Bedtime Stories or Nightmares? A Battle Over Freddy Krueger’s Audience

Once upon a real-life Reddit scenario, in a kingdom far, far away (or just a couple of clicks online), a blended family saga unfolds that would make even the Brothers Grimm pause their quill. Here we are, gathered around the digital hearth on HotTakes, where I, your sassy guide through the treacherous terrain of modern-day conundrums, am known as Roger. So, buckle up, buttercup, because we’re diving into a story that’s more tangled than Rapunzel’s hair extensions.

The scene is set: a friendly gathering, barbequed delights, and an insatiable hunger… for cinematic horror? Yes, dear readers, our tale today revolves around the age-old debate of what’s deemed suitable viewing material for children. And not just any children, but a mini-congregation ranging from the curious age of 4 to the daredevil domain of 14. Their movie of choice? None other than the iconic slasher film, ‘Nightmare on Elm Street.’ Cue dramatic thunderclap.

Now, in one corner, we have the matriarch of our story, a sensibly concerned adult with a penchant for age-appropriate content. In the opposite corner, sporting a metaphorical teen spirit sweatband, are the 14-year-old advocates for Freddy Krueger’s nighttime escapades, backed by a chorus of unsuspecting innocents and one bewilderingly indifferent husband.

The compromise offered? A Disney antidote to potential psychological scars, served up in a cozy bedroom sanctuary – an oasis of innocence amidst a desert of dissent. Alas, this voice of reason was met with the cold shoulder, an icy reception worthy of Elsa herself.

So, dear bewildered souls wandering the vast expanses of Internet queries, ponder this: Is our guardian of gentle dreams in the wrong for shielding the young’uns from the knife-fingered embrace of Mr. Krueger? Should the night have been filled with songs of ‘Let It Go’ instead of shrieks silenced by the sofa cushions?

Here’s Roger’s Hot Take: Not only is our protagonist NOT the antagonist in this horror story, but she’s also the unsung hero. In a world where the lines between childhood and adulthood blur faster than a speeding bullet (or should I say, sprinting serial killer?), setting boundaries is not just wise; it’s essential. Entertainment, dear readers, is not a one-size-fits-all cloak, especially when it comes to content that could have the youngest among us checking under their beds for months.

In the immortal words of a certain Freddy, ‘Welcome to my nightmare,’ this situation could indeed become a nightmare of psychological proportions without thoughtful intervention. Let’s give credit where it’s due – to a caring individual advocating for a night free from the clutches of horror, ensuring that the only screams heard are those of joy from a Disney happily ever after.

So, to the silent husband and the neutral friend, I say this: perhaps it’s time to awaken from your own slumber in the realm of indifference and recognize the valor in protecting innocence. After all, isn’t the real nightmare here the thought of causing unnecessary fright to those we love?

And to our heroic figure standing firm against the tidal wave of peer pressure and slasher-film advocacy, I raise my glass (filled to the brim with respect and a dash of sass). For in this tale of bedtime stories vs. nightmares, you, dear warrior of the wakeful night, have emerged not as the villain, but as the keeper of dreams.

Until next time, this has been Roger, offering you a hot take that’s not just about opinions, but about preserving the magic of childhood. Remember, when it comes to kids and horror movies, it’s not about censorship; it’s about safeguarding the sanctity of sweet dreams. And if that makes me the asshole in some eyes, then so be it – I’ll wear that title like a badge of honor, emblazoned with the words ‘Sleep tight, don’t let Freddy bite.’

Stay sassy, my friends.

Original story

Again blended family. We invite my friend over who has 3 boys under 5. The kids in my house are ages 14-8. That night of our little visit, after grilling, everyone wanted to watch a movie.

The older 14 year olds want to watch nightmare on elm street, in fact, they insist. Loudly. The other kids are clueless. My husband, the big kid, says the movie is fine for all the kids.

I do not agree, I state this loudly. My friend is neutral. Doesn’t seem to care. The youngest in the house is 4.

I object again snd say we can put a Disney movie on in my room, it has a big soft bed and a TV. They can watch a tame movie while the big kids go in the finished basement and watch whatever.

This is vetoed. I put my foot down.

The kids under 8 go upstairs. The littles go up. I get the silent treatment.

My husband says nothing in support of me. Nor does my friend. I explain I don’t feel heard and kid I’m the bad guy. Again people ignore it. Kids run off to watch the movies.

Am I the asshole for setting limits on horror movies? A 4, 5, 6 and 7 year old shouldn’t watch Freddy Kruger. Why is this bad?