Recently, the Parents Television Council accused MTV of peddling child pornography in its risque series “Skins,“ a show PTC decried for its ”foul language, illegal drug use, illegal activity as well as thoroughly pervasive sexual content.”
Now, the PTC is turning their attention to network television, specifically an upcoming comedy pilot program called “Good Christian Bitches” for Disney-owned ABC.
Gatlin's novel, "Good Christian Bitches"
The program is reportedly based on author Kim Gatlin’s novel of the same name which follows the life of reformed “mean girl” Amanda who returns to her hometown of Dallas and finds herself at the center of malicious gossip from the women in the Christian community. The “dramedy” is the latest project of famed “Sex and the City” and “90210” executive producer Darren Star.
Although the program is still in its early stages of development and the pilot program has not been guaranteed a spot in ABC’s lineup, it’s already causing an uproar.
In a statement Wednesday, PTC President Tim Winter called the ABC pilot “not only an affront to women,“ but also claimed ”it blatantly attacks the world’s largest faith.”
“The ‘b-word’ is toxic and is used to degrade, abuse, harass, bully and humiliate women. And the ‘Christian’ element only adds insult to injury,” Winter said. “Regardless of whether the title ultimately makes it to broadcast, ABC has publicly proclaimed its values and it has tarnished the Disney brand.”
Winter is calling on PTC members and other concerned citizens to sign a petition to protest the network. “Unless or until ABC realizes that its decision about Good Christian Bitches was misguided, PTC will use every method at its disposal to turn advertisers and viewers away from a provocative title that compromises respect for both women and Christians in an attempt to draw ratings.”“Would ABC even consider another faith to denigrate?” Winters added. “Would they even consider a program title of a plot line based on ‘Bitches’ who were Muslim, Hindu, Jewish of Buddhist? I suspect not, and I certainly hope not. So why the double standard?”
The PTC has long supported efforts to raise language standards to family programming. “Once a particular profanity or obscenity has been embraced by a particular show, it quickly becomes mainstream,” PTC’s director of communications and public education told Fox News.
Additionally, the Womens Media Center is also questioning ABC’s programming guidelines. “It is not an appropriate term to use to describe any woman, regardless of their faith,” WMC’s Yana Walton says. “Entertainment media, especially music and films, have been normalizing misogynistic language for years.”
So far, ABC has yet to comment on the story, but the LA Times notes that the controversial title is tentative: “A decision on whether the series is picked up won’t be announced until May and the title could change by then.”
America, keep the heat on ABC. Let them know, their future financial survival is at risk. This show can never be allowed to air.
