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Family Guy

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Submitted By robertg530
Words 583
Pages 3
Leanne Westphal
Humanities 70 Contemporary Television
2 April 2016

Offended Much?
Sick, twisted and politically incorrect seems to be the special brew for the hit animated series Family Guy. In this essay the author writes about the balance between humorous and offensive and the fine line the writers walk to create humor. I like to think this animated show has found that balance for its viewers.

Family Guy has been under fire by many groups of people over the years for its taste and indecency. Groups from the Parents Television Council to the Venezuelan Government have filed complaints with the FCC regarding the content of episodes and also have banned the series completely from airing in their country. This series has many groups of people up in arms for the way it has carried its motto of “The show is an equal-opportunity offender” (Sarah Palin vs. Family Guy: Seth MacFarlane Responds (sort Of).Web. 02 Apr. 2016.).

I have watched this show numerous times but I would not call myself a dedicated viewer. I find the show to be humorous and tune in to get a laugh when needed. It’s an animated series that I would never take serious nor would it ever offend me. It’s a TV show plain and simple. There are far more issues in this world to take on that would be far more productive for these groups other than trying to bring down a show that parents can change the channel to. The ability of the writers to bring humor into life situations I feel is amazing. When did we stop being able to laugh at ourselves? When did everything become so offensive? I think it is great every group has a voice to speak about anything they feel at any given time. That is what this country is about. If you do not like what that group or message is sending we also have the right to not listen or change the channel. Not once have I ever heard the creators of Family Guy pretend to be full of family values and they have always pushed the envelope when it comes to good taste.

After reading the essay, doing research and reflecting on the topic it has not changed the way I view TV nor has it affected my TV experience in any way. I take television for what it is, a story being told from the eyes of another.

There has always been an unofficial ban on joking about certain things. Some like the 9/11 event or the ISIS attacks. The list now a day’s seems to grow larger and larger. I am not at all insensitive to others feelings or rights. When it comes to TV programing we all have the power to decide what we want to watch and what we don’t want to watch. What I do find offensive is these groups who think they need to speak for the masses. Are there things that should be off-limits to comedy? How far is too far? How soon is too soon? If we see something offensive, should we protest, or just change the channel? If it offends me I choose to change the channel.

Works Cited 1. Family Guy - Family Guy on FOX. Web. 02 Apr. 2016.

2. “The show is an equal-opportunity offender” (Sarah Palin vs. Family Guy: Seth MacFarlane Responds (sort Of).Web. 02 Apr. 2016.). 3. Parents Television Council- Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Web. 02 Apr. 2016.

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