Movie Role Models

[britjojo]

We have discussed the effect that overly skinny models can have on the self esteem and hence health of our youth. But what about other bad habits in the media? Do you consider them to be as much of a danger?

I specifically am referring to the things that are still allowed to be portrayed, such as smoking and drinking. Should they be banned in films?

[QuietLunatic]

Oh I think it can have an effect. But you notice that the smokers in the older movies were the heroes and now the smokers are almost always the bad guys? You hardly ever see the main guy as a smoker. And I can't remember the last time I saw a modern movie with a woman smoking in it. Used to be, you could hardly see the scene through the clouds of smoke.

[crawlingupwards]

You'll see in movies how the "cool" people are the ones who down shots of whiskey with several empty bottles on the table. I'm thinking Fight Club as one example. as an impressionable young woman, I looked at those people in conjunction with the girls in the crowd I was hanging out with, and unfortunately thought that I needed to up my tolerance to be just like them.

However, the actors aren't drinking booze at all when they're filming. If they were, there'd be at least a bit of slurring in the speech. I know that now- 2 DUI's later.

[hazephase]

Why can't we find stories that will inspire our kids ? there are movies that can teach our kids some good , movies like the "peacefully worrior" I think its we also that put so much pressure on our kids that make them look at the world wrongly

[attagirl]

As times change so do many of the roles in movies. If you have noticed there are many movies coming out that have no smoking in them at all. I think that this is a step in the right direction as we would never want to promote something that is bad for us.

[jr_sci]

I think we the people should realize what is good and what is bad. We cannot just blame the movie makers. They will do whatever they want. But if we are aware then I think we are matured enough to decide what to watch and what not to watch.

[websurfpro]

I think smoking and drinking in film should not be banned, this is what makes films interesting , sometimes it gives them a little spark, anyway heavy drinking or smoking is never seen in any movies, at least I haven`t seen one like that before.

[attagirl]

I do want to comment on how the young actors are role models for most of our children unfortunately, so what these people do whether in real life or movies will have a tendancy to make our children believe well she/he is doing it so it must be ok to do.