The Federal Communications Commission has confirmed it received complaints about the uncensored broadcast of Oscar-winning war movie "Saving Private Ryan" on ABC-affiliated stations last week. Who would file complaints about blue language in such context? I am really, really, really at a loss for words here. "Saving Private Ryan" tells a story that needs to be told. The horrors of war are presented in all it's gory glory and that includes the odd cuss word here and there as uttered by soldiers in battle. It's called context and it's as necessary in "Saving Private Ryan" as nudity was in "Schindler's List".
Groups affiliated with the American Family Association, a conservative Christian group that monitors the airwaves, pledged Thursday to flood the FCC with complaints about the language and violence in Steven Spielberg's film. These groups turn my stomach. They truly sicken me. We in Canada have our fair share of flaws, but I know in my heart of hearts that this couldn't happen here. I not only don't have a problem with "Saving Private Ryan" airing unedited in prime time on the public airwaves but I think it's important that this movie be aired so we can remember that war is hell and we sent our children into this fire so that we could enjoy the freedoms and liberties we have today.
They're just words, dammit. When viewer discretion is advised, watch something else and stop forcing your sick Puritan beliefs onto others. They're just words.
