Leafy Times » Ciga”R” rated movie?

Nudity, drug abuse, extreme violence…these are elements that are considered when the MPAA dishes out an “R” rating. Well, MPAA Chairman Dan Glickman has added tobacco use to this list. Previously, the MPAA only contemplated underage smoking, but now ANY tobacco use will risk movie-makers getting slapped with an “R” rating.

Given that “G” and “PG” movie ratings are by far the most profitable for the movie studios, I have a feeling we’ll stop seeing tobacco use in all but “R” or “NC-17″ rated movies. And soon, this will trickle down to TV programs.

I’ve always found the entire rating system pointless. Why can’t parents simply parent without relying on some arbitrary self-governance rating? Why does nearly every CD sold have to have a “mature lyrics” sticker on it? When I was growing up, my parents would rent movies and watch them before we were allowed to view it, regardless of the rating. I distinctly remember the first “PG” movie I was allowed to view, “Raiders of the Lost Ark“. Classic. Of course, that movie contained several instances of tobacco use, so today it would get an “R” rating. The first “PG-13″ movie I was allowed to view was “Gremlins“…more tobacco use in this one. In fact, the movie poster featured a Gremlin w/ cigar! Of course, I turned out to be a cigar smoker, so I really have no argument. Movies clearly made me do it. So I plan to file a lawsuit against the MPAA for any issues that ever stem from my nasty little habit they forced me into. If only these rating were around twenty years ago, I would be smoke-free today. BS.