Extreme Reactions

This is more of a commentary on reaction rather than the show, Downton Abbey.
I'm a Downton Abbey fan, and the most recent episode included one of my favorite characters being raped. (IF  you missed Episode 2 of Season 4, I apologize for the spoiler.)

It was difficult to watch, even though the scenes did not show any graphic evidence of what was happening.  There was a forceful smash of the man's mouth to hers, he handled her roughly, and the rest was left to the audience's imagination. Anna is a lady's maid, and her attacker was part of an entourage of help brought along by guests of the Granthams.

At the start of the show a message flashed on the screen which warned of scenes that may not be suitable for all audiences. Viewer discretion was advised.

This warning was sufficient for adults to usher children out of the room, however, I believe anyone who has suffered an attack similar to the one in this episode may have been caught off guard. There are similar scenes in other television shows and movies, and in my opinion, they are much more graphic.

While this scene was difficult for me to watch, it was equally as difficult for me to read some of the reactions posted on the Facebook page of our local PBS station. Some commenters were so outraged by this scene that they claim they will pull their funding. One mentioned pulling PBS out of their will.

When we lean too far in one direction, are quick to judge, quick to punish, quick to react without first taking a moment to understand, damage is done. In all things, we must seek to understand first, then carefully react.

Unfortunately, if these people who made the claims follow through, our local PBS station will lose money. I'm not so sure it will be enough to lead to a cut in programming, but I do not understand this reaction.

If these newly former PBS donors believe for a moment that they aren't supporting far worse, they need to wake up.

PBS relies on public money, but the corporate television stations rely on it as well. They just get it in a different way.

If you purchase Kellogg's Rice Krispies, Palmolive dish detergent, Hane's underwear, Pampers, Foldger's coffee, Duracell batteries, or any other product that runs commercials on television, including some local merchants, then you are supporting programming that includes violence against women, men and children. Even if you are one of the people who have started buying local, natural and organic products, chances are you are still buying something that is supporting mainstream television programming.

I have boycotted certain companies when facts showed their business practices do not align with my values, because I didn't want my money funding such practices.

We all have the right to give or withhold our money, but either way it should be done after careful consideration.

It was one episode of one television show.