The idea of indecent or obscene materials is not a new concept by any means. I often wonder, however, how we know what crosses the line?  A vast majority of the storylines or advertisements seen in today’s society would not have been acceptable just a few decades ago. Sure, times change, but who decides what goes too far?  Sex, drugs and violence play a critical role in the media, including advertising, broadcast media and entertainment such as movies and video games. 
One of the most common and controversial aspects of advertising is using sexually appealing material to draw the attention of consumers. The Calvin Klein company is often ridiculed for their usage of sexual themes and models with a lack of clothes to, ironically, sell clothes. Complex magazine featured an article about a problem the company had in 2009. The controversy arose over a CK billboard in New York, featuring a topless woman and three men in a sexually suggestive situation. The ad gained national attention because it was placed in the middle of a bustling New York intersection where children were likely to see it. When it comes down to it, people generally find “the forbidden fruit” enticing. Adult-oriented businesses, such as gentleman’s clubs and adult video stores, have limits set on where they can advertise and what can be featured in the ads. For example, a club in a rural neighborhood might only be allowed to say “Cabaret,” while clubs in Las Vegas can advertise nudity with much looser regulations. Advertising, in general, is a medium that is controlled by consumers and as they say, “Sex sells.” But how does a company know what goes too far?Indecency runs rampant in the media as well, whether it is broadcast on television or portrayed in movies and video games. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is in charge of making sure neither indecency nor obscenity is broadcast over the air. They regulate both television and radio. The FCC has guidelines for what can be played at certain times, as well as what is inappropriate to air at all. You’ve probably noticed that many of the jokes, skits and storylines included in late-night programming would never be allowed to play at noon. Mistakes happen, of course, but they are not taken lightly. BBC News reported that in early 2010, Time-Warner Cable “accidentally aired segments from ‘Playboy TV’ over usual children’s programming.” They issued an apology, but a case is still pending. The FCC and numerous other organizations have made attempts at regulating the Internet as well, but this is nearly impossible. It’s not uncommon to find nearly anything you search for on the Internet, and even with mature content filters, many websites slip through the cracks.  Movies and video games have ratings now to help parents understand the issues depicted in the media their children obtain. The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) has a rating system that is regularly updated. PG-13 wasn’t added until 1964, while “X” was not replaced by NC-17 until 1990. The ratings establish what movies are appropriate for specific age ranges, from all ages to adults only. The Entertainment Software Rating Board has a similar set of rating for video games, which are often criticized for heavy crime, violence, sexual themes and drug use. Many people feel that when children play a video game, such as Grand Theft Auto, stealing cars for eight hours a day, they are more likely to go out and do it. Others feel that shooting enemies in a video game is a great way to release frustration without real-life violence. No matter which stance you take, having a rating system for both video games and movies plays a crucial part in monitoring media for consumers of all ages.Whether you believe that regulating obscene content is the job of the government, should be censored by an outside organization or is the obligation of a parent, you can be assured that steps are being taken to at least recognize and oversee what is available in today’s media. All that is certain is that attitudes will continue to change over time, and there’s no telling what we might see next.