A commenter posed a question regarding my standards. Their question was why I watch "Glee" when I find it to be objectionable, overly-sexualized and at times simply immoral. Per this commenter's point of view, I am employing double standards and am inconsistent.
To address the question, I first need to explain a belief of mine, namely that double standards differ from different standards. Is it a double standard for my parents to permit me to attend non-Jewish high school while not necessarily offering that choice to my little brothers? Is it a double standard for my parents to send Dustfinger to seminary when I didn't attend? Is it a double standard to expect me to engage with you about topics of English Literature or Bible while not expecting every other Jewish American in their twenties to do so?
I don't think so. Standards are different for different people. They depend on a person's strength of character, ability to think and analyze material, religious maturity, emotional maturity and so forth. I happen to be a person who analyzes every single TV show or movie I watch. I am very aware of what I am seeing and which parts I agree with, disagree with, chalk up to magical realism or a deliberate suspension of reality, consider to be trash or consider to be useful or moral. When I watch "Glee" it's not the same as when the majority of teens watch "Glee." This is a fact, not an attempt to suggest that I am superior- I am simply different. TV for me is a thinking exercise, not a vegetation opportunity. If your teenager is a thoughtful person who analyzes everything s/he sees and isn't the type to conform to societal or cultural moral standards (or lack thereof) without considering them carefully, nor are they the type to lie to themselves about their motives, then I think they can enjoy "Glee" as well.
17 comments:
Chana, are you implying that humans are not subconsciously influenced by their environment?
Sisterbear,
I think humans who actively think about the content they imbibe, consume, use or watch are not likely to be influenced by it unless they choose to be.
Thanks...now I can go watch tv tonight guilt free.
Wouldn't the Halahkah disagree with this idea?
Of course there's always the lesson of Dovid Hamelech who thought he knew why it was OK for him to exceed the allowable number of wives (according to at least some commentaries). In any event you might want to consider how many of your readers were aware of this nuance versus how many assumed you must have a halachically acceptable reason which applies to them as well.
KT
Joel Rihc
Of course halacha disagrees with this!!!!!! (see Rambam Hilchos Deas 6:1 as just one of the dozens of sources). As would a member of the mental health fields. But for some reason, she seems to know better.
Basically your saying that even though Chazal set up gedarim, you get to ignore them if you feel you are above them.
Joel Rich,
I believe you refer to Shlomo Hamelech, the Gemara discusses this in Sanhedrin.
BL
Actually I meant the Shema.
The don't stray after what you see part. I figure even god thinks its a possibility.
I appreciate your concern over my spiritual health. I am quite ready to answer to God for my TV and movie watching. Thanks all the same!
BL,
OOPS! remind me to engage brain, then type :-)
KT
Joel Rich
Anonymous: It wasn't David Hamelech who exceeded the allowable number of wives, but Shlomo Hamelech.
Wait which halacha doesn't allow women to watch this stuff, especially if they learn therefrom.
If Rabbi Simcha Bunim of Peshiskha was able to attend plays and the Rav Zt"l attended the opera, doesn't that suggest that "straying" is different for diff people?
It says "Asher Atem Zonim" which is descriptive/limiting if not conditional. I think.
Just wondering- what does ATF stand for? When I see the initials, it stands for 'A True Friend' to me, so I'm not sure what it actually is.
Alcohol Tobacco Firearms. :-)
CJ, you are very bright but rational reasoning,convincing philosophies and sophisticated reasoning is not what life is about. When will you finally come off your high horse long enough to officially be diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder?
Anon March 09, 2011 11:51 AM
“When a man points a finger at someone else, he should remember that four of his fingers are pointing at himself.”
Anon March 09, 2011 11:51 AM,
If everyone who was brighter and more thought-out than you had NPD, it would be too ubiquitous to be a disorder.
-Heshy
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