WOKE TV

Several years ago, I wrote a series of articles called “How to Watch Television.” (See below) In those articles, I referred to the shocking amount of time research says we Americans spend in front of the TV. I doubt that the intervening decade has brought much reduction; with the pandemic “sheltering” mandates, it has probably gone up recently. Everything I wrote back then still applies; we would all be healthier physically and spiritually with less TV in our day.

No one denies that television viewing influences behavior. The billions advertisers spend on TV commercials is proof that behavioral change is expected. There have also been numerous studies documenting the fact that watching violent video dulls the natural repulsion to such acts, and it may lead to more violent actions in some people. I believe behaviors and attitudes in morality are also greatly affected by popular media.

To see how far we have come in this, I will first use an example from sexual mores. Rob and Laura Petrie of the Dick Van Dyke Show (1961-1966) were portrayed as sleeping in separate twin beds wearing full-length pajamas. True, Laura’s capri pants were thought immodest by some, but the show generally represented wholesome family values as did most TV offerings of that time. These days it is not at all unusual to see TV dramas picturing unmarried couples copulating naked with camera angles barely hiding their nudity. I am not a prude, but I cannot see how that kind of portrayal builds good moral character. Given the fascination, dare I say idolatry many have towards Hollywood icons, it is no wonder sexual promiscuity has lost the stigma it once had.

The same kind of evolution has occurred with the portrayals of homosexual behavior. Philadelphia, hitting theaters in 1993 starring Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington, was one of the first mainstream Hollywood films to acknowledge HIV/AIDS, homosexuality, and homophobia. While I agree with the major premise of the movie that workplace discrimination is wrong, it is noteworthy that the “hero’s” gay lifestyle was portrayed as perfectly acceptable. Everyone was saddened by the death caused by HIV/AIDS, but there was no suggestion that the victim was morally wrong to have committed the homosexual act that resulted in the disease.

Will and Grace came to the TV screen in 1998. Will’s homosexuality caused little controversy except among the gay community who thought the show promoted gay stereotypes rather than challenging them. I believe that bringing homosexual behavior into the plots as a comic element did more to relax the general attitude towards gays than the controversy that may have come from a dramatic challenge. Laughing at sin of all kinds has become a staple of the television sitcom. I doubt that God is laughing. The writers of today's TV dramas seem to be required to positively portray at least one homosexual relationship in every episode.

Even the commercials aired on TV are leaning toward social engineering. Gay couples and single-sex parents are appearing more and more in advertisements. One commercial by a pharmaceutical company closes with two men kissing passionately. Another announcer informs us that taking a particular drug will make it possible to engage in homosexual behavior without fear of HIV/AIDS transmission. Ads promoting contraceptives have been openly advocating sexual promiscuity for some time now. The message is clear: with pregnancy no longer a possible outcome, sexual intimacy is now “safe.” No one is advertising the shattered lives and emotional trauma that results from serial couplings.

It is not news that Americans have become desensitized to sexual promiscuity and homosexuality through popular media. I mentioned in my earlier articles that bad morals are often overlooked or even lauded in certain programs. Lately, I am noticing subtle and not so subtle representations that promote another agenda we should guard against as Christians. I am referring to the presentations of critical race theory and the WOKE attitude that pervades many popular offerings. (See “Critical Race Theory”)

On a recent episode of the crime drama, Chicago PD, a character referred to a fellow-officer’s “WOKE” attitude in a derogatory way. As the scene played out, it became obvious that WOKE-ness was good; being opposed to the WOKE attitude was bad. The talking heads on news programs regularly promote the cause of critical race theory. One guest recently excused black looters by claiming that stealing was their legitimate right and represented reparations due them. The host did nothing to counter this ridiculous claim.

Whether it means being awakened to sexual freedom or becoming ashamed of so-called white privilege, WOKE TV is just another way the enemy uses the world and the flesh to accomplish his goals. We cannot applaud discrimination of any kind whether against people of color or homosexuals. Our founding documents rightly enshrine equality of opportunity for all people. However, the equity touted by critical race theory openly promotes blatant discrimination against white people in particular and Christians in general. It is time to, “wake up, sleeper,” as Paul exhorted; it is time to, “consider carefully how you live, not as unwise but as wise.” I fear WOKE TV is putting us to sleep.

How to Watch Television (1); How to Watch Television (2); How to Watch Television (3)