On the Gradual Normalization of Abberration

"Instead of being communicating neighbors, we are flooded with talk shows, some of which feature not real conversation but exhibitionism and verbal voyeurism among virtual strangers.

We are lathered with soap operas in need of nothing so much as soap—for the scrubbing of themselves! Some seriously maintain that media violence and sleaze leave consumers untouched. But revenue is received from commercials precisely because of their influence. Either we deserve reforms, or sponsors deserve refunds! . . .

Even with its flaws, the family is basic, and since no other institution can compensate fully for failure in the family, why then, instead of enhancing the family, the desperate search for substitutes? Why not require family impact studies before proceeding with this program or that remedy, since of all environmental concerns the family should be first? Hundreds of governmental departments and programs protect various interests, but which one protects the family? . . .

Only reform and self-restraint, institutional and individual, can finally rescue society! Only a sufficient number of sin-resistant souls can change the marketplace. As Church members, we should be part of that sin-resistant counterculture.

Instead, too many members are sliding down the slope, though perhaps at a slower pace."

--Neal A. Maxwell, "Behold, the Enemy is Combined" (1993).

I really liked the point he made about families and the importance of being cautious about what we allow to influence us (or what we expose ourselves to, thinking it cannot influence us). Many of the world's arguments for undermining the family, moral values, and religion are blatantly obvious, but at other times they can be very subtle and even more persuasive. For me, I sometimes like to take a look at my attitudes to see which of the world's "philosophies" I've knowingly or unknowingly bought into.

Sara and I have recently stopped watching a show that we really liked for the most part, but that undermined some of our basic values, in obvious ways and also in subtle ways. Not only am I beginning to find such messages even more offensive, but I've also come to the conclusion that with the precious limited time I have to spend on this earth, I just don't have time to expose myself to things that may lead me to forget, or at least undervalue, what's most important in life.