The PTC & the Evil Jewish Media Conspiracy

The Parents Television Council, who seem to think that they have the right to tell all Americans what to watch. Since changig the channel is obviously too taxing, they have conducted a study about the portrayal of religion in prime-time network programming.

Some highlights from an article in the L.A. Times about this study:
(my comments in italics)

Even so, Frank Wright, president of the NRB, called the negative portrayals "dehumanizing" and compared them to representations of Jews prior to the Holocaust, and blacks in the era of slavery. "Systematic negative portrayals of groups of people are always disturbing," he said.

A negative example was ABC's "31st American Music Awards" when host Jimmy Kimmel gave the audience a brief list of rules. "And finally," he said, "and this is a personal thing, no thanking God. God does not watch television. And if He did, He would not be watching this show. He would be watching 'Tarzan' on the WB."

How can he even compare something so bland as a mention of Jesus or church on TV to minstrel shows and Nazi propaganda?

In a press conference, Wright blamed the negative portrayals on Hollywood's creative community which he said is unfamiliar with the subject of faith. "It's a long standing issue with Hollywood. I think the issue has to do with the makeup of persons in Hollywood and their own personal convictions. I believe a low percentage of people in Hollywood consider themselves to be people of faith."

Bozell, a Catholic, said, "Is it because Hollywood is Jewish and taking care of its own? No, I don't think that. In the popular culture of America, 99% of the public, and also in Hollywood, there is an understanding that respect is owed to Jews. It's as simple as that. That same respect ought to be paid to other faiths as well."

So, which is it: Are all Hollywood types simply heathans? Or are they all part of the evil Jewish Media Conspiracy?

In the rare case(s) of even having self identifying Jewish TV characters those that exist tend to be limited to stereotypical portrayals (Paul on The Wonder Years, Toby Zeigler of The West Wing, Fran Fine of The Nanny, almost anyone on Seinfeld ). If what Mr. Bozell says were really true than instead of watching It's a Wonderful Life and A Charlie Brown Christmas we'd be watching the Hebrew Hammer, Fiddler on the Roof, and Yentl come December.


He said Hollywood is missing out on a marketing opportunity by ignoring the majority of Americans who, according to a 2003 Harris poll cited by the study, believe in God (90%) and the resurrection of Jesus Christ (80%).

If what he says is true, that Americans really wanted more religion positive TV, then why is does Desperate Housewives get better ratings than Cold Turkey ?