Decency Standards

Definition

Decency standards refer to the set of guidelines and regulations that govern what is considered appropriate content in film and media, particularly in terms of language, violence, and sexual content. These standards have evolved over time, often influenced by societal norms and values, and play a significant role in censorship cases where films face scrutiny regarding their adherence to these norms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Decency standards were formalized in the early 20th century, with various local and national boards established to enforce them across the United States.
2. The Hays Code, introduced in 1930, was one of the first comprehensive systems to enforce decency standards in American cinema, setting strict guidelines on acceptable content.
3. Films that violated decency standards faced potential bans or required edits to receive approval for public screenings, impacting their commercial success.
4. Public outcry and changing social attitudes have led to the relaxation and modification of decency standards over the decades, particularly during the counterculture movements of the 1960s.
5. Landmark Supreme Court cases, such as Miller v. California (1973), have helped define the legal boundaries of decency standards by establishing a test for obscenity that considers community standards.

Review Questions

• How have decency standards evolved over time in relation to societal norms?
  • Decency standards have changed significantly as societal values have shifted. For example, what was deemed unacceptable in the early 20th century may be viewed as normal today. The introduction of the Hays Code reflected conservative societal values at the time, while later decades saw more progressive attitudes allowing for greater expression in film. These shifts have influenced how films are created and received by audiences.
• Evaluate the impact of the MPAA rating system on filmmakers and their adherence to decency standards.
  • The MPAA rating system has a significant impact on filmmakers as it provides a framework within which they must operate to reach their intended audience. Filmmakers often tailor content to avoid restrictive ratings that could limit box office potential. This creates a balancing act between artistic expression and commercial viability, as filmmakers may alter language, violence, or sexual content to meet decency standards set forth by the MPAA.
• Assess the implications of landmark censorship cases on the interpretation of decency standards in American cinema.
  • Landmark censorship cases have crucial implications for how decency standards are interpreted within American cinema. For instance, Miller v. California established a clearer legal framework for determining obscenity based on community standards. This ruling not only shaped the legal landscape surrounding censorship but also influenced filmmakers' approaches to content creation. As a result, these cases highlight the ongoing tension between freedom of expression and societal norms regarding decency.

Related terms

Censorship: The suppression or prohibition of speech, public communication, or other information based on the belief that such material is harmful, sensitive, or objectionable.

MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America): An organization that administers a film rating system to provide guidance on content suitability for different audiences, influencing decency standards in film.

First Amendment: The constitutional amendment that protects freedom of speech, which is often at the center of debates surrounding decency standards and censorship in film.