Fox's 'Family Guy' goes too far; file a complaint with the FCC

[Jennifer_J]

Don’t complain, don’t write the FCC… if you don’t agree with it, turn it off, don’t watch it. That is how capitalism works. No ratings, no big commercials, no money, show goes off the air… it’s that simple.

However I would steer clear of judging others on this board or anywhere else though. God knows our hearts and our actions and more importantly our WHYS. There are definitely thing we all can agree on that are sinful, but other areas are gray and what is right for you might not be right for someone else.

Joe

I’m quite allowed to judge other’s actions. This show is not redeeming an ANY way. None. Period. There is no way a Christian should watch this show. None. Period. Can you choose to, certainly. But you have to stop complaining about the moral decay of society if you do, because you are helping it along. TURN OFF THE TV.

 

[whatevergirl]

I’m quite allowed to judge other’s actions. This show is not redeeming an ANY way. None. Period. There is no way a Christian should watch this show. None. Period. Can you choose to, certainly. But you have to stop complaining about the moral decay of society if you do, because you are helping it along. TURN OFF THE TV.

Amen.

Someone said here this isn’t anything to worry over with all the other attacks against us, the Church, etc…(I’m paraphrasing) The thing is, this is just another thing that adds to it. There are blatant attacks on the Church, but the evil one is insidious, and loves when he gets us to grow immune to people mocking us. Just food for thought.

 

[edwest2]

When you advocate for censorship from the government then you are treading in dangerous waters. Do you really want to increase the government’s (unconstitutional) power to decide what is offensive and what is not? Will you still feel that way when the government tells you that EWTN is offensive? Or instead of the government maybe you want the majority to decide. Catholics are not the majority. What about when the majority decides that EWTN is offensive?

If I may suggest a more effective solution: change the channel. Write (or call, or email) to Fox and its advertisers and let them know that their programming is offensive and you are going to try to hurt their pocketbooks until they change it, but please don’t call in the government.

I encourage all Catholics to make the Federal Government aware of our grievances. Go to www.fcc.gov We are American citizens who have a right and duty to complain. We have the duty to point out that sick, perverted and anti-Christian commentary has no place on television, especially when it’s labeled as entertainment.

We must realize that if we do not complain, it can be truthfully said that this sort of filth did not bother anyone. That more sick and perverted TV programs will be created.

Be polite and state your reasons for complaining clearly.

Peace,
Ed

 

[edwest2]

That is how Donald Wildman’s group works though. He is the person who complained and got the FCC to ban certain words from the radio back in the 70s rather than changing the channel.

He was also pictured on the front of the LA Time degrading a man dressed a Christ while trying to make the point that the movie, “The Last Temptation of Christ” was doing that… what do you think the millions of non-christians who only saw that front page and didn’t read the story thought?

I would steer clear of the AFA, most of them don’t believe we are “saved” anyway in their book and they advocate witnessing to us. Why? Because rather than taking the time to LISTEN to what people are saying and find out the truth, they would rather just protest and believe what they believe. Who needs the truth when you believe you are always right?

Me personally my sons know to turn off Family Guy, South Park and all that stuff. Even though they are young I have worked hard to teach them about freedom and censorship. It’s on because some people may want to watch it but we chose not to, I give them a lot of leeway in other areas for their age and thus far they have always respected my decisions because I actually take the time to explain it.

That is what America needs more than protests to the FCC or boycotting McDonalds, Ford or whoever happens to advertise in a publication targeted at a group we disagree with. If people took the time to discuss difficult subjects with their kids, it would matter if our secular society allowed gay marriage, condoms in school etc… We have responsibilities as parents. Spamming notes over the net in disagreements to topics won’t teach your children or others anything.

Joe

“some people may want to watch”? “we chose not to”?

Dad to child: Now Timmy. You just have to accept that there are sick, twisted, morally perverted TV programs out there, but we can’t keep other people from not watching them if we choose not to. We have to respect their freedom… of choice… because they enjoy thinking perverted thoughts and may even enjoy doing perverted things. And even though TV programs like Family Guy may encourage them and even make them feel better about actually engaging in perverted acts, we should respect their right to be perverts or at least to be entertained by perversion.

Child: Dad? Will you be teaching me about right and wrong or is everything going to be vague and relativistic?

Peace,
Ed

 

[Thunderbird]

I used to watch Family Guy many moons ago… and I stopped, not because of any particular grievance against their jokes (although as I do recall, I did feel like they went too far by making a joke of so-called ‘dumpster babies’… no, you don’t wanna know), but plain and simple they kind of stopped being funny.

The people that have said FG is an equal opportunity offender though was absolutely correct, though. I’ve seen them trash everyone from the Jews to the average stupid American voter. I’ve only seen a few jokes that pertain specifically to Catholics and really they weren’t all that bad. Mostly, when he pokes at Christianity, it’s aimed specifically at the rabid Evangelical Jesus Campers…which is pretty much who this episode was directed at.

How many Catholic Straight Camps are there? None, right? They’re mostly run by the rabid Evangelicals…which makes me think that the quip about God ‘hating everyone but most of all homosexuals’ was more a commentary on their skewed view of God than any snipe on Him.

I’ve read somewhere that Seth is a so-called “Ex-Catholic.” Maybe one day he’ll have a direct conversion experience similar to that of Anne Rice’s? That’s what I’m hoping for.

Edit to add: As for all this nonsense about bringing in the FCC and having FG canceled… Well, be careful with that…it could prove to be a far slippery slope than you anticipate.

 

[Epistemes]

.

Someone said here this isn’t anything to worry over with all the other attacks against us, the Church, etc…(I’m paraphrasing) The thing is, this is just another thing that adds to it. There are blatant attacks on the Church, but the evil one is insidious, and loves when he gets us to grow immune to people mocking us. Just food for thought.

I’m having a difficult time understanding how this particular episode specifically targets Catholic Christians and the Catholic Church. I only saw one scene where Jesus was presumably mocked – the scene wherein it is said that ‘Jesus hates gays’ – but, to reemphasize my earlier point, when there are “Christians” who will freely wave “God hates fags” placards, I see such a comment targeting *this *group of people and not specifically the Catholic Church. (BTW, “God hates fags” placards are even more of a mockery of God and Church than this episode since such placards and banners attempt to state an absolute truth, while this episode is clearly satirical…of the whole homosexual problem. I mean, c’mon, being vaccinated with a gay gene? If you fail to see the satire in that, then…well…I don’t know…)

 

[whatevergirl]

Oh, I didn’t watch the episode, sorry. I’m just speaking in generalities, that this show and others seem to project–mocking of Christ, etc…

Shows like this have an audience. Catholics shouldn’t be the audience, that’s really more of my point. If we are to complain about the media, why would we pull up a chair, make a bowl of popcorn, and laugh our heads off watching this garbage. I really do have a sense of humor…I just never ever find the humor in mocking gays, religious groups, God, priests, etc…etc…

I don’t find mocking God in particular, funny. It’s our culture though…we are so used to being mocked, and mocking others…that it’s now called…entertainment.

Sorry, we don’t agree…I don’t think it’s worth watching.

 

[whatevergirl]

Here’s the thing…shows like this make it VERY easy for the Bill Mahers and Michael Moores of the world to have a mouthpiece. Seriously. You might say…oh now those two are different.

Not really. They are serious in their hatred of Christians, Christ, etc…albeit the humor comes across more sophisticated.

I think that we put a different label on cartoons, because cartoons are often thought of as funny, lighthearted, silly…etc. Yeah, Scooby Doo and the Flintstones were funny, and innocent. FG and SP and others like it are not different when you peel back the layers, than Bill Maher & Company.

 

[baylee]

I’m quite allowed to judge other’s actions. This show is not redeeming an ANY way. None. Period. There is no way a Christian should watch this show. None. Period. Can you choose to, certainly. But you have to stop complaining about the moral decay of society if you do, because you are helping it along. TURN OFF THE TV.

What sins do Christians commit by watching this show Jennifer?

 

[happymommy]

What sins do Christians commit by watching this show Jennifer?

I can’t speak for Jennifer, but I think of the children’s song, “be careful little eyes what you see, for the Father up above, is looking down in love, so be careful little eyes what you see”! It goes on to say to be careful what you hear, what you say.
I think we should keep our eyes on Christ and do what is pleasing to Him. Now, He want’s us to enjoy life and there are many ways to do this, without watching filth and listening to vulgar language. Sadly, this has become entertainment! I can’t imagine them making fun of anyone is pleasing to God!

 

[Epistemes]

Here’s the thing…shows like this make it VERY easy for the Bill Mahers and Michael Moores of the world to have a mouthpiece. Seriously. You might say…oh now those two are different.

Not really. They are serious in their hatred of Christians, Christ, etc…albeit the humor comes across more sophisticated.

I think that we put a different label on cartoons, because cartoons are often thought of as funny, lighthearted, silly…etc. Yeah, Scooby Doo and the Flintstones were funny, and innocent. FG and SP and others like it are not different when you peel back the layers, than Bill Maher & Company.

If our agenda is going to be to get people to quit persecuting the Church, then I say good luck with that. The Church would not be the Church without persecution.

If our agenda is to create a morally stable environment for ourselves and our children, then I think it’s clear what our options are: watch EWTN, and stay away from nearly everything else.

Cartoons *are *funny, but I think it’s been evident for many generations (since, at least, Beetle Bailey) that cartoons are not always innocent. I’m of the opinion that there’s more truth in comedy than in a serious tragedy. FG and SP are raising issues about the secular world which we Catholics are shrinking away from for the fear that our own homes will be affected by immorality, as if we, ourselves, are not conscientious enough to know what kind of life the Spirit calls us to. Reality check: according to the March 9 issue of USA Today, irreligion and atheism is on the rise in the states. Blame this solely on mouthpieces such as Maher, Moore, FG or SP, but what have *you *done as a Catholic to combat this trend other than shirk the issues, turn off the television, and hide in your prayer closet?

I don’t mean to direct this so personally at you, whatevergirl, but to anyone who may be reading this post.

Writing the FCC can seem proactive, but it only ends up pissing people off, such as the people at the FCC who think we can do their jobs more effectively than they. (Perhaps we could – and if we think we can, then I urge such a one to submit his resume with three letters of recommendation.) Be a light of Christ, offer commentary on things you see directly wrong about FG or SP. For example, “Well, I disapproved of the scene in last night’s Family Guy when they tried to spoof domestic violence because, ya know, this is a real issue in many relationships, and I don’t think domestic violence is ever funny.” This is more effective than, “Well, I hear FG is bad, so I don’t think you should watch it.”

 

[Jennifer_J]

What sins do Christians commit by watching this show Jennifer?

Scandal. Obscenity. Mocking of people. See below for more…

Now, can you name 1 redeeming quality about the show?

scborromeo.org/ccc/p3s1c1a8.htm#1849
<<II. THE DEFINITION OF SIN

1849 Sin is an offense against reason, truth, and right conscience; it is failure in genuine love for God and neighbor caused by a perverse attachment to certain goods. It wounds the nature of man and injures human solidarity. It has been defined as "an utterance, a deed, or a desire contrary to the eternal law."121

1850 Sin is an offense against God: "Against you, you alone, have I sinned, and done that which is evil in your sight."122 Sin sets itself against God’s love for us and turns our hearts away from it. Like the first sin, it is disobedience, a revolt against God through the will to become "like gods,"123 knowing and determining good and evil. Sin is thus "love of oneself even to contempt of God."124 In this proud self- exaltation, sin is diametrically opposed to the obedience of Jesus, which achieves our salvation.125

1851 It is precisely in the Passion, when the mercy of Christ is about to vanquish it, that sin most clearly manifests its violence and its many forms: unbelief, murderous hatred, shunning and mockery by the leaders and the people, Pilate’s cowardice and the cruelty of the soldiers, Judas’ betrayal - so bitter to Jesus, Peter’s denial and the disciples’ flight. However, at the very hour of darkness, the hour of the prince of this world,126 the sacrifice of Christ secretly becomes the source from which the forgiveness of our sins will pour forth inexhaustibly.

III. THE DIFFERENT KINDS OF SINS

1852 There are a great many kinds of sins. Scripture provides several lists of them. The Letter to the Galatians contrasts the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit: "Now the works of the flesh are plain: fornication, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, anger, selfishness, dissension, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and the like. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things shall not inherit the Kingdom of God."127

1853 Sins can be distinguished according to their objects, as can every human act; or according to the virtues they oppose, by excess or defect; or according to the commandments they violate. They can also be classed according to whether they concern God, neighbor, or oneself; they can be divided into spiritual and carnal sins, or again as sins in thought, word, deed, or omission. The root of sin is in the heart of man, in his free will, according to the teaching of the Lord: "For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a man."128 But in the heart also resides charity, the source of the good and pure works, which sin wounds.>>

<<1863 Venial sin weakens charity; it manifests a disordered affection for created goods; it impedes the soul’s progress in the exercise of the virtues and the practice of the moral good; it merits temporal punishment. Deliberate and unrepented venial sin disposes us little by little to commit mortal sin. However venial sin does not break the covenant with God. With God’s grace it is humanly reparable. "Venial sin does not deprive the sinner of sanctifying grace, friendship with God, charity, and consequently eternal happiness."134

While he is in the flesh, man cannot help but have at least some light sins. But do not despise these sins which we call “light”: if you take them for light when you weigh them, tremble when you count them. A number of light objects makes a great mass; a number of drops fills a river; a number of grains makes a heap. What then is our hope? Above all, confession.135
1864 "Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven."136 There are no limits to the mercy of God, but anyone who deliberately refuses to accept his mercy by repenting, rejects the forgiveness of his sins and the salvation offered by the Holy Spirit.137 Such hardness of heart can lead to final impenitence and eternal loss. >>

<<1868 Sin is a personal act. Moreover, we have a responsibility for the sins committed by others when we cooperate in them:

• by participating directly and voluntarily in them;
• by ordering, advising, praising, or approving them;
• by not disclosing or not hindering them when we have an obligation to do so;
• by protecting evil-doers.

1869 Thus sin makes men accomplices of one another and causes concupiscence, violence, and injustice to reign among them. Sins give rise to social situations and institutions that are contrary to the divine goodness. “Structures of sin” are the expression and effect of personal sins. They lead their victims to do evil in their turn. In an analogous sense, they constitute a "social sin."144 >>

 

[whatevergirl]

If our agenda is going to be to get people to quit persecuting the Church, then I say good luck with that. The Church would not be the Church without persecution.

If our agenda is to create a morally stable environment for ourselves and our children, then I think it’s clear what our options are: watch EWTN, and stay away from nearly everything else.

Cartoons *are *funny, but I think it’s been evident for many generations (since, at least, Beetle Bailey) that cartoons are not always innocent. I’m of the opinion that there’s more truth in comedy than in a serious tragedy. FG and SP are raising issues about the secular world which we Catholics are shrinking away from for the fear that our own homes will be affected by immorality, as if we, ourselves, are not conscientious enough to know what kind of life the Spirit calls us to. Reality check: according to the March 9 issue of USA Today, irreligion and atheism is on the rise in the states. Blame this solely on mouthpieces such as Maher, Moore, FG or SP, but what have *you *done as a Catholic to combat this trend other than shirk the issues, turn off the television, and hide in your prayer closet?

I don’t mean to direct this so personally at you, whatevergirl, but to anyone who may be reading this post.

Writing the FCC can seem proactive, but it only ends up pissing people off, such as the people at the FCC who think we can do their jobs more effectively than they. (Perhaps we could – and if we think we can, then I urge such a one to submit his resume with three letters of recommendation.) Be a light of Christ, offer commentary on things you see directly wrong about FG or SP. For example, “Well, I disapproved of the scene in last night’s Family Guy when they tried to spoof domestic violence because, ya know, this is a real issue in many relationships, and I don’t think domestic violence is ever funny.” This is more effective than, "Well, I hear FG is bad, so I don’t think you should watch it."

Um, I thought I was doing that. I don’t plan to write the FCC, and I said that we as Christians should stop watching this garbage.

 

[whatevergirl]

If our agenda is going to be to get people to quit persecuting the Church, then I say good luck with that. The Church would not be the Church without persecution.

If our agenda is to create a morally stable environment for ourselves and our children, then I think it’s clear what our options are: watch EWTN, and stay away from nearly everything else.

Cartoons *are *funny, but I think it’s been evident for many generations (since, at least, Beetle Bailey) that cartoons are not always innocent. I’m of the opinion that there’s more truth in comedy than in a serious tragedy. FG and SP are raising issues about the secular world which we Catholics are shrinking away from for the fear that our own homes will be affected by immorality, as if we, ourselves, are not conscientious enough to know what kind of life the Spirit calls us to. Reality check: according to the March 9 issue of USA Today, irreligion and atheism is on the rise in the states. Blame this solely on mouthpieces such as Maher, Moore, FG or SP, but what have *you *done as a Catholic to combat this trend other than shirk the issues, turn off the television, and hide in your prayer closet?

I don’t mean to direct this so personally at you, whatevergirl, but to anyone who may be reading this post.

Writing the FCC can seem proactive, but it only ends up pissing people off, such as the people at the FCC who think we can do their jobs more effectively than they. (Perhaps we could – and if we think we can, then I urge such a one to submit his resume with three letters of recommendation.) Be a light of Christ, offer commentary on things you see directly wrong about FG or SP. For example, “Well, I disapproved of the scene in last night’s Family Guy when they tried to spoof domestic violence because, ya know, this is a real issue in many relationships, and I don’t think domestic violence is ever funny.” This is more effective than, “Well, I hear FG is bad, so I don’t think you should watch it.”

So, you watch it because…??? I don’t hide in a prayer closet (I realize this isn’t directed at me, but you are saying it to me) and I think a first step, is stop praising shows that devalue our faith, and God. Stop watching them. Stop buying from the advertisers of these shows, and on and on…

 

[whatevergirl]

Imagine if Jesus came for dinner…would we turn on Family Guy after dinner and tell Him how funny it is?

I doubt it.

 

[edwest2]

If our agenda is going to be to get people to quit persecuting the Church, then I say good luck with that. The Church would not be the Church without persecution.

If our agenda is to create a morally stable environment for ourselves and our children, then I think it’s clear what our options are: watch EWTN, and stay away from nearly everything else.

Cartoons *are *funny, but I think it’s been evident for many generations (since, at least, Beetle Bailey) that cartoons are not always innocent. I’m of the opinion that there’s more truth in comedy than in a serious tragedy. FG and SP are raising issues about the secular world which we Catholics are shrinking away from for the fear that our own homes will be affected by immorality, as if we, ourselves, are not conscientious enough to know what kind of life the Spirit calls us to. Reality check: according to the March 9 issue of USA Today, irreligion and atheism is on the rise in the states. Blame this solely on mouthpieces such as Maher, Moore, FG or SP, but what have *you *done as a Catholic to combat this trend other than shirk the issues, turn off the television, and hide in your prayer closet?

I don’t mean to direct this so personally at you, whatevergirl, but to anyone who may be reading this post.

Writing the FCC can seem proactive, but it only ends up pissing people off, such as the people at the FCC who think we can do their jobs more effectively than they. (Perhaps we could – and if we think we can, then I urge such a one to submit his resume with three letters of recommendation.) Be a light of Christ, offer commentary on things you see directly wrong about FG or SP. For example, “Well, I disapproved of the scene in last night’s Family Guy when they tried to spoof domestic violence because, ya know, this is a real issue in many relationships, and I don’t think domestic violence is ever funny.” This is more effective than, “Well, I hear FG is bad, so I don’t think you should watch it.”

“what have you done as a Catholic” ? Do you think talking to others about Christ will have no effect on them and their entertainment choices?

When I send an e-mail to the FCC, I am not telling them I can do their job better than them, I am telling them: there is offensive programming out there. Just becuse the network allows it, just because sponsors pay for it — does not make it good or wholesome or acceptable or normal.

What Catholics have got to realize is that compared to cartoons from the 1960s, Family Guy is totally anti-God and anti-functional family. There is no “truth” in it. It needs to be called what it is - sick. But too many Catholics have gradually been poisoned by the “Hey. It’s just a cartoon. Or, hey, you can just turn it off.”

Reality check: Too many Catholics are living like pagans. Too many Catholics have accepted too much secular nonsense and are living by it.

Being proactive means re-evangelizing the United States, including internet forums like this one. All Catholics should know that “Family Guy” is not just a bad choice for Catholics but a bad choice for everyone. And the Federal Government needs to hear from us as well. We are citizens and we have the right and duty to speak up.

Peace,
Ed

 

[whatevergirl]

“what have you done as a Catholic” ? Do you think talking to others about Christ will have no effect on them and their entertainment choices?

When I send an e-mail to the FCC, I am not telling them I can do their job better than them, I am telling them: there is offensive programming out there. Just becuse the network allows it, just because sponsors pay for it — does not make it good or wholesome or acceptable or normal.

What Catholics have got to realize is that compared to cartoons from the 1960s, Family Guy is totally anti-God and anti-functional family. There is no “truth” in it. It needs to called what it is - sick. But too many Catholics have gradually been poisoned by the “Hey. It’s just a cartoon. Or, hey, you can just turn it off.”

Reality check: Too many Catholics are living like pagans. Too many Catholics have accepted too much secular nonsense and are living by it.

Being proactive means re-evangelizing the United States, including internet forums like this one. All Catholics should know that “Family Guy” is not just a bad choice for Catholics but a bad choice for everyone. And the Federal Government needs to hear from us as well. We are citizens and we have the right and duty to speak up.

Peace,
Ed

 

[whatevergirl]

Please refer your questions to me, over to edwest, since he and I are on the same page. Thank you.

:aok:

 

[whatevergirl]

And I’m not judging anyone…I am not that way…it’s good that we’re talking about this, and that we’re getting our thoughts on it, because as Catholics…we should try to help each other to achieve a greater degree of holiness…we need to have more dialogue like this with each other here, and out in the offline world!

 

[edwest2]

Thanks.

Ed