Vulgarians at the Gate: Trash TV and Raunch Radio--Raising the Standards of Popular Culture

The late Mr. Allen's posthumous book is a tour de force in common sense and thoughfulness. He has the courage and wisdom to state the obvious, and we should all take heed. The media are as malevolent as they are benevolent. Crass and vulgar radio and television have "better" culture on the ropes, and it is time we all (those of us with a concern for basic human decency) referee that ring or suffer the consequences of what is "good" and "noble" in life going down for the count.

I think Steve Allen made an absolutely convincing case in "Vulgarians at the Gate" that American culture has been measurably coarsened in recent years -- and that TV is the most powerful medium in establishing the new, oh-so-low standards as the norm among children. All you have to do is watch a little TV to see how obviously right Steve Allen was. But one thing about this book is not so obvious: the COURAGE that Steve Allen showed in speaking his mind. He had to know that in the close-knit Hollywood community, which is so intolerant of criticism, his career would be hurt by the stand he took. How many other stars of Steve Allen's magnitude have uttered even one word of caution about the sweeping away of moral standards in the media that have made them fabulously wealthy? Steve Allen stood virtually alone. That took a lot of guts, and parents and grandparents owe him a debt of gratitude for the courage he displayed.

Steve Allen was one of the last bright and articulate Hollywood personalities. Any... complaint to this effect is greeted by mindless intonations of "censorship".... Censorship means governmental restrictions of speech. Allen does not advocate this. He argues for discernment and reasoned action. After surveying the decline of culture--as evidenced by obscenity, indecency, and outright stupidity everywhere--Allen calls for a return to clean, creative, and interesting art. Allen argues from common sense and not explicitly from religious ideals. (He take a few unwarranted pot shots at religion, but I'll let that go, given the importance of his book. The overall tone is not hostile to faith.) He advises those concerned about the rottenness and perversion of culture to demand something better.This is mere sanity. Culture counts. Art is not morally neutral. It affects people for good or evil. Those who listen to Marilyn Manson, for instance, imbibe his ugliness, hate, and horror. (He named himself after Charles Manson and Marilyn Monroe.)I was particularly struck by two of Allen's comments.1. Civilization is fragile (p. 281). It requires an ethical core that is eroding.... More and more of culture is becoming "an occasion to sin" (p. 107)...Allen has many insider insights that make for interesting reading. However, he needed a more active editor. The book is somewhat repetitive and could have been shorter. ...Mr. Allen, we will miss you. I don't expect to find anyone like you in Hollywood in near future, and for that we will be poorer.--Douglas Groothuis

I grew up watching Steve Allen on the tube in L.A. Those were his early years, and he provided a lot of laughs and comic routines that in time became classics.Only later did I learn more about his career, the successful songwriter and true renaissance man. This book is a fitting postscript to his career, which contributed immensely to improving American culture.The title says it all - we do, indeed, have "vulgarians" at the gate. Allen managed to make the world laugh - without once stepping into the gutter. Movies and television in the past entertained and moved millions - without stepping into the gutter. Steve Allen has the nerve to point this out - to say out loud that the "emperor" of modern entertainment really has no clothes. For this he is being posthumously pilloried by folks who don't like the obvious being pointed out.That's too bad, as Steve Allen raises many serious points, worthy of serious thought - not knee-jerk hostility. I found the book intriguing and thought provoking. His basic message is that it is up to us as individuals to accept the responsibility for what passes as "entertainment", and that if we are unhappy with what we see - take action. That formula is as American as apple pie - as was the author.So one final time - thanks Steve. Thanks for making me laugh as a teenager staying up later than I should just to watch you. Thanks for the wonderful songs that we still hum. Thanks for the books that have made us think. And thanks for being willing, right to the end, to stand up for what you believe.

Televisions renaissance man turns out to be a great spokesman for all of us parents in this new book. What a pleasant surprise that someone from Hollywood would actually admit that many of today's films, tv shows and gangsta rap Cd's are actually harmful for our children. When you read this book, and I sincerely hope you will, you will be amazed and appalled at the vile material that is being marketed to our kids. Steve Allen makes a compelling case for all of us to stop blaming someone else for the sad state of popular culture today and start doing something about the problem. Having read this book I can heartily recommend that it is a great first step for anyone interested in what they can do about the increasing levels of vulgarity and violence in entertainment today. If you've ever wanted to talk back to Hollywood, this book will show you exactly how!