Indecency

vs.

The media industry has changed greatly since the invention of the television.   We are beginning to see increasingly sexualized images on TV these days.  With the lines between porn and mainstream becoming more and more blurred, it is hard to decipher what is indecent and obscene in the media.  We, as a society, seem to become gradually normalized to images of sex and violence that constantly flood into our homes.  Early media moguls recognized the influence media can have over the public.  They needed a way to regulate the images being broadcast throughout society.   Production codes of censorship have become more lax over time.  The Production Code of1930, which lasted until 1968, required that programs involve no profanity, no lust or excessive kissing, no suggestive postures or interracial romance.

 Due to the rise of cable TV, these “indecencies” are now recognized as normal.  TV and movies are continually pushing the limits of graphic sex scenes.  Female nudity has become extremely common in media.  Yet, male nudity is almost unseen, but always assumed.  From “Game of Thrones” to “American Horror Story” sex scenes are essential to the episodes.  Usually, the women in these shows are depicted as sexual objects for men.   The female body has become hyper sexualized and expected to fit into an unrealistic beauty standard.  These shows are marketed not only to men, but to the women who seek to fulfill the fantasy they portray.  In conclusion, media has changed greatly since the 1930's.  We are seeing more sex, violence and objectification everyday.  Through this visibility comes normalization and validation.