Why Aren't Books Rated Like Movies?

It is puzzling that books, despite their profound influence on generations, are not rated like movies. The question is not why movies and video games have ratings, but rather why they do, given the underlying fear of imperiling children's moral and ethical growth.

Why Do Movies and Video Games Have Ratings?

The answer to why certain media such as movies and video games are rated lies in the fear of societal harm—specifically, the belief that children exposed to content involving sex and violence will grow up to be perverts and criminals. This fear, which by no means is backed by unbiased scientific evidence, has been skillfully propagated by reactionary elements of society. Unfortunately, those in leadership positions have often fanned these fears, exploiting them for their own political ends.

Zero Evidence of Harm

It is crucial to consider the lack of empirical evidence. Dick Gregory, a notable figure in social issues, once quipped, “Does all this comedy on TV lead to comedy in the streets?” He, like many others, were allowed unrestricted access to a wide range of media while growing up, yet managed to live a healthy, law-abiding life. The argument that exposure to such content causes moral degeneracy lacks substantial support and is, in essence, a lie.

Manipulation of Facts

The leadership has, regrettably, successfully instilled a culture of fear and misinformation. They have taught the public to dismiss unbiased facts as leftist and elitist, promoting a climate of suspicion and distrust. This manipulation of information is concerning, as it can lead to the collapse of civilization.

Self-Regulation and Book Ratings

Fear-mongering tactics have led to the self-regulation of the movie, comic-book, and video-game industries with the implementation of ratings. However, books, which are far more embedded in our cultural fabric and have been around for as long as civilization itself, remain untouched. The complexity of book publishing across numerous entities makes it difficult to pressure the industry into self-regulation.

The Importance of Books and Civilization

Some argue that books are the very foundation of civilization itself. The idea that certain books, such as the Bible, could be exempt from this rating system is both ironic and deeply troubling. The biblical narratives are replete with violent and sexual content, yet, for some, it is deemed acceptable for adults to read, while for children, it is anathema.

Banning Books

Tensions surrounding the content in books are leading to fears of further restrictions. Some groups are actively attempting to censor certain books from libraries and prevent their sale to juveniles. This could lead to even more drastic measures, such as public book-burnings, which would be a tragic departure from the enlightened principles of free speech and open access to information.

Conclusion

The question of why books are not rated like movies goes to the heart of cultural and societal fears. It is a topic that requires careful consideration, as unchecked worries about children’s content exposure can lead to significant harms. By fostering an environment of open dialogue and critical thinking, we can work towards a more informed and enlightened society.