Earlier generations went to see what was forbidden in life and developed a real excitement about the movies. Today's rating system keeps kids out of the good ones. I wouldn't want them to see movies like Natural Born Killers, but my tendency is you're better off seeing things than not. That glazed indifference kids develop can be worse than over-excitement.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Ratings systems protect kids from mature content but may create indifference rather than engagement.
- In plain terms
- Keeping kids out of movies might make them less interested overall.
- What can you take from it?
- Restrictions can lead to apathy instead of curiosity.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Does restriction breed apathy?
- How to engage kids?
Another view
Some content is genuinely harmful for children.
More from Pauline Kael
Goodman: Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Kael: I hate it. It is very creepy being imitated.
Permalink to quote #50 Moviemaking is so male-dominated now that they think they're being pro-feminine when they have women punching each other out.
Permalink to quote #52 If you can't make fun of bad movies on serious subjects, what's the point?
Permalink to quote #49
Related quotes
Please note that Wikiquote articles should contain quotations. To contribute encyclopedic information, please go to the corresponding Wikipedia H.D article and…
Hilda DoolittleHilda Doolittle quote #1 All the network cares about is how many times you say 'Fuck' on the air.
Mick JaggerMick Jagger quote #3 Eleven dead bodies. One dead cat. No breasts.
Joe Bob BriggsJoe Bob Briggs quote #7