One of the most unfathomably boneheaded policies of the MPAA ratings boards is its position that a PG-13 film can have one or two uses of the f-word as long as it does not refer to sex.

Even a PhD in semiotics could not make sense of that rule.  Either the word is fit for the ears of middle schoolers or it isn’t.  If it is, it makes no sense to allow it to be used in a hostile or threatening way but not in reference to its actual meaning.  If it isn’t, then allowing it once or twice is too much.

Now it appears that the MPAA has a new survey on the topic, which the ratings board cited in ruling against a  PG-13 rating for the documentary, “Bully,” but which they have not released.

Parents and educators who would like to share their views on this subject with the MPAA can reach them here:

Joan Graves,
MPAA Ratings Board
15301 Ventura Blvd., Building E
Sherman Oaks, California 91403
(818) 995-6600