Polly-Pablo
PG: There's a limit to how far we 'tone down'
by , 02-22-2011 at 10:38 PM (6123 Views)
This is my first blog entry, so I'd like to start off my saying hello and I hope that this isn't too bad of a read for you all (or those of you who wish to read this).
I've been a fan of Wrestling ever since I can remember. Along with my brother and sister, I've been an avid watcher right back to when we were old enough to hold a remote.
As a slightly less spritely 29 year old, I can proudly say that I can remember some of the best (and arguably better) eras in wrestling.
I could ponder on the 'good old days' all day long, but that's for another time.
The issue I wish to address right now is that of the new PG era that we are seeing in WWE right now (I will take the time to mention that I do not, and never have, watched TNA, therefore I do not feel that I am qualified to address TNA's position).
I understand the reasoning why VKM has introduced the PG era. I get that 'going PG' draws interest from the younger generations, those with parents that will relent to demands for merchandise and ring side seats.
I fully comprehend that this means extra dollars into the metaphorical pockets of the WWE. I know that PG is, more than likely, here to stay, regardless of the feelings of us 'older wrestling fans'. When all is said and done, we have to accept it and try to find enjoyment through the technical skills of the athletes - or if you like, 'superstars'.
My major bug-bear when it comes to PG is this:
Whilst 99% of the WWE programming now is PG friendly to the point that it has all but diluted the origins of WWE (or WCW, WWF as we remember it), every now and then there will be a point where WWE creative relax the reigns ever so slightly and we get flashes of the old WWE.
Case in point;
Both The Rock and Cena's promo's over the last two RAW shows.
Yes, the word 'ass' was used sparingly and yes John Cena did use the words 'blow me' in response to The Rock.
What grates on me is this. We, the long term fans, live for these moments at present. We literally light up whenever we get a flash back to the 'old days' and the way, in my personal opinion, we want the WWE to be.
So when I see comments posted on FB etc from the parents of younger fans berating WWE for thsese moments, I get a tad irate.
What I fail to comprehend is this: Wrestling is, and has always been, about (if you take it right back to the bare bones) someone wanting to beat the **** out of someone else. That, essentially, is what wrestling is.
So, let me get this straight. It is absolutely fine for you to let your children watch two grown men beat the living daylights out of each other to solve their differences, BUT, in no way are they to
a) see blood (because no blood is ever spilt during a fight right?)
b) hear obsenities ("gosh, darn that hurt" is usually the mantra when fighting)
c) hear insults that may contain references to certain parts of the anatomy
Letting children watch a sport where the sole purpose is to beat your opponent so badly that he/she can barely move is child friendly and not at all a promotion of violence, nor a bad example for your child, right?
So, when they get into a fight one day, or get sent home from school for fighting, you won't in any way see the connection between letting them watch WWE and their behaviour.
However, should they be heard to swear/curse at someone and, because The Rock, John Cena etc have said the word 'ass' , that will be the WWE's fault will it?
At some point we have to draw the line. Whilst I have an understanding on PG when it relates to marketing and money making, I fail to see why we must tone down, what has always essentially been an adult entertainment show.
If your child is not prepared for the things that he/she may see or hear when watching or attending these shows, don't let them watch and certainly don't take them to see one live.
If it's a child friendly show that you want your child to see, please take them to a PG movie, let them watch cartoons or introduce them to Disney.
Yes PG may be here to stay, but there comes a point when enough is enough. WWE was not made to be a childrens show - it's your call as a parent to understand that and make the decision on whether your child is old enough to handle that.
My apologies if I waffled on a bit, my sincerest apologies if I have offended anyone, but this is my view and my personal opinion. Please feel free to let me know your opinions, all are welcome.
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