In December the TNT channel unveiled a new drama about three middle-aged men. “Men of a Certain Age” stars veteran actors Ray Romano, Andr? Braugher, and Scott Bakula, wrestling with the struggles men face at the pivot of life and helping one another with an admirable friendship.
Bob WeathersMostly, it’s depicting men as men, strong but struggling. Yet, an implicit problem stares viewers in the face every time the show begins.
Since 1997 the Parental Guidelines ratings have been in effect for network and cable television. So when your favorite show comes on, a ratings reminder appears in the upper left-hand corner of your set letting you consider the content of the show you are about to view and whether it is appropriate for your kids. And when “Men of a Certain Age” blinks onto your screen, you are treated to the same announcement of content.
But ironically and no doubt unintentionally, the programmers defame the same men they are hoping to draw to the sofa to watch their program. The rating that pauses helpfully before you for this show is an MA rating, meaning this show is for mature audiences only. Underneath that rating is the usual subrating, offering a silent explanation for the primary rating. For “Men of a Certain Age,” the subrating is “L.” Language. According to the Parental Guidelines system, when attached to a primary rating of MA, the “L” means that this show contains “crude or indecent language.” Ripe profanity, that is.
So the writers and programmers want you to know, even before the first words are uttered, that these middle-aged males cannot converse without profanity. “Men of a Certain Age,” we are informed, communicate with foul language.
Being one of those angst-ridden men at the pivot of life, I’m insulted. Not only do I not need profanity to communicate, but also I’d prefer people didn’t stereotype men as so low-minded and language-deprived that they cannot talk without it.
Furthermore, as a man who has chosen to follow Christ, I have an obligation to take the high ground, even in my communication. Paul advised believers to weigh words carefully, use them wisely, and to avoid staining conversations with oral pollution (Ephesians 4:29, 5:4).
And that applies to all men. Of any age. Period.