"We find that the programming at issue is within the scope of our indecency definition because it depicts sexual organs and excretory organs -- specifically an adult woman's buttocks," the FCC wrote. "Although ABC argues, without citing any authority, that the buttocks are not a sexual organ, we reject this argument, which runs counter to both case law and common sense."
Did it show the ass on a toilet? Or during sex? I'm confused. I don't think the buttocks qualify as an "organ." It's not like they showed the anus or the sphincter.
I think it was a shower scene. They weren't fined when they showed Dennis Franz ass were they?
Wait, I'm confused: didn't NYPD Blue show Dennis Franz' naked ass previously? Because dude, I totally found that offensive, and yet they didn't fine anyone!
Great cross-post, Aurelia!
I suspect the FCC doesn't think men's asses are sexual organs. Hello, male gaze.
I wonder if they would have considered Jimmy Smits ass indecent.
I want to know what authority anyone can cite as to whether or not an ass is a sexual organ. Dr. Ruth?
My lips are a sexual organ, FWIW.
So are hands, generally speaking.
The smoking gun:
"When the brief scene in question was telecast almost five years ago, this critically acclaimed drama had been on the air for a decade and the realistic nature of its storylines was well known to the viewing public."
Also called, "Please go yell at a rerun for exposing you to spoilers."
By all expanses of logic, one naked butt is as allowable as any other, under the same non-sex, non-crapping circumstances. And... I think the first butt I saw on network television was in 1994. Hell, I've seen butt on soap opera (not more than once)!
I'm sorry, FCC: the butt train has already left the station.
I'm sorry, FCC: the butt train has already left the station.
No! Protect the children!
