Letter to NBC

To the Producers of The Office:

In the past I have enjoyed watching the popular television show, The Office. However, as I have viewed it recently I’ve noticed a few things that are decreasing the quality of this show. This letter addresses those concerns, specifically about the increasing amount of sexual content and a recent occurrence of blasphemy.

The Office has been noticeably increasing the amount of sexual content over the 6 seasons it’s been aired. Let me share a few examples:

“I love Phyllis. I think Phyllis is beautiful, and I am not afraid to let anyone know that. In fact, the only thing I am afraid of is gettin’ a boner.”

“My Indian cultural seminar was going great until Toby decided that he was too immature to deal with culturally explicit images. It’s just sex, people. Everybody does it. I’m doing it with Carol. Probably tonight.”

“In my opinion the third date is traditionally the one where you have sex. Does Holly feel that way? I don't know. I will probably find out tonight. If she starts having sex with me I'll know for sure.”

“That’s what she said.”

Research has consistently shown that repeated exposure to sexual content does increase sexual behavior in individuals. The problem with this is that much of the viewership includes teenagers and young adults. The rates of teen pregnancies and STDs are increasing—and I’m not saying it’s The Office to blame. There are many factors to consider, including social, environmental, and individual factors. But one factor that is less often looked at is the influence of the media. When sexual behaviors become the norm in television, many individuals adapt this to be their norm as well, and encode those behaviors into their current schemas.

All of the sexual comments in The Office are completely unnecessary, and could easily be thrown out. The show would still be humorous without them—probably even more so.

Another aspect of this television show that disappointed me was the recent occurrence of blasphemy, by Dwight Schrute. Let me share the exact quote:

“Salesman is king. As the best salesman I am king of kings. Oh, you say Jesus is king of kings? Well, what does that say to you about how I think of myself?”

In the past I have been a fan of The Office. I’ve enjoyed watching the humor and the different personality traits of each character. However, as I’ve viewed the increasing amounts of sexual content, I’ve started to become less of a fan. And this new addition of blasphemy has finally been the last straw. I’ve now decided that I don’t need to view The Office, and that it does nothing for my life.

I hope you can consider these complaints and strive to make changes so you won’t lose many more viewers. Sexual content and blasphemy are totally unnecessary, and throwing them out of this show truly will increase the quality of The Office.

Thanks for your time,

Jessica Hilton