Monday, August 20, 2012

Is Ignorance Bliss?

For the most past, I avoid pop culture. The movies, the music, the TV shows. Seems to be working ok. I am clueless at party conversations, but know I am not missing anything that would be important to me. Yet last week, I got a red box hit movie. After 10 minutes of the movie, my husband said "Let's go to bed. This is bad. It's not going to get any better." And for some unknown reason I gave away 2 hours of my life to watch Hangover. Why? I still have no idea. But I have been thinking about that movie ever since and feeling sad that human life was downgraded in what I think was supposed to be amusing. Not one character felt respect for themselves or anyone else and the movie was their constant search for something. And they conclude it is alcohol, drugs and wild sex..more and more and more of it. Of course they keep searching, it is in our hearts to search. And settling for less than God will keep us searching. I realize if I didn't like what I was watching I could simply turn it off. But I didn't turn it off, I watched to gain some idea of what our society promotes and saw the multitude of forces working against the sanctity of life. A main character said mocking a monk's vows of silence and chastity is always funny. I asked my college kids if they saw the movie. They did. I didn't want the middle school kids to know we even patronized it, but they saw the box. They then told me their friends talk about that movie and did we think it was funny too? What? That can't be! I know their friend's parents. They wait at the bus stop with their kids and do their science projects and serve on councils for school and church, and they are ok with young teens or anyone watching this movie?  If we condone a movie where the main character has a moment of conscience and says I cannot live with myself  and the other character reminds him to just put it out of your mind and never think about it again...what kind of society are encouraging? Why are people paying money to watch movies like this?  My son said no one thought about this movie, it was just a silly stupid movie and probably wasn't for my age group anyway. Oh, ok. Now I get it! On the other hand we took our family to see For His Greater Glory, the story of Mexican saints and their willingness to sacrifice their lives for the religion they loved. How inspiring!  I want that faith. That perspective. That trust. That knowledge. Those martyrs found the something greater than themselves, and it was worth dying for. I think I saw in this movie bliss, formed in trust and faith and saw in Hangover the desperation of a life where nothing is sacred. I know I am not missing anything in pop culture.
Posted by Annmarie Pipa at 5:11 PM

74 comments:

  1. It sounds like you saw the sequal. hangover two....I not only cant believe that they made a suqual, but that I watched both....what a waste of time :(

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  3. There has definitely been a dumbing down and a complete erasing of common decency. I LOVe a good comedy, but what's out there now on tv and in theaters is pure garbage.
    Great post!
    Blessings, Joanne

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  4. i'm so not a fan of the Hangover movies at all

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  5. I finally gave way and rented this movie about 2 months ago. I can not believe I sat through it. It was not funny in the least. I would have to say that "Bridesmaids" was almost as bad. I know there are plenty of people who find these movies fun to watch. Maybe I am just getting too old for that kind of humor. I think I would much rather take ignorance than to waste time on these kinds of movies.

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  6. The very reason I don't pay much attention to what is coming out of Hollywood!! We are a decaying society and I'm afraid for the future. Maybe that's why I hide out in Northern Wisconsin, I am in the middle of reading 'The Harbenger' by Jonathan Cahn. Some real food for thought.

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  7. Muffy hit the nail on the head for me "We are a decaying society "...I avoid pop culture and am bemused by those who think it is the norm. I'm considered odd but I'd rather remain odd than take part in something that doesn't agree with who I am.
    Jane x

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  8. I agree. Most of what there is out there now is really stupid. We are careful on what comes into the house and what we spend our money on and always, always, always have talks with our boys about how we can live better...sometimes it helps to use stupid characters as sometimes they mirror the great heros of the Bible at times...and yet, God used them too. That sometimes scares me.

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  9. I do not know half of the Hollywood crowd..thankfully we never get to parties because I would just have to change the subject, a lot.

    This is a sad state that there are few movies that we have to choose from that are uplifting and have a good moral message! xo

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  11. I didn't watch the movie but I am finding less and less movies that appeal to me...that I want to spend my time watching. It is sad that there are so many that have no quality message to them. You said a mouthful here- xo Diana

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  12. I agree it was a silly, stupid movie that didn't make much sense at all and i won't be watching the sequel either.

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  14. Haven't watched any TV for the last six years, reading mostly the headlines of newspaper while passing a newsstand. Reading mostly books with a content older than 500 years, and still wonder why all feels to current.

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  15. I’m going to disagree…hear me out…hate me at the end if you feel like it:

    Eeek, I guess I should feel bad, but I thought the first Hangover was really funny. Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t a great movie and it isn’t among my favs…but for what it was, a bro-comedy…it wasn’t bad. Every movie has a target audience and a target genre. The goal of the movie wasn’t to be inspiring and it was never advertised as such. The goal of the movie is fun escapism geared toward 20 something’s who are still living off of Ramen noodles and Take-out.

    That doesn’t mean that all movies out there right now aren’t worth watching. You’re just looking in the wrong genre. For you, I’d recommend movies such as the King’s Speech, How to Train Your Dragon, Up, or even the Artist.

    If you want to watch some oldie but goodies, try Shawshank Redemption, Casablanca, Ben-Hur, E.T., or Lawrence of Arabia.

    My point is, you can’t go into a horror film and expect a romantic comedy. You can’t go into a bro-comedy and expect an inspiring film. If you do, you’ll be disappointed every time. I’m thinking those that went to see and enjoyed the Hanover are not likely the same people that went out to see Ice Age (unless of course you have a movie crazy hubby like me…in which case you basically watch every type of film there is out there – Netflix is my friend). There is a place in pop culture for most genres (and most tastes)…it’s just a matter of picking the right one to match your preferences.

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  16. I have not been "to the movies" since I think Harry Potter and we only went to stand in line because that's what we used to do and to support our local theater who struggles to keep his doors open. We watch little tv...ESPN, cooking and gardening shows.

    Yesterday I walked in and hubs was watching HeeHaw and laughing out loud wondering if I thought it was funny...sometimes I catch him watching Lawrence Welk...

    please let me stress here...we are considered very cool in our circle and those of our kids...at least I think we are

    I bet you are too, and I think it's not a bad thing to see what kind of trash is going into our society

    I wonder about what Robert (above) said...will what's getting produced now ever be 500 years old?

    Thanks to you I'm now reading about the mystics..and so intrigued...so you do have influence!

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  17. While it is smart and savvy to know what's going on in today's culture so we can, as Christians, be able to battle it, immersing ourselves in it is not healthy. You convey a powerful message here regarding the endless searching in today's society to fill the void that only the Savior can. The world is in a sad state of affairs.
    But, as Christians, we are to be in the world, but not of it. May we always be outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace to the lost ones who so need God's love.
    Blessings, Annmarie!

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  18. I didn't end up seeing that one, now I know I'm not missing much :)

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  19. Most of the movies seem to be twisted or dumb. No good classics..they make movies and churn them out for the money. I watch a lot of the old movies. My Frank watched for His Greater Glory and it touched him spiritually.

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  20. Kris has a good point and I do agree with her. The only thing that rubs me the wrong way is the so called 'adult language' I don't know why movie makers feel the need to throw in offensive language thinking we as adults want to hear it.

    I go to movies to be entertained and take them for what they are worth. I like movies that make me laugh and feel good. I like a good adventure but at the same time, I stay away from scary movies or ones that I feel insult my intelligence. Perhaps 'Hangover' is one I'd rather not watch.

    I have seen movies, for an example, the last Mission Impossible movie, which are very entertaining. It was funny, adventurous and made me feel good, without all the 'adult language'

    If your worried about what to watch, the reviews are a good place to start or even the mini movie trailer will give you some idea what it's about.

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  21. So many movies just aren't even worth watching. The same can also be said for many TV shows. It's hard to shield kids from all of it, because it's just everywhere. My husband and I have frequent talks with our children along the lines of, just because other people choose to live a certain way it doesn't mean that our family does.

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  22. We need to pray that more people, especially our teens and young adults, will see the emptiness and futility in lives lived as such in the movie. Ann Marie, you did such a good job relating the dead-end result of such a lifesyle.

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  24. Most of the so-called "funny" movies of today don't even appeal to me. I dunno. Is it a generational thing? Maybe, but I didn't even care for sophomoric movies when I WAS a sophomore. And I don't think movies were nearly as tasteless back then.

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  26. Haven't seen the movie, had no plans to and now I know that I am not missing anything! We watch very little TV and fewer movies. I am glad that we are not alone! There is so much to do everyday, I don't have time to watch the stuff! More of us who feel this way should speak up, maybe movie makers would pay attention and start making something worth spending the time and money to watch!!! Disheartening that so anybody allow their kids to watch stuff like that!!!

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  27. Oh, I hear ya. We heard all about how FUNNY it is blah blah blah, so we PAID to go see it in a theater!! We were stunned.

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  29. I'm with you. There are so few modern movies I'm willing to spend time and money on. A lot of the ones out there are unadulterated garbage. The language is enough to shiver my timbers. It seems the "F" word has to be used over and over again to make a point. To me, it's pointless and tasteless, too. I prefer old fashioned movies and quality ones. Sad but true. Our society needs some real change, don't you think? Susan

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  31. You actually watched Hangover?!?!?! And, I thought I knew you...

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  32. Oh my goodness. I thought the same thing. You know, I don't judge. I don't want to.... But when my friends thought it was the funniest movie they ever saw...well, I just couldn't figure it out. I too thought the movie was dumb. I think I fell asleep while the others watched. I dont really remember it. And I'm pretty sure I don't want to know what the "plot" was! Geeez, just the title made me NOT want to watch it! :0

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  33. This reminds me of when everyone loved the "American Pie" movies and all that. I refused to watch any of them. Just by the commercials I could tell that I wouldn't think it was funny. I don't find twisted, perverted stuff funny at all. I don't see the humor.

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  34. I have never seen the movie and I don't want to after the comments from those who have seen it.

    Give me a good old romantic comedy anytime. :-)

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  35. I feel that way about a whole lot of the stuff out there and even on TV. I keep telling myself, if this is what draws people, or if any of this reality tv remotely resembles other people's reality (it sure doesn't resemble mine) we are in BIG trouble.

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  36. I watch a fair amount of movies on DVDs, but I pick carefully. You just have to realize that there is a wide variety of opinions out there regarding movies. I, for example, abhor all those reality shows and decided that anyone watching them must be a complete moron. Until a co-worker and good friend mentioned that she "loves all her reality shows." What??? I still don't watch the shows, but since my co-worker/friend is still a smart, well-functioning, well-adjusted member of society, I had to adjust my opinion of those people who do watch them.

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  37. Such an inspiring and wonderful post!! I totally agree!!!!

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  38. I did not see the original Hangover but was over at a friend's house and saw Hangover 2. There will always be an audience for this kind of genre and they are usually younger than I. I will never spend my money on anything like that, but it is part of our society and studios know that they sell, and sell big. I choose not to watch this type of movie, not because of religion or morals, but because of its stupidity. The first one that I remember like this was Animal House and I bet most of the people who saw that in the 70's and complain about what is going on now, saw that when they were young. Then they all grew up.

    We used to go to movies every week, now we go about every other month. I stick with mostly Indy films which usually have a well written story, good acting and no special effects - and definitely no guns or weapons of torture. I find the blowing up of people and the destruction shown more offensive than any little stupid R rated sexy film. I think one of the last movies I saw this year that I enjoyed (other than the wonderful kids movies by Pixar) was Fly Fishing in Yemen. Great cast (English) and lovely story. You just have to pick and choose and read reviews before you put down your hard earned money.

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  39. I haven't been to a movie theater since 2006. I'm with you on this.

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  40. The world is changing and not for the better.

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  41. Have not seen it and glad I haven't. We are really looking forward to seeing For His Greater Glory!!

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  42. the comedy of this day is pretty sad...and the reality that they portray...i agree what are we buying into by spending money on it...would def take an inspiring story any day...

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  43. Great post! Very thought provoking. I so agree with you. I haven't seen this movie and won't. I try to stay away from anything that is obviously not going to uphold righteous values. I also won't read the "50 Shades of Gray" series that so many are reading and talking about. There are some things I don't even want to put into my mind. It would be like eating rotten food. Stand for truth and righteous, my friend!

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  44. Indeed, Annmarie, you are not missing anything in avoiding pop culture.

    Thank you for your kind comment that I could be an English teacher too. The problem is: I am a very, very slow reader, and I would not want to spend hours and hours reading students' writing or reading lots of literature for the English classes. My slowness in reading is why I don't read very much. My mother and my 3 siblings all were voracious readers; I took after my father in being a very slow reader. That's why I majored in math instead of English...so I wouldn't have to read very much or write essays. The funny thing is, now I enjoy writing...not books, but brief essays and an occasional article for our local newspaper.

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  45. Nope, you're not missing much at all, Annmarie. My husband and I see very few movies. We're pretty selective, and we don't like how we feel after seeing or reading or being around things that mock everything we hold dear. My kids would laugh at me, but they'll understand when THEIR kids get old enough to want to see bad movies. There are so many negative things in the world. I think we need to work really hard to push those aside, and make sure we're coming in contact with as much of the uplifting side of life as possible. You can't be your best self if you allow trash in. So I'm with you.

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  46. I felt the same way about Napoleon Dynamite. My stepkids said it was the funniest movie but i couldnt see any humor in it at all. i thought it was super stupid. but it's not so much as ignorance is bliss. i believe we need to be in the know about what our kids are watching and talking about. I recently heard a song that i used to listen to in college, one that i loved so much and now that i'm wiser, i was appalled that i even listened to music like that! hopefully our kids will become wiser like we have about stupid and worthless movies and music. i guess it's all a learning experience.

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  47. You come up with very meaningful topics. I completely agree with you here. We don't even watch much TV. My son is now sixteen, but for a few years now he has pointed out how they show woman dressed skimpy to sell just about anything. It bothers him and that means so much! Rarely do we go to the movies, we find other things to experience as a family.
    Hope you have a great week!

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  48. Do you know you are a no-reply blogger and people cannot reply back to you on your comments? Let me know if you need help changing that.

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  49. Thank you for speaking for decency. I have not seen that...good, no need.

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  51. Love your view on this. I have not watched this either and seen only a few parts of the first one. I remember thinking what is it that is making everyone so pumped up to see this movie? I didn't get it.

    Irish

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  52. I avoid pop culture too, and don't watch too many movies (and we don't do tv, so it's just movies). I will say, though, that I have often read a book I hated, simply because I'd started it so couldn't bare to stop in the middle. I guess in some ways, it is the same stupid waste of time. But I feel so compelled to get through it once I've started.

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  53. I don't watch that junk and don't miss it a bit:) Have a blessed day, HUGS!

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  54. Though I haven't seen that one, I have watched too many like it. We stopped getting cable and are much more selective now. I think, as bizarre as this may sound, this junk may be a distraction to really important things that are going on around us. I like movies that inspire or encourage. I also like good, clean funny ones. I think it is wonderful that you were willing to take a stand!

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  55. i do watch some movies--but in general, i would answer you question--yes, ignorance can indeed be blissful

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  56. You certainly are not missing anything in today's pop culture! I am guilty of watching stupid, mindless movies but it is just for a laugh. On the opposite end of the spectrum I also love to watch great character study films like that types shown at Sundance. Now those are very thoughtful and can be worth the 2 hours of time invested!!!

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  57. I haven't watch a movie in ages so I can't comment on Hangover but my daughter bought me some Carol Burnette DVD of the Carol Burnette Show and love watching those. JB

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  58. I saw that movie and LOLed all over the place.. I don't think I want my daughter to watch it, EVER! Just sayin'

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  59. I saw Hangover and found a couple of jokes a tad funny but certainly didn't think it was hilarious like most younger people did. I have a low threshold for bathroom humor or humor dealing with bad behavior. I think all of "what people think is funny" has evolved and I haven't evolved in the same manner. Getting drunk, indiscriminate sex and various themes resonate the lessening of our moral compass. This is why I tend to be conflicted. I try to recognize people's right to live the life that pleases them, while I try to live a life where people respect and care for each other.

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  60. ignorance is bliss....I believe that media has helped make people the way they are, uncaring, spoiled, rude, and violent. the more bad movies they make (and we pay $ on) the worse people get. I dread my daughter going into middle school this year....
    Debbi
    -yankeeburrowcreations

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  61. It's hard to even find a movie worth watching anymore.

    "/

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  62. I'm going to have to say, yes, ignorance, in the case of Hollywood, is bliss. It's hard to find a good movie anymore. And, yes, I watched the Hangover on HBO.

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  63. I like movies- but rarely go and almost never rent movies. I see some movies on the free movie channels on tv- or I watch movies I own. I haven't seen either of the movies you mentioned. I have heard a lot about The Hangover though!

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  64. yeah they were really bad but part 1 did have funny moments. My thing is i don't feel so bad if i watch it on netflix. if i paid $ i'd be pissed.

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  65. I have never even heard of Hangover but sounds as though I am missing nothing. We so, so seldom see a movie at the theater or otherwise. There is just nothing fit to watch. What a great post, what truth and what a shame for our society that is has come to this. I am hoping it will change in my grandchildren's lifetime. Blessings to you for taking a stand!!!

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  66. Almost every new movie these days is rubbish!

    Last night a show called "friends with benefits" came on TV, and I thought to myself, what the heck has this world come to? Its about friends casually sleeping with each other! Im afraid to have kids and raise them in such a stupid world!! Both me and my husband agree this world is just going down the drain =[

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  67. Amen, and amen. You get it. I love your posts.
    Liz

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  68. there is definitely a lot of garbage in the TV... A LOT! but there are the ones that are good too. We just do need to know how to select. Also, my personal opinion about these kind of movies is that they are really unworthy to spend our precious time with.. but our children may still be able to watch them as we will not be able to control all their activities outside our home... and in this case, as a parent, it is good for me to be aware of these things too so that I may be able to explain to my children what I think about the movie/show and what are the things in the movie they should not patronize or immitate. Yep, ignorance is a bliss... but to be able to help and protect our children, most of them time, we need to open ourselves as well to the not so good part of this world... as being in God's grace, we will surely have the right wisdom and strength so we won't be swayed with the bad tide.

    Very though provoking article!

    Spanish Pinay

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  69. I feel the same as you do. Pop culture is depressing. God called us out of darkness and into His marvelous light, why would we soil our garments with the vomit that chugs out of Hollywood? Not all of it is terrible because I have seen some good one, but 99.9% is.

    I can't help but remember what a judge in some state ruled several years ago. He deemed it was unconstitutional to display the Ten Commandments in school because "students might read them and do them." :| I think Hollywood and pop culture has the exact same view for their products, but inversely. They chug out licentious junk SO THAT we the people might "do them." A people enslaved to sin is easily enslaved in all the other ways....

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  70. I never watched it. My older kids have, and my husband. They love tasteless humor. I don't claim to always watch inspiring or uplifting movies, but I don't waste my time on shows like the Hangover.

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  71. Hangover, no thanks, even the name holds no appeal. Laura

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  72. Great post! I find most of what is shown in the theaters and television is trash. Then people wonder why our society has degraded so badly. I can do without it and be quite content.

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  73. Yes, the new generation is the downfall of society. And it's really sad.

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  74. I've only seen a few clips of the movie while over at a friend's house, but the profanity made me not want to watch it at all. Thank you for following my blog. I've followed you as well.

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