**This post contains references to human trafficking and sexism that may not be appropriate for young readers**
I was blessed to spend my evening at work - studying for exams and other assignments while manning the front desk - during the time that everyone else watched the biggest television event of the year: the Super Bowl. Blessed is not usually a phrase I throw around very much in regards to having to work during sporting events, especially football. But as many of you know, and some of you do not, the negative effects surrounding this game are now beginning to have a greater impact than the game itself.
For example: I honestly had nothing at stake in the game (and if we're being real, few of us did) but we all are a part of something that has much greater importance which was made clear to me and many others last night. In fact, two somethings, whose root cause are very similar..
1) Increased use of sexually suggestive ideas and content in ads with no regard to morality, children viewers, or character.
2) Despite phenomenal efforts by strong organizations, the apparent tolerance and ignorance of sex trafficking, especially at large sporting events
1) Look, let's not sugar coat this.. Because of the way a man's brain works, ads containing sexually suggestive content automatically have an initial attention grabber. This is typically either caused by the shock that something like this is on T.V. or the enjoyment and stimulus it can provide. To say that as a 21 year old college student I am immune to these things would be an obvious lie and would render this whole writing discredited. I don't think I need to explain the consequences that can come from this kind of sexism..
But from a business perspective, manipulating a weakness to get an increased profit is not only collateral damage but their explicit intent. Basically, Profit > Morals, and no one seems to mind.. At least, not enough to do something..
What about the children who have now absorbed those images and ideas because they were watching a seemingly harmless football game with their family? What about the people who were knocked off the path of recovery and sent back down the spiraling path to addiction (if you think this is a farfetched example, you are sadly mistaken)? #NotBuyingIt
What about the children who have now absorbed those images and ideas because they were watching a seemingly harmless football game with their family? What about the people who were knocked off the path of recovery and sent back down the spiraling path to addiction (if you think this is a farfetched example, you are sadly mistaken)? #NotBuyingIt
2) Read an account by Mars Hill Church written pre-Super Bowl last year here, because they say it way better than I can. A similar situation occurs at the Olympics, World Cup, etc. We have gotten to the point where the unthinkable has become an all-too-present reality.. #EndItMovement
Both of these action groups are born from this - the view of how a man should behave and the morals he should possess have been severely skewed by sexual desires and cultural tolerance. These same men think women are here for their pleasure and do things irregardless of the effect it may have on others, including children. It's easy to point the blame at the media or to those orchestrating sex trafficking. But just getting rid of the symptoms in this case will not cure the disease! Jesus cures the disease!
It's time that Christians took a stand! I don't merely mean a boycott or a petition. I mean a real, legitimate, Biblical stand against immorality and sin! One where we call upon Jehovah Nissi (The Lord our Banner) who is our victory and fight. One where the Biblical model of a family is restored and men are held responsible for their actions. There is no hiding. There are no sidelines. There is no room for wimps. We can not afford to stand by and watch as the cultural standard of morality continues to be corrupted..
"Oh give us help against the adversary,
For deliverance by man is in vain.
Through God we will do valiantly,
And it is He who shall tread down our adversaries"
- Psalm 108:12-13
"Oh give us help against the adversary,
For deliverance by man is in vain.
Through God we will do valiantly,
And it is He who shall tread down our adversaries"
- Psalm 108:12-13
Whatever It Takes,
Ryan
