+9
I think it's a slippery slope to go down in terms of what is or is not "allowed".
In a Glass Cage featured child sexual abuse/pedophilia. But you know what? So did Antwone Fisher! And I wasn't being glib when I said that in some ways I found the latter to be more disturbing because of the lack of a figurative "shield". There are many different types of content (racism, sexual violence, child abuse, dementia, homophobia, gore, etc) that vary so widely in how they are used in film. I am very sensitive to certain content, but I don't put a blanket ban on every film that goes near that content. Instead I read about films carefully and decide if I think I can handle the portrayal and if I trust the intentions of the filmmaker.
Rather, I think that it would be better to have open and honest conversations about our deal-breakers, and then follow-up conversations if there is a concern that a film might be "too much" for someone. I really appreciated that MovieGal reached out to me and said, "Hey, I want to nominate this film. Here is something that happens in it. Would you be okay with that? If not, I have a backup."
No one wants to be forced to watch something they find upsetting or immoral. I totally get it. But with over a dozen different personalities (which means over a dozen different lines in the sand), it has to be a collaborative effort to make sure everyone feels welcome and comfortable and challenged in the right way. If everyone tries to pick something they think will please the whole crowd and won't ruffle a single feather I think you'll end up with far less interesting nominations.
Just my 2 cents as an HoF newbie.