Why Did the MPAA Have Such a Broad G Rating in the Early Years of the Rating System?
Why Did the MPAA Have Such a Broad 'G' Rating in the Early Years of the Rating System?
Since its inception, the MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America) rating system has been criticized for its flaws. The idea of a universally applicable “rating system” is inherently subjective, and creating a system that is both fair and workable has proven challenging. In the early years, the 'G' rating was particularly broad, a fact that has sparked considerable debate among film critics and historians.
The Flaws of Subjectivity
The entire rating system has been problematic from the start. The flaw lies in its inherent subjectivity. What one person might consider acceptable for a child, another might find too risqué. This subjectivity poses significant challenges, especially when trying to label films with one of the MPAA's categories: G, PG, PG-13, R, and NC-17 (now known as R-17).
The Broad 'G' Rating
Some filmmakers and critics argue that the 'G' rating in the early years of the rating system was overly broad. To them, the 'M' rating was broader, a viewpoint supported by former MPAA President Jack Valenti. Valenti noted in a 1984 interview: "If you look at the history of 'M', it was the broad category, 'M' rating. It covered everything. That's why 'Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom' got a 'PG' rating, not an 'M' rating." This historical footnote highlights the broad scope of the 'M' rating, which was eventually phased out in favor of the more specific 'PG' rating.
The Emergence of PG-13
One of the pivotal moments in the evolution of the MPAA rating system was the advent of the 'PG-13' rating. The creation of PG-13 was a direct response to the perceived limitations of the 'G' and 'PG' ratings. The specific boundaries of 'PG-13' aimed to provide a clearer indication of the content that would be suitable for younger audiences while excluding material that might be inappropriate.
Evolution of the Rating System
The early 'G' rating was so broad that it could encompass films of vastly different content levels. Critics argue that this broadness made it difficult for parents to make informed decisions about exposing their children to certain films. The transition from 'M' to 'PG' and the subsequent introduction of 'PG-13' marked significant shifts in the MPAA's approach to providing more specific guidance regarding film content.
The 'PG' Rating: A More Balanced Option
The 'PG' rating was designed to be a more balanced option between 'G' and 'M'. 'PG' films were typically those that could be viewed by children under parental guidance, indicating that while the material was appropriate for most children, it might have elements that could be too intense or disturbing for very young audiences. However, even the 'PG' rating faced its own nuances, as seen in the case of 'Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom'.
Case Study: Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
The film 'Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom' garnered significant controversy and scrutiny for its content. Despite the film's maturity and violence, it received a 'PG' rating. This decision was a reflection of the subjective nature of the rating system. The use of the 'PG' rating for this film showed that broader categories could still limit the clarity and usefulness of the rating system in providing detailed content warnings.
Conclusion
While the broad 'G' rating was a product of its time and may have seemed appropriate to some at the time, it is now recognized as a significant departure from the more nuanced and specific rating system that exists today. The MPAA has continually evolved to address the subjectivity and inconsistencies of its rating system, leading to the creation of more detailed and accurate categories such as 'PG-13'. This evolution underscores the ongoing challenge in creating a fair and universally applicable film rating system, a task that remains as complex as it ever was.