Primetime Problems

A little girl sits and observes a television screen from a living room couch somewhere. The images the girl sees are useless. She takes in every movement that the female actress on the screen makes. Her twelve-year-old eyes have witnessed a scene that no young lady should watch for any reason. It begins with a woman cussing, then it spirals into the action of a woman disrespecting her body in order to gain success.

Oh, but it doesn’t just affect girls. The television world has placed unacceptable influences in the lives of all younger generations, no matter the gender. Little boys take on the role of bystanders as corruption unfolds before their eyes, wiring their brains to fall in sync with what plays on the screens. Men falling victim to alcohol, beating their wives and ultimately using abandonment as an excuse to not be a role model. Wouldn’t it just be easier to hold open a door? To lend a lady your jacket? To spend money on flowers and chocolate, not liquor and addictions?

As you may know, the Oscars were broadcast live on television screens across the nation March 2. Among glamorous dresses and sleek suits were the brightest stars of Hollywood, all in one place. They were all vying for that little gold statue, the ultimate evidence of success in the film world.

Matthew McConaughey won an Oscar. And, Christians across America are basically jumping for joy. Why? Because he thanked God in his acceptance speech. He gave God credit for giving him such success. But, success doing what? The film he won his Oscar for is “Dallas Buyer’s Club”. Not to mention, the moral content of his previous movies--all of them--is not exactly the strongest either. However, I guess it’s okay because he thanked God for it all. Right? Isn’t that how television works? Scripts and scenes aren’t important, as long as the actor plays the “God card” when accepting the award?

I am in no way condemning actors and actresses. I am, however, condemning what we have allowed to filter through our homes. Our children are sitting around watching this highly influential content and are being lead into thinking it is permissible.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, television shows can impact a child’s grades, sleep, weight, behavior, confidence and many other significant parts of the child’s well-being.

The unpleasant truth of the matter is that when a child claims a character as their favorite, they will stop at nothing to become just like that character. Often times, they go beyond the character and act like the actor/actress portraying that character.

Nevertheless, there are some celebrities that make quality role models for the generations to come. One of my biggest role models is Jennifer Lawrence. You may know her as Katniss Everdeen in “The Hunger Games”. Though she--like other humans--makes mistakes, she is a very respectable individual. She is among the few female celebrities that respects herself by not molding her own body into the “pretty” that society demands. She has stayed true to her values from day one in the acting world.

There are personalities out there with reputations at least the slightest bit worthy of your child to look up to. The biggest favor you can do for your child is steer him or her in the right direction. That starts with what is placed in front of them. Whether it be a pastor on a stage or a movie with no cuss words, it has a heavier impact than you could ever imagine.

What do you allow to be part of your child’s life? I would enjoy reading your feedback. Thank you.