Column Sparks Reader Response

Mon., March 23, 1998

Tammy Scholz’s Speak for Yourself about R-rated movies drew several responses from students. Here are excerpts from some of the responses:

Chad Schobert from North Idaho Christian School in Hayden wrote:

After reading Tammy Scholz’s article on teenagers and R-rated movies, I couldn’t help but feel that she really missed the point of rating systems.

Ms. Scholz complains about being shut out of R-rated movies at theaters for being under the age of 17. Her rationale is that if it is OK for a 17-year-old, then why not for a 16- or 15-year-old? But if this logic is followed, then why is stuff suitable for a 14-year-old not OK for a 12-year-old?

Pretty soon, we might as well take our toddlers, once they are old enough to comprehend logical thought, out to see R-rated movies and tell them, “Well, we know you will see this stuff anyway, so why not get the inevitable over with?” A line has to be drawn somewhere and 17 is appropriate in my opinion.

Twenty-four students in the sixth period Bible Class at Valley Christian School wrote:

We applaud Tammy’s courage in stating her views, but disagree with them and would like to offer a differing view.

Tammy asserts that her age is no way to judge her maturity or immaturity about viewing R-rated movies. The folks who have made these restrictions don’t know her personally, and are making general assumptions about teenagers. But our society operates by making general assumptions about many groups. We assume those under 16 should not be allowed to drive, even though some may be mature enough and capable at age 14 or 15. The same argument could be made about the drinking age, the minimum age to buy cigarettes or the age restrictions on marriage.

Unless she wishes to set up a new government agency that will be responsible for investigating each and every underage teen who wishes to see an R-rated movie, then maybe we should take another look at the current system. Tammy can see R-rated movies. She just needs a parent or guardian with her. They are probably in a better position to know her level of maturity than anyone. So why not utilize the current system?

The basis of our society is a mutual agreement to abide by laws. We have the ability to work toward change when we disagree with the laws. But the ultimate effect of Tammy’s attitude (absolute autonomy) is utter chaos. We don’t approach stoplights asking, “What right does anyone have to tell me to stop here? I don’t want to stop and don’t I have the right of choice?” One mark of maturity is the ability to accept legitimate authority and to focus on opportunities rather than complain about restrictions.

But there’s another problem in Tammy’s argument. It self-destructs. If no one has the right to tell her what to do, then it also must be true that Tammy doesn’t have the right to tell anyone else what to do. But isn’t that the whole point of her article?

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