Warnings of some soap's scenes.

[anotheoldgit]

Prompted by the recent 'self harm' scenes on Emmerdale the 'alcohol and overdose' scenes in Corrie, and I suppose soon for the 'coming out' scenes for young Ben in Eastenders, I need to ask this.

Is anyone else getting sick and tired with the increasing number of times that the soaps start off by giving out warnings such as "some scenes may upset some viewers" and in the end credits, " if you have been affected by some issues, ring the Samaritans on such and such number"?

If some scenes can upset people so much, then they should not be allowed to be shown, especially before the 'watershed. time, after all they are supposed to be entertainment programs not documentaries.

[bednobs]

no, i'm not getting sick of them, Probably because the only soap i watch is hollyoaks though

[boxtops]

IMO the notifications at the end are useful for people who ARE personally affected (not offended) - not everyone knows where to go for help with "issues".

[andy-hughes]

Soaps are watched by a massive variety of viewers, some will have no idea what the issues are about that are unfolding as part of their storylines, and others will see significant parallels in their own experience.

Because of this variety, it is an excellent platform to inform and educate viewiers under the larger umbrella of a fictional drama, and this can mean reaching people with information that they may not otherwise receive.

So if a short warning and an advice line bookeneding a drama helps to assist people who may not know where else to turn for advice and support, then i for one think that is a seriously small price to pay to have my viewing interupted for a few seconds.

If it bothers you that much AOG - record the soaps you watch and FF past the initial warning, and switch off before the last one.

Then everyone is happy.

[hc4361]

The Rape Crisis Centre has reported a massive increase in calls since the Carla rape.

[Quizmonkey]

It is DEEPLY offensive to lump in homosexuality with issues such as self-harm and rape! Sexuality is a normal part of everyday life, and should not be governed by any watershed rulings or 'warnings'. Kids, even toddlers, brought up in gay, or mixed sexuality environments, and who are taught that same-sex relationships are 100% normal and as valid as any other, grow up to me far more balanced individuals than those who are 'shielded' from such subjects and turn out homophobic.

[joeluke]

I'd want to be warned if there were going to be homosexual scenes

........then I could immediately switch channels

[avanalarf]

^closet

[joeluke]

^ yawn

[anotheoldgit]

Yes one knows that one can switch off if one wants but what I was trying to get across is the fact that popular TV programmes are increasing being used to get over some type of message or other, as I have already said that is the job for factual documentaries, not entertainment programmes.

Perhaps some would not be concerned if certain political issues were to be put over to the general public in such a devious fashion?

[andy-hughes]

AOG - popular dramas are used to reflect life - albeit in edited / exagerated circumstances which is standard dramatic licence, but this naturally means that relavent social issues are covered.

The people to whom the 'help' messages are aimed, are people who would not nromally watch a documentary detailing the same issues, so this is a method of ensuring that appropriate messages of support still reach those individuals who may need them.

Political messages have been used in drama since drama was created -the entire reason for Shakespere's resonance down the ages has been his ability to pinpoint the human condition in terms of love and politics - so its hardly new that political ideas are explored in drama.

Putting forward a social or a political message in a drama is not 'devious' - it is what drama is.