The film industry has had over 30 years now to enforce that system itself, and it has failed miserably. Pass a law that says box offices MUST ask for I.D. for films rated R or above from anyone. This eliminates any confusion. Mandate that theaters put all R-rated films in one wing or area of the theater and station an usher at the entrance to that area. If they don't, fine them out the wazoo.
Nothing hurts theater owners like losing money.
Institute a similar ratings system for video games and films on video, and enforce I.D. checks for both rental and purchase. Boston Globe columnist Ellen Goodman wrote a few years ago that whereas popular culture once worked with parents in raising children, it now works against them. Parents who feel they don't need any help deciding what media are appropriate for their youngsters can bypass the system. They can rent or buy films on video themselves and accompany their sons and daughters to R-rated films in theaters. Lana Whited Lana Whited is associate professor of English and journalism at Ferrum College.