Man do I have a fresh rant for you. Some guy from "The Dove Foundation", just called, trying to convince me that Hollywood is trying to make movies too edgy for kids and that we should do something to stop it. Ironically, this being at the same time I've been helping with <i>Parental Guidance Suggested</i>, a sex comedy by the folks who brought us <i>American Pie</i>. As he continued his script, I became more irate and unloaded on the guy. What can I say? I had to much caffine.
<br>Clearly, he had no idea who was on the other line. I suggested they do better research before calling people, but he made me think. Parents talk a lot about influence, and they worry about their kids. He asked me if I had any kids. I don't, but a large part of my spirit, spite, and drive comes from a little kid bullied a lot in school and determined to speak his mind and stand against the masses if that's what the cost of freedom would be. Ok, the kid needed work with run-on sentances, but bear with me.
<br>Point being, the greatest influence, more than any movie was that of my family. No, Mom and Dad aren't kinky (at least, I don't think they're kinky). However, the things I want to do most, and would have been supported most, came from my family. My creativity comes from Dad, who made me toys, built shelves and a toybox for my sister and I. Much of my morality comes from my Mom, who I often hear say "that is just wrong" in my mind when so much happens in this industry. Yet, Mom was not ruthless in her morailty, and always kind to others. Her father, Grandpa Messner, inspired me to draw earlier than my memory will allow. Her Grandmother did yarn art, and I have several of her pieces on my wall today.
<br>Some of the most important things to me were working on projects with my Dad, fishing, the one time we went shooting, and working on our cars. The most regret I have is Dad didn't have the time to show me more about working with metal and wood. There's so much I can do, and with Mom and Dad so far away, much of what I have to learn must be learned alone.
<br>Worried about movie violence? Keep your money! Spend more time with your kids, and remind them they can do anything. I assure you there will be better results.