Ratings system is aware of its shortcomings

The Classification and Rating Administration referred to in the Oct. 14 editorial, “This editorial not yet rated,” is made up of parents who are trained by the chairman to assign ratings to movies that they think an average American parent would give to guide other parents in deciding what movies their children see. The Motion Picture Assn. of America ratings board rates each film according to the parameters found on our website. All movie ratings and ratings’ descriptions are posted on www.filmratings.com, home video packaging and all advertising. Parents can also sign up for a weekly e-mail service called Red Carpet Ratings to get this information on the most recently released films.

A system involving subjective evaluations will inevitably produce differences of opinion. Those differences can lead to questions about the fairness of the system, and we accept that and constantly strive to raise awareness about ratings. We will continue to do so.

DAN GLICKMAN

Chairman and CEO

Motion Picture Assn. of America

Washington