
are exposed.
The creators of motion pictures undertake a responsibility to
make available pertinent information about their pictures which
will assist parents to fulfill their responsibilities.
But this alone is not enough. In further recognition of our obligation
to the public, and most especially to parents, we have extended
the Code operation to include a nationwide voluntary film rating
program which has as its prime objective a sensitive concern for
children. Motion Pictures will be reviewed by a Code and Rating
Administration which, when it reviews a motion picture as to its
conformity with the standards of the Code, will issue ratings.
It is our intent that all motion pictures exhibited in the United
States will carry a rating. These rating are:
(G)
SUGGESTED FOR GENERAL AUDIENCES
This
category includes motion pictures that in the opinion of the
Code and Rating Administration would be acceptable for all audiences,
without consideration of age.
(M) SUGGESTED FOR MATURE AUDIENCES - ADULTS & MATURE
YOUNG PEOPLE
This
category includes motion pictures that in the opinion of the
Code and Rating Administration, because of their theme, content
and treatment, might require more mature judgment by viewers,
and about which parents should exercise their discretion.
(R) RESTRICTED PERSONS UNDER 16 NOT ADMITTED UNLESS ACCOMPANIED
BY PARENTS OR ADULT GUARDIAN
This
category includes motion pictures that in the opinion of the
Code and Rating Administration, because of their theme, content
or treatment, should not be presented to persons under 16 unless
accompanied by a parent or adult guardian.
(X) PERSONS UNDER 16 NOT ADMITTED
This category includes motion pictures submitted to the Code
and Rating Administration which in the opinion of the Code and
Rating Administration are rated (X) because of the treatment
of sex, violence, crime or profanity. Pictures rated (X) do
not qualify for a Code Seal. Pictures rated (X) should not be
presented to persons under 16.
The program contemplates that any distributors outside the membership
of the Association who choose not to submit their motion pictures
to the Code and Rating Administration will self-apply the (X)
rating.
The ratings and their meanings will be conveyed by advertising;
by displays at the theaters; and in other ways. Thus, audiences,
especially parents, will be alerted to the theme, content, and
treatment of movies. Therefore, parents can determine whether
a particular picture is one which children should see at the discretion
of the parent; or only when accompanied by a parent; or should
not see.
We believe self-restraint, self-regulation, to be in the American
tradition. The results of self-discipline are always imperfect
because that is the nature of all things mortal. But this Code,
and its administration, will make clear that freedom of expression
does not mean toleration of license....
Standards
for Production
In
furtherance of the objectives of the Code to accord with the mores,
the culture, and the moral sense of our society, the principles
stated above and the following standards will govern the Administrator
in his consideration of motion pictures submitted for Code approval:
The
basic dignity and value of human life shall be respected and
upheld. Restraint shall be exercised in portraying the taking
of life.
Evil,
sin, crime and wrong-doing shall not be justified.
Special
restraint shall be exercised in portraying criminal or anti-social
activities in which minors participate or are involved.
Detailed
and protracted acts of brutality, cruelty, physical violence,
torture and abuse shall not be presented.
Indecent
or undue exposure of the human body shall not be presented.
Illicit
sex relationships shall not be justified. Intimate sex scenes
violating common standards of decency shall not be portrayed.
Restraint
and care shall be exercised in presentations dealing with sex
aberrations.
Obscene
speech, gestures or movements shall not be presented. Undue
profanity shall not be permitted.
Religion
shall not be demeaned.
Words
or symbols contemptuous of racial, religious or national groups,
shall not be used so as to incite bigotry or hatred.
Excessive
cruelty to animals shall not be portrayed and animals shall
not be treated inhumanely.
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