There tends to be a bit of controversy when it comes to America’s movie rating system. There is an additional problem in Hollywood to be fought about, as though the fighting between directors, studios and also the MPAA ratings board wasn’t enough when depicted in the 2006 documentary, This Movie is Not Yet Rated. A recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that smoking in films should mandate that an “R” rating be given to the film as a protection for kids and young teens.
Tobacco industry can’t place product and pay for it
The CDC study indicates that ever since 1998, tobacco companies aren’t allowed to place product in movies. Sadly, there is nevertheless a lot of smoking in movies today. Those who see smoking in films, or in real life, are more likely to try smoking their lifetime, as reported by the CDC. Public health officials have reported concern over the potential for future health issues. A significant number of G, PG and PG-13-rated films contain smoking, which has prompted the rating reclassification suggestion.
Quit young smoking habits other ways
There were two other suggestions given by the CDC for the R-rated films. These contain having the credits say nobody associated with the film was given compensation for the smoking shots and also having anti-smoking ads before the film begins. However, the CDC’s R rating for smoking in movies has gained one of the most traction to date, echoing a sentiment already given by the World Health Organization. Smoking in films marketed to kids and teens is socially irresponsible, says the WHO.
Smoking costs too much
Now it seems smoking will always be expensive. It always costs more than it did last time. MSN Money explains another fact to add to anti-smoking. Smoking costs are more than just cigarettes as it also consists of the price of higher health insurance and dry cleaning your clothes to get the smell out. This means that if you are 40 but quit smoking, you can possibly save in a 401 (k) over $ 250,000. Choosing black lung over a comfortable retirement is enough to send anyone’s budget scrambling for payroll loans and short term loans to fill the gaps. Smoking is so expensive. It may be R-rated if you’re willing to spend that much on a filthy habit.
Center for Disease Control
cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5932a2.htm
MSN Money
articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Insurance/InsureYourHealth/HighCostOfSmoking.aspx
Time Magazine
wellness.blogs.time.com/2010/08/19/rated-r-for-smoking/
World Health Organization
who.int/tobacco/smoke_free_movies/en/
Fox News report on removing cigarettes from movies
youtube.com/watch?v=FSxwPVUv7vY
