"Studies show every day about 4,000 children start smoking, and many are influenced by movie stars who light up onscreen," says Dr. Cecil Wilson, board chair for the AMA. "We're not calling for censorship; we're just asking the entertainment industry to voluntarily make changes, to be socially responsible."
We couldn't agree more. In fact, there are a few other health hazards well-established in our society that we'd also like to see reserved for R-rated films.
1. Trans fats. (Because after smoking, obesity is the leading cause of preventable death in America, according to the national Centers for Disease Control.)
2. Talking on the phone while driving. (Because automobile accidents are the leading cause of death for teens.)
3. Jack Nicholson's man boobs. (Because suicide is the third leading cause of death among Americans 15-24 and sixth for those 5-14.)
4. Black on black violence. (Because enough is enough.)
5. Any innuendo of fornication, including premarital groping and wet kisses. (AIDS, teen pregnancies, single moms, the moral decay of our society ...)