Sex and violence<\/p>\n
Blatant sex and violence in films and on television has long
\nbeen the subject of recurring debate among Indonesians. Although
\nthe link between televised violence and actual violence in
\nsociety has never been proven -- some people believe that no such
\na link exists -- many people worry that the visual impact of
\ntelevision can leave such a strong impression that it shapes
\npeople's behavior. This explains the recurring expressions of
\ndisapproval voiced in the past.<\/p>\n
So there is really not much new in the recent exchange of
\nideas among Indonesia's six television networks on the subject of
\nsex and violence. What is new, however, is that this time all six
\ntelevision stations agreed to limit airing programs that lean
\nexcessively on sex and violence. An agreement that is long
\noverdue. Aside from the possible negative psychological impact on
\nindividuals, most of the films now on television are of such
\ninferior taste and quality that they counteract all efforts being
\nmade to educate the public.<\/p>\n
The public, and parents of young children in particular, can
\nonly wait and hope that viewers will be presented with not only
\nless vulgar sex and violence, but with better quality programing
\nthan aired so far. Station managers and programming directors
\nare, no doubt, as aware as the rest of us of the risks to which
\nthey are exposing people, especially the very young and the
\nimpressionable. The fact is, however, television stations need
\nmoney to stay in business and if airing cheap but popular
\nprograms helps, then little will be done to improve programming.<\/p>\n
It is an old problem, and finding a way out of it is easier
\nsaid than done. The primary goal is to gradually raise the
\nviewing tastes of the public and filmmakers to such heights that
\nquality films are appreciated enough to sustain and nurture a
\nhealthy film industry. With sufficient appreciation for tasteful,
\nquality films, the preference for base sex and violence will
\nnaturally be pushed into the background. Indonesia, moreover,
\nprovides a wealth of material for good filmmakers to produce
\nhigh-quality films.<\/p>\n
The question is one of priorities. The long-term option is to
\neducate the public and let most of the existing film industry,
\nthe theaters and television stations languish. The short-term
\noption is to give the public what it wants, pushing education to
\nrollick in the back row, and allow filmmakers and television
\nstations to flourish with the hope they will rehabilitate
\nthemselves.<\/p>\n
How the agreement among the six television networks will work
\nin practice is uncertain. However, the accord to curb sex and
\nviolence on our television screens may provide a welcome chance
\nfor the best Indonesian filmmakers to produce works that are at
\nleast on a par with China's great contemporary directors and
\nproducers. The talent exists among the young filmmakers we have
\nat present, there just needs to be a market.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/sex-and-violence-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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