Blog III: Ethical Questions

When cable TV became readily available, many networks developed practices and standards for their shows.  However, most networks applied these standards loosely, especially with cartoons. In the 70s, animators created cartoons outside the family arena.

One such feature was Ralph Bakshi's Fritz the Cat; the first X-rated animated feature based on R. Crumb's womanizing feline.   By the 80s, many animators buried satirical commentary in their shorts, eluding profit-minded executives.  Although the practice of placing hidden sexual meanings in cartoons started long before Disney, younger animators began taking advantage of cable television's freedom.

 Years later, certain viewers complained about the subversive messages contained in the cells.  For more than a decade, animators evaded scrutiny with double-meaning cleverness.  Finally, the televised rulers reviewed cartoons with surgical precision. It became clear that writers and animators story-boarded shows appealing more to adults than precocious children.

For this blog, you are to consider the concepts we discussed in Chapter IV regarding ethics.  Once you have finished pondering, you will draft your own standards and practices for whatever medium you want.  If you want to start a television network, then you discuss the content acceptable for airing.  You should have at least five standards.  Once you have finished your standards, discuss how rights, utility, and care apply to your standards and practices.  Do your terms take into account the audience for your medium?  Are you willing to make exceptions (like we discussed with care)?  Finally, discuss one ethical dilemma you might face once you establish your standard of practices.

Once again, good luck!