Poll Do You Think There Should Be Warnings Made Of Explicit Sexual Trauma Scenes?

[Srain]

Thank you for making this a poll.

 

[Reclusive]

I've noticed that in horror films we're starting to see "This Movie is rated R for violence, graphic violence, sexual violence, rape, etc...." I don't see why the same system wouldn't work for TV. There's a website around here somewhere for rape survivors that details all the shows/movies that could be triggering and how explicit it is. I tend to watch things over the internet, so I can check before watching something. I have no sexual violence in my history, but rape scenes make me nauseous and whatnot.

We were watching Spartacus for awhile and there were a couple episodes where I feel they could have warned us a little better.

 

[catjudo]

I'm not sure I completely understand the problem...or maybe I do but just don't agree that it needs to be as specific as you're stating. Our (meaning the the United States) television shows are already rated. Every show on TV has a label...the type of shows or situations you're discussing are labeled as TV-MA (meaning for mature audiences only) and then have additional content labels such as L (course or crude language), S (sexual situations), V (violence). These labels/warnings are shown before all programs. IMHO, showing that something is TV-MA, SV is sufficient. I don't think it is necessary or realistic to expect that they're going to specifically say "There is a rape scene in this program." That being said, I believe True Blood is on HBO (someone correct me if I'm wrong because I'm not familiar with the program) and we all know that premium cable channels are able (and do) to show more extreme, intense scenes than you find on network television or even standard cable channels. Still, though, they do give the standard tv ratings I mentioned above.

 

[catjudo]

This shows the current television ratings that are used in our country with the appropriate label/warning show before every program.

 

[Gamereign555]

True, I think the catagorized ratings are enough to tell what sort of content one could expect. I think if its rated NC-17, they tent to list all the different aspects, if there is rape or torture or gore, it would say. If it is rated R however they don't really tell you squat, they just kind of lump it all into violence. My advice is to use the site: Common Sense Media. They break down the violent situations in the movie from a parents perspective on what kind of stuff they might be exposing their children to if they were to watch that movie. It is by far the best way to alert yourself if you want to avoid a full on rape scene and other awful things.

Ratings are pretty basic and you could easily overlook it, I mean they might describe something heinous that occurs in the movie in just a word or two. If you want more information, you are going to have to look online...

 

[catjudo]

Ratings are pretty basic and you could easily overlook it, I mean they might describe something heinous that occurs in the movie in just a word or two. If you want more information, you are going to have to look online...

I agree. It can be easy to overlook the ratings and specific content warnings given before each show. However, if a person knows that they are particularly sensitive to certain things then the responsibility lies with them to not become complacent and to actively check the rating before viewing. And if a person is viewing a show that they know is rated for for mature audiences only and has a reputation for being somewhat graphic, IMO they shouldn't be surprised or upset at what they see.

 

[BigBear]

I can't tell you how many times they've zapped Angel. It even happens when she's reading. She reads so fast that she doesn't realize what she's getting into until its too late. She's already read it and can't unread it and then she's got to suffer from it...

Bear

 

[Lionheart]

I have stopped watching most television and movies specifically because they expose me to sexual violence and other types of violence that trigger my PTSD!!! ....and even when it doesn't trigger me, I am simply disgusted by what some people consider to be entertaining. Although it may be a form of avoidance, I have been a lot happier simply listening to music instead, *(or confining myself to Disney animation and the like). :)

 

[Seneca]

It angers me that a non-explicit rape scene would be less worrisome to the FCC than a topless woman. Some things are completely natural and normal, and some things are just disturbing to think about, regardless of how little is actually shown.

 

[jo may]

A film is the reason I last ended up in hospital after taking an overdose. The film just kicked something off in me and I freaked out. The should be warnings if the is over the top scenes in a film.