If you turn on the TV or go to the movies, you’re more likely to see an act of violence (whether it be war or gore) than a sex scene that probably wouldn’t involve more than passionate kissing. Critics, such as Robert Ebert, have criticized the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) for placing more restrictions on sex than violence. The MPAA is the organization that administers the film rating system and ultimately decides what is suitable for certain audiences.

The MPAA has given four times as many films an NC-17 rating for sexual content or nudity rather than violence, according to the documentary This Film Is Not Yet Rated. Films that feature violence don’t seem to get an NC-17 rating unless sexual content is added. Violent films, like The Expendables 2 and [Rec]³: Genesis or the soon to be released Sinister, have all received an R rating.

The MPAA’s rating system reflects how our society thinks about sexuality and violence. People are more concerned about children and teens watching nudity than blood. Watching violence take place is seen as more acceptable than watching anything to do with sex. Does this mean that the media is more comfortable with violence than sexuality—something that should be considered a normal and natural part of life? I don’t know, but what I do know is that violence is not natural and is much more harmful than healthy expressions of sexuality.