Question for those who bring babies into theaters...

nodeerforamonth · 07-01-04, 10:45 AM

Like a psychologist who is trying to understand the reasoning behind serial killers, I would like to understand the resoning behind another sociopath: parents who bring their babies into movie theaters.

I'm trying to be very nice here and thus won't let you know how I really feel about this (I'd be arrested). I just want to understand.

This is a fairly recent phenomenon. I've been going to the theater for the past 30 years and have only seen babies in theaters in the past 5 years or so. Most movies I have gone to recently (rated R or not) have had more than one baby in it. Crying. Screaming. Making noise.

My question is, WHY do you bring babies into the theater? WHAT is going through your minds? Do you not think that anyone's going to be bothered by it? Do you not care about your fellow theater goers? Do you think the baby is enjoying the movie and understands what's going on?

Just curious. I'd like a serious answer though, because I just don't get it.

Birrman54 · 07-01-04, 10:59 AM

I think it's a combination of their inability to find someone to watch the baby while they go to the movies AND a complete lack of consideration for others.

birrman54

Li · 07-01-04, 11:02 AM

They either can't find a babysitter, are too lazy to find a babysitter, or don't want to spend the money on a babysitter.

Shannon Nutt · 07-01-04, 11:03 AM

Well, it's NOT a recent phenomenon...I've seen babies being brought into theaters since at least the late 80's. The excuse I usually hear is "we can't afford a babysitter" or "we don't trust a babysitter" or "we knew you were coming tonight and wanted to annoy the hell out of you".

Actually, I have NO problem with babies in theaters...as long as the parent is responsible enough to take the baby to the lobby whenever it starts crying, cooing or screaming. A bigger problem I have is when parents bring their 4 and 5 year olds to an R-Rated flick. That's bordering on child abuse, depending on the content of the film.

Giles · 07-01-04, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Shannon Nutt

A bigger problem I have is when parents bring their 4 and 5 year olds to an R-Rated flick. That's bordering on child abuse, depending on the content of the film.

The better reason why more films should be rated NC-17 so adults can enjoy a film without the clueless parents that think bringing their children to any and all R-rated films and believe it to be acceptable.

Pants · 07-01-04, 11:19 AM

I think it's pretty obvious why parents do this:

~~They're selfish, self abosorbed, functionally retarded vermin who are really just begging to be skull f***ed and forced to eat my shit.~~

nodeerforamonth · 07-01-04, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Shannon Nutt
Actually, I have NO problem with babies in theaters...as long as the parent is responsible enough to take the baby to the lobby whenever it starts crying, cooing or screaming.

I live in CA. That RARELY happens here. I heard two hours of cooing/crying last night while watching Spider-man 2.

I think theater owners should charge a special "baby price" that's twice as much as the adult price. Then the parents will realize it's probably cheaper just to hire a babysitter.

Still, I WOULD like to hear from actual parents who do this and I DO want to know what goes on in their heads.

Get Me Coffee · 07-01-04, 11:37 AM

Excellent Thread!!!!!

mgbfan · 07-01-04, 11:38 AM

[quote]Originally posted by nodeerforamonth
Like a psychologist who is trying to understand the reasoning behind serial killers, I would like to understand the resoning behind another sociopath: parents who bring their babies into movie theaters.[/quote/

And a loosely related question: Why do people bring babies to restraunts at 9 PM. Gee, ya think the baby's gonna be tired and cranky? And yet another question: Why does the waiter always insist on putting me at the table immediatly next to the crying baby at a restraunt at 9 PM?

Parents are in many ways the most selfless people on the planet. But there are certian times, certian parents, where a minority of them just the most selfish and oblivious, too. It doesn't occur to some of them that the screaming child is going to be obnoxious to others.

digidoh · 07-01-04, 11:39 AM

I can't remember the details, but earlier this year, one of the evening broadcast network news programs had a feature on a theater (I think it was in New York CIty) that had special showings set aside specifically for parents who wanted to bring their babies with them.

I can't recall ever hearing crying babies at any movies in my area.

GeoffK · 07-01-04, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Pants
I think it's pretty obvious why parents do this:
Removed

But completely beyond comprehension why you're posting that crap to our forum even after you've been suspended for it.

BANNED!

DVD Talk now has no Pants.

steebo777 · 07-01-04, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by GeoffK
DVD Talk now has no Pants.

Jiber2001 · 07-01-04, 11:49 AM

[quote]Originally posted by mgbfan

Quote:

Originally posted by nodeerforamonth
Like a psychologist who is trying to understand the reasoning behind serial killers, I would like to understand the resoning behind another sociopath: parents who bring their babies into movie theaters.[/quote/

And a loosely related question: Why do people bring babies to restraunts at 9 PM. Gee, ya think the baby's gonna be tired and cranky? And yet another question: Why does the waiter always insist on putting me at the table immediatly next to the crying baby at a restraunt at 9 PM?

Parents are in many ways the most selfless people on the planet. But there are certian times, certian parents, where a MINORITY of them just the most selfish and oblivious, too. It doesn't occur to some of them that the screaming child is going to be obnoxious to others.

MINORITY

What are you trying to say??????

Dabaomb · 07-01-04, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by GeoffK
But completely beyond comprehension why you're posting that crap to our forum even after you've been suspended for it.

BANNED!

DVD Talk now has no Pants.

UAIOE · 07-01-04, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by GeoffK
DVD Talk now has no Pants.

I thought i felt a draft...

I don't ever recall hearing babies in theaters...either i forgot or i've actually had decent parents who take thier kids to the lobby.

I'll never understand the "i couldnt afford a babysitter" excuse.

You have the money to go see a movie but not for a babysitter?

jeffkjoe · 07-01-04, 12:22 PM

I've only brought my daughter to two movies since her birth: ICE AGE and SHREK 2.

And the only reason why she was there was because I worked on those two flicks and it was a huge family event for us.

(And plus, she was asleep on both occasions, so she made no noise!)

Giles · 07-01-04, 12:24 PM

funny how we can still see what language and tone Pants got himself suspended over. Guess that's a lesson on what not to say.

Josh H · 07-01-04, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Giles
funny how we can still see what language and tone Pants got himself suspended over. Guess that's a lesson on what not to say.

Indeed. I wish the mods would do that all the time, so people can see what is unacceptable, rather than deleting the posts and doing the banning/suspending over e-mail, with most members coming into the thread after the fact and having no idea why the person was punishied.

milo bloom · 07-01-04, 12:29 PM

I once had a mother bring 3-4 little kids, all under 8 or so, to one of the Scary Movie's. The really nasty one too. I was really uncomfortable, but she had me outnumbered with all the rugrats.

Red Dog · 07-01-04, 12:34 PM

I think they should be hung, assuming we are talking a movie directed toward teens or adults.

JasonF · 07-01-04, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by milo bloom
I once had a mother bring 3-4 little kids, all under 8 or so, to one of the Scary Movie's. The really nasty one too. I was really uncomfortable, but she had me outnumbered with all the rugrats.

There were two kids sitting behind me when I saw Scary Movie. I'd guess they were about five and two. The five year old kept asking his mother to explain the jokes, most of which involved penises. To this day, my wife regrets not turning around and explaining the jokes to the kid in graphic detail.

There was another kid who was probably around eight a few rows in front of me during the Sixth Sense. Well, he was there during the first half of the Sixth Sense. Eventually, he and his parents had to leave because it was too scary for him.

Most people are selfish idiots.

nodeerforamonth · 07-01-04, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Giles
funny how we can still see what language and tone Pants got himself suspended over. Guess that's a lesson on what not to say.

It was a lot nicer than what I was going to say!

Verbal Gorilla · 07-01-04, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jeffkjoe
I've only brought my daughter to two movies since her birth: ICE AGE and SHREK 2.

And the only reason why she was there was because I worked on those two flicks and it was a huge family event for us.

(And plus, she was asleep on both occasions, so she made no noise!)

Yes, but she is 25. You mormons really shouldn't be so strict.

wlmowery · 07-01-04, 01:15 PM

It goes back to the "me, me, me" attitude predominate in today's U.S. culture. I would guess that 7 out of 10 moviegoers would have no qualm doing this and would never even think about what consequence this might have on the enjoyment of others....

matome · 07-01-04, 01:21 PM

^^exactly^^ Well, maybe 9 out of 10 where I am.

07-01-04, 10:45 AM	#1
nodeerforamonth DVD Talk Limited Edition Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 7,318	Question for those who bring babies into theaters... Like a psychologist who is trying to understand the reasoning behind serial killers, I would like to understand the resoning behind another sociopath: parents who bring their babies into movie theaters. I'm trying to be very nice here and thus won't let you know how I really feel about this (I'd be arrested). I just want to understand. This is a fairly recent phenomenon. I've been going to the theater for the past 30 years and have only seen babies in theaters in the past 5 years or so. Most movies I have gone to recently (rated R or not) have had more than one baby in it. Crying. Screaming. Making noise. My question is, WHY do you bring babies into the theater? WHAT is going through your minds? Do you not think that anyone's going to be bothered by it? Do you not care about your fellow theater goers? Do you think the baby is enjoying the movie and understands what's going on? Just curious. I'd like a serious answer though, because I just don't get it. __________________ "Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad." -nodeerforamonth

07-01-04, 11:37 AM	#8
Get Me Coffee DVD Talk Ultimate Edition Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: NYC * See da name? Go get me some coffee... Posts: 4,665	Excellent Thread!!!!! __________________ Coffee has two virtues: it is wet and warm.

07-01-04, 11:38 AM	#9
mgbfan DVD Talk Ultimate Edition Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 4,293	Re: Question for those who bring babies into theaters... [quote]Originally posted by nodeerforamonth Like a psychologist who is trying to understand the reasoning behind serial killers, I would like to understand the resoning behind another sociopath: parents who bring their babies into movie theaters.[/quote/ And a loosely related question: Why do people bring babies to restraunts at 9 PM. Gee, ya think the baby's gonna be tired and cranky? And yet another question: Why does the waiter always insist on putting me at the table immediatly next to the crying baby at a restraunt at 9 PM? Parents are in many ways the most selfless people on the planet. But there are certian times, certian parents, where a minority of them just the most selfish and oblivious, too. It doesn't occur to some of them that the screaming child is going to be obnoxious to others.

07-01-04, 11:39 AM	#10
digidoh Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 427	I can't remember the details, but earlier this year, one of the evening broadcast network news programs had a feature on a theater (I think it was in New York CIty) that had special showings set aside specifically for parents who wanted to bring their babies with them. I can't recall ever hearing crying babies at any movies in my area. __________________ "The movie was so bad the footprints outside the theater got up and left."--Red Skelton

07-01-04, 12:24 PM	#17
Giles DVD Talk Hero Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Washington DC Posts: 29,906	funny how we can still see what language and tone Pants got himself suspended over. Guess that's a lesson on what not to say. __________________ Fourth Annual Historical Appreciation Challenge 2013 Film List / Unrated-Alternate-Director's Cuts: DVD (updates) / My DVD collection Entertainment or Die soundillustrated - Weekly Music Food

07-01-04, 10:59 AM	#2
Birrman54 DVD Talk Platinum Edition Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Hoboken, NJ Posts: 3,067	I think it's a combination of their inability to find someone to watch the baby while they go to the movies AND a complete lack of consideration for others. birrman54

07-01-04, 11:02 AM	#3
Li Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 978	They either can't find a babysitter, are too lazy to find a babysitter, or don't want to spend the money on a babysitter.

07-01-04, 11:03 AM	#4
Shannon Nutt DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 10,008	Well, it's NOT a recent phenomenon...I've seen babies being brought into theaters since at least the late 80's. The excuse I usually hear is "we can't afford a babysitter" or "we don't trust a babysitter" or "we knew you were coming tonight and wanted to annoy the hell out of you". Actually, I have NO problem with babies in theaters...as long as the parent is responsible enough to take the baby to the lobby whenever it starts crying, cooing or screaming. A bigger problem I have is when parents bring their 4 and 5 year olds to an R-Rated flick. That's bordering on child abuse, depending on the content of the film.

07-01-04, 11:19 AM	#6
Pants Banned Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: "Sitting on a beach, earning 20%" Posts: 6,154	I think it's pretty obvious why parents do this: ~~They're selfish, self abosorbed, functionally retarded vermin who are really just begging to be skull f***ed and forced to eat my shit.~~

07-01-04, 12:22 PM	#16
jeffkjoe DVD Talk Platinum Edition Join Date: Jan 2000 Posts: 3,024	I've only brought my daughter to two movies since her birth: ICE AGE and SHREK 2. And the only reason why she was there was because I worked on those two flicks and it was a huge family event for us. (And plus, she was asleep on both occasions, so she made no noise!)

07-01-04, 12:29 PM	#19
milo bloom DVD Talk Legend Join Date: May 2001 Location: Chicago suburbs Posts: 10,059	I once had a mother bring 3-4 little kids, all under 8 or so, to one of the Scary Movie's. The really nasty one too. I was really uncomfortable, but she had me outnumbered with all the rugrats. __________________ OAR (Original Aspect Ratio) is not about more image, or less image. It's about the right image. DVDAf Spinehunting - picking up used Criterion DVDs.

07-01-04, 12:34 PM	#20
Red Dog DVD Talk God Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Directionally Challenged (for DirecTV) Posts: 104,581	I think they should be hung, assuming we are talking a movie directed toward teens or adults. __________________ "A question for you. Would you rather Bucknell make the NCAA's once every 20 years or so and get ass raped by teams like Kansas in the first round or have them drop down a rung to a confernce where they can compete for a title?" - Josh Hinkle 1st Round Final Scores: Bucknell 64 Kansas 63 \| Bucknell 59 Arkansas 55 Last edited by Red Dog; 07-01-04 at 12:36 PM.

07-01-04, 01:15 PM	#24
wlmowery DVD Talk Gold Edition Join Date: May 2000 Location: Un-Happy Valley, PA Posts: 2,718	It goes back to the "me, me, me" attitude predominate in today's U.S. culture. I would guess that 7 out of 10 moviegoers would have no qualm doing this and would never even think about what consequence this might have on the enjoyment of others.... __________________ Wayne Wii Code: 3607 0369 2839 6928 xBox 360: AnWphans

07-01-04, 01:21 PM	#25
matome DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Oct 1999 Location: NY Posts: 12,304	^^exactly^^ Well, maybe 9 out of 10 where I am. __________________ DVD/Blu-Ray/HD-DVD \| Blu-Ray only \| Laserdisc