Vote for good TV sex
July 27, 2005
Most liberals like to think of sexual content on television as the pet cause for moral prigs -- or just parents and politicians with way too much time on their hands. But here is a great example of how progressives can and should work to shape the ways in which TV portrays adolescent sexuality. The Los Angeles-based Media Project works with Hollywood to ensure that TV series portray accurate and responsible sexual health information, be it homosexuality or safe sex.
Where conservatives inundate the FCC and networks with letters calling for censorship, the project's Take PART initiative fights back by encouraging viewers to support good sexual content:
The Media Project's Take PART initiative provides an alternative voice to conservative watchdog groups that are waging campaigns advocating that the FCC censor sexual health content on television, threatening shows' right to free speech. Take PART provides parents and youth alike the opportunity to send an e-mail of support to the FCC and the networks in recognition of shows that take on difficult issues related to sexuality and do so in a responsible manner. In just a short time, Take PART has provided viewers the chance to voice support for shows such as ER, Law and Order: SVU, The Bernie Mac Show, 8 Simple Rules, Judging Amy, and One Tree Hill.In other words, it's a great example of affirmative, positive action that goes beyond just opposing the rightwing agenda. If you are not convinced, just check out this impressive list of scenes from TV shows that promote the right kind of message about sexuality.
