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Too Taboo for TV
Posted on April 19, 2005
In Novela, Novela, the Nicaraguan telenovela tackles contentious social issues such as abuse, safe sex and rape. Producers use this popular television show to raise awareness and begin a social dialogue.
Television in the United States has certainly become much more graphic from an increase in violent and sexual content to airing real medical procedures and Fear Factor absurdities. Yet despite the open dialogue on homosexulaity, interracial marriage and other politically charged issues, the realities of aboration remains increasingly absent from the airwaves.
Interestingly, when primetime shows and teenage dramas attempt to write in a storyline about abortion, it remains in a very neutral area. Producers are fearful of pushing too many political buttons on either side of the spectrum. Like the proverbial elephant in your living room- refraining from an honest public discourse about the issue wont make it disappear.
READ "You Can't Do That On TV!" by Rachel Fudge republished from Clamor Magazine