Wednesday.....Culture.....No Thanks

Warren Beatty was quoted one time, I cannot remember it verbatim, in that he regretted making the hugely popular Bonnie and Clyde in 1967 because it glorified murderers and bank robbers. It's not unheard of for a film star or music artist to distance themselves from their works of the past. I've read a few articles on the new fall television schedule, and from these and what I know of that was already on, we have been partakers over many years, and as the frog slowly boiled in the kettle, we are slowly heading for oblivion. The issue with me is primarily the children. Our entertainments reach them also. I have never been one for boycotts for it works both ways and nothing substantial is accomplished, but I am for personal decisions that essentially are a boycott. I have mentioned quite a few times on this blog the issue of a la carte cable television. To summarize here, we are offered bundled packages from the cable companies. There has been legislation trying to give us the right to choose only the stations we want brought into our house. There is not much momentum for this, but it not dead yet, and I have written a number of legislators on the issue. This would not be a boycott but would have a much greater effect as millions of Americans would see their choices and simply say no thanks to some. The greater result would be, I firmly believe, that after a year or two the discernment of the public would show marked improvement simply because our choices for viewing would be fewer and of a much higher quality. Ultimately, what I am saying is that we have to start taking an interest in the effects of the entertainment industry on ourselves and our families. I have to emphasize here that these issues are labelled culture wars and even some exceptional Christian ministries discourage involvement in this. One reason, which I concur with, is that the culture war mentality tends to replace the more important issue of stabilizing our own Christian walk. I find this conundrum often, we see the possibility of a negative effect from something otherwise worthwhile and excessively caution against being a part of it. If we take this concern to its end, we will effectively become neutral in society. We have to go forward, knowing full well that there may be other problems that arise from it but go forward prepared to deal with them if they arise. A la carte cable primarily addresses our problems and failures and not others. None of these issues, passions and ethical stances will be easy. Discouragement sets in, fear of failure and malaise, but continue we have to.